Stoke on Trent College officially unveils new Digital and Creative Hub
May 5, 2022
Course Duration
1 Year
Location
Cauldon Campus
Course Cost
£
5950.00
Do I have to pay this fee?
These are higher education qualifications, and no fee remission is available. However, most students will be eligible for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company, and may also be eligible for a maintenance loan, depending on your circumstances.
Course Code
FH1908
Start Date
03/10/2022
Start Time
-
Day
-
Course Summary
This programme consists of an HNC Creative Media Production (Games Development) Award that is studied on a full time basis.Taught at our brand new Digital and Creative Hub at Cauldon campus, opposite Staffordshire Univerity and Hanley Park, the awards in this programme aim to give graduates the opportunity to gain the skills to advantage them in the Games Industry and develop them as confident well informed and well-rounded individuals.
The aim of these awards is to produce graduates who have the specific skills to work in the Games industry as computer games developers.
The Level 4 HNC in Creative Media Production (Games Development) at Stoke on Trent College will expose you to a variety of games development practices. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of games engines and use Unreal Engine 4 to bring your own designs to life whilst being supported with the theories of excellent and engaging design. You will also learn about producing your own 3D models and animations in industry standard software using professional workflows - from concepting to rendering you will be building a portfolio with support from tutors who have industry experience and know what employers are looking for in potential recruits.
You will get the chance to work on live briefs for real industry clients and apply your skills in a realistic setting, whilst gaining constructive and helpful feedback. You will also meet representatives from various industries that require games design skillsets and be able to start building a network to kick-start your career. This skills you gain upon successful completion of this course will enable you to progress on to our Top-up Level 5 HND in Creative Media Production (Games Development) or the 2nd year of most "games design" related degrees.
You will learn the fundamental concepts of gameplay, design, prototyping and scripting. Learn key drawing skills, visual design skills, conceptual approaches and software enabling you to develop video games. As well as this, you will gain a solid grounding into the principles and processes of Animation for video games and be introduced to traditional animation techniques and software.
You will produce digital and non-digital outcomes demonstrating your technical understanding and conceptual skills.
The units you will complete are:
Individual Project (Pearson-set) - 15 credits
This module is designed to apply creative practice in response to a theme and topics set by Pearson. On successful completion, you will carry out and apply the knowledge and skills developed through other areas of your studies to complete and present an individual project.
- Explain the specialisms within creative media production, based on research into historic and contemporary precedents
- Develop individual creative solutions in response to a given brief
- Present a resolved proposition to an identified audience
- Evaluate a resolved proposition in response to audience feedback and personal reflection.
Professional Practice - 15 credits
This module supports you in developing your reflective practice and defining areas for personal professional development, in the context of a growing awareness of the broad scope of creative media production. On successful completion, you will define and implement personal professional development plans; through an investigation of the skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in the creative industries.
- Explore the creative media production professions, through research into historic and contemporary precedent
- Discuss personal career goals in relation to the range of roles and subjects in the creative industries
- Define personal development plans, highlighting areas to support specific career goals and general skills
- Critically reflect on the achievement of personal development goals and plan for the future.
Creative Media Industry - 15 credits
In this module, you will explore both the creative industries and the specific areas of creative media production. By developing a broad contextual understanding of the industry, business practices, and specific skills, you will be able to situate your own work and skills within the specific industries and the wider sector.
- Discuss the relationship between creative media production and the creative industries, based on historic and contemporary precedents
- Explain the different forms of company and employment within the creative industries
- Evaluate the roles and relationships within a specific area of creative media production
- Analyse factors that may affect the future development of a specific area of creative media production.
Game Development Practices - 15 credits
Through this module, you will begin to link the creative processes of game design with the practical skills required to translate these into working game prototypes. Through the acquisition and application of these skills, you will be able to continue with game development projects of increasing complexity and creativity.
- Explain the key theories and practices used in the development of video games
- Produce a project development plan for a computer game, using industry standard processes and procedures
- Present an idea and development plan for a computer game, highlighting the development process and key milestones
- Develop a computer game prototype, using industry-standard tools and techniques.
Games in Context -15 credits
This module explores the context of the video game development industry and its social, cultural, technological and economic components. The module also explores the evolution of video games and their relationship with the world in which we live. Students will consider the way that games drive innovation and influence many other areas of the creative economy.
- Discuss the development of the video game industry and the theories that underpin the medium, through historic and contemporary precedents
- Evaluate the relationship between social, cultural, technological and economic factors that influence the games development industry, their products and audiences
- Analyse a contemporary video game, highlighting the way technology, society and culture are reflected through the style, gameplay and promotion of the game
- Present a body of research that reflects the theories and practices of contemporary video games development, culture and context.
Games Design -15 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concepts, tools and techniques used to generate and document game designs, through the opportunity to develop, assess and refine prototype gameplay elements, using industry-standard tools and techniques
- Explore methods of idea-generation in support of game development
- Create a game design proposal, including graphic material and documentation, in response to a brief
- Develop a functional game prototype, through iterative testing and revision, using industry-standard tools and techniques
- Present a functional game prototype, highlighting gameplay mechanisms, testing and development process.
3D Modelling- 15 credits
Through exploration of 3D modelling packages, you will learn to conceptualise, develop and implement 3D models for media productions using industry-standard practices. You will explore a range of modelling tools and techniques to create models to fit within the requirements and limitations of the intended product.
- Explain the uses of 3D models in different media production contexts
- Plan and manage the development of 3D models to meet requirements of a brief
- Apply texture maps and shaders to 3D models to meet the requirements of a specific media context
- Present finished 3D models for a specific media context
Principles of Animation - 15 credits
Producing your own 3D models and animations in industry standard software using professional workflows - from concepting to rendering you will be building a portfolio with support from tutors who have industry experience and know what employers are looking for in potential recruits.
