Course Code 

HC4D1F 

Full-Time Programme  

Location: West London Institute of Technology, based at Uxbridge