Art & Design

Digital Design (Games, Art & Animation) BTEC HNC (part-time)

The Higher National Certificate in Digital Design is a broad diagnostic introduction to digital design where you will be able to develop 2D and 3D digital skills for concept art, character animation and interface design. You will work in a purpose built studio equipped with industry standard software tools such as: Adobe Animate, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya and Maxon Cinema 4D, Unity and Unreal 4. The course offers you the opportunity to explore digital art, animation, 3D modelling and an introduction to the process of designing a game: from concept to visual demonstration. The course is supported by a series of workshops and offers cultural visits abroad to European cities. On completion of the HNC you will have the opportunity to progress to the one year Higher National Diploma in Digital Design.

Entry requirements

You will need:

32-48 UCAS points with some art, design and media element OR
Art & Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma OR
Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Pre-Degree) OR
Equivalent Level 3 qualification

Entry is subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to bring along a portfolio of your existing work. Applicants from A-Level courses displaying high levels of creativity will also be considered. We welcome applications from mature students who will considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.

Course content

You will be introduced to animation principles, develop rig and animate character, investigate environmental designs (for animations or games), basic programming concepts as well as video editing. Students will be working to professional expectations within the course and will also undertake live project for external clients.

Modules may include:

Visual Communication in Art and Design
Ideas Generation and Development in Art and Design
Contextual and Cultural Referencing in Art and Design
Professional Practice in art and Design
Project Design, Implementation and evaluation
Interactive Media Design and Prototyping
Animation Techniques for Interactive in Art and Design
3D Computer Modelling and Animation
Computer Programming Principles
Interactive Media Technology
Computing Fundamentals
2D, 3D and Time-Based Digital Applications
Digital Media in Art and Design
Digital Image Creation and Development
Drawing Techniques and Processes in Art and Design
Communication with Images in Art and Design.

Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (Digital Design)

Further study and career options

On completion of this course, you will be focused on gaining art development work within games or animation companies. This may be on a freelance basis or direct employment on long or short-term contracts. You will be working in the field of 3D modelling/animation as an animator, environmental artist, character artist, concept artist or other affiliated role. Graduates can work as animators, producers, modellers and effect designers working in TV, games, commercials and film.