- Explain the principles and practices of animation
- Create animations, using industry-standard tools and techniques, in response to a given brief
- Present a finished animation within a defined media product, in response to a brief
- Evaluate audience feedback, based on presentation of an animation within a defined media product
Course Requirements
Entry Requirements
Mode of Study - Full Time64 UCAS points from an appropriate level 3 qualification (UAL/ BTEC Extended Diploma or 2 A levels) and GCSE minimum grade C in English and Maths or equivalent. Applicants who can demonstrate previous relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants are normally required to have the following:
For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/
or A pass in a recognised Access to Higher Education course or a pass in a Level 3 Foundation year
The IELTS score this for course is: IELTS 6.0
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp
All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy:
https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/Staffs-admissions-policy.jsp
How Is It Assessed
The assessment strategy is based on what is best to assess the level learning outcomes at Level 4. In general, these are in the form of written reports that detail the work done on practical projects. As with the learning strategy the assessment strategy is designed to allow students a smooth transition from Level 3 to Level 4.You will be assessed through course work alone. Grades are awarded for evidence of professionalism, research, technical skills, analysis and communication skills. Work is graded through a Pass, Merit and Distinction framework.
How Is It Taught
The strategy for teaching is to formally support the Level 4 students in the form of lectures and tutorials. Often a method of combined lecture/ tutorial is used, where lectures are delivered in a lab alongside tutorial style interaction. Concepts are discussed and then techniques demonstrated and attempted by the students. There is a lot of teaching support at this level and “Traditional Lectures” are kept to a minimum.Learning is primarily achieved during direct contact time with the lecturer. At this Level subject specific skills are learnt in the form of principles and technologies that underpin the subject. Transferable skills in knowledge and understanding are of primary importance at this level to provide a solid foundation for learning at higher levels.
What Could I do Next
The HND in Creative Media Production (Games Development) will give you vocational skills needed for employment in the industry or for further study. This course runs for one year and you can progress onto an HND after successfully achieving the HNC qualification of this degree level course.What Else Do I Need To Know
To achieve this aim we have several objectives to fulfil: - To develop the skills at level design from the paper concept to a completed level within a game engine. - To develop games production workflow, games documentation and project management skills. - To develop the ability to understand the business, marketing, and legal issues surrounding the different types of games contracts. - Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of a 3D games engine. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of 3D modelling techniques in game asset production. - Understand the concepts and principles of current computer games structures. Demonstrate the knowledge to interact with a games engine’s SDK toolset. - Evaluate and interpret the principles of character design in regard to level design. Apply appropriate techniques to create and modify 3D game assets by evaluating and applying a variety of industry production techniques. - Analyse workflow and evaluate the context of a level design. Evaluate and interpret the principles regarding level design. - Use a broad range of functions within a games engine to create a multiplayer and single player game levels. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of 3D modelling techniques, texturing methods, and material and shader generation in game asset production. - Communicate the principles of genre and competitive analysis. Communicate current industry technologies and workflows used in the production of the game asset. - Apply the fundamentals of games design in the production of a design document for a computer game. Apply knowledge of game engines basic functionality and constraints. Apply appropriate techniques to create and modify 3d game assets by evaluating and applying a variety of industry production techniques. - Reflect upon suitability of the game asset for the chosen game engine through comparison with professional works and critically evaluate the piece and determine improvements. The computer games industry is a global business worth billions of dollars a year. Graduates will understand this world-wide marketplace, along with the multi-national publishers and developers who produce some of the most successful games. Graduates will have the skills and attributes to contribute to this global trade through employment in either a studio, academia, or through the production of smaller viral games on mobile platforms. A graduate will be digitally literate and will be able to develop their portfolio of work throughout their career. The games industry is constantly evolving, and lifelong learning is at the heart of every team member in a development studio. Graduates will develop a set of core-competencies to support your development in: Fundamentals of Games Design The development of Game content, including level design and gameplay design The production, workflow, project and team management of game studios Development Specialist nuances of Game Design and the roles in industry The language of the Games industry Understanding events that shape the industry Understanding the business, marketing and legal issues surrounding the industryEntry Requirements
Mode of Study - Full Time64 UCAS points from an appropriate level 3 qualification (UAL/ BTEC Extended Diploma or 2 A levels) and GCSE minimum grade C in English and Maths or equivalent. Applicants who can demonstrate previous relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants are normally required to have the following:
For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/
or A pass in a recognised Access to Higher Education course or a pass in a Level 3 Foundation year
The IELTS score this for course is: IELTS 6.0
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp
All programmes are subject to Staffordshire University’s Admissions Policy:
https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies/Staffs-admissions-policy.jsp
How Is It Assessed
The assessment strategy is based on what is best to assess the level learning outcomes at Level 4. In general, these are in the form of written reports that detail the work done on practical projects. As with the learning strategy the assessment strategy is designed to allow students a smooth transition from Level 3 to Level 4.You will be assessed through course work alone. Grades are awarded for evidence of professionalism, research, technical skills, analysis and communication skills. Work is graded through a Pass, Merit and Distinction framework.
How Is It Taught
The strategy for teaching is to formally support the Level 4 students in the form of lectures and tutorials. Often a method of combined lecture/ tutorial is used, where lectures are delivered in a lab alongside tutorial style interaction. Concepts are discussed and then techniques demonstrated and attempted by the students. There is a lot of teaching support at this level and “Traditional Lectures” are kept to a minimum.Learning is primarily achieved during direct contact time with the lecturer. At this Level subject specific skills are learnt in the form of principles and technologies that underpin the subject. Transferable skills in knowledge and understanding are of primary importance at this level to provide a solid foundation for learning at higher levels.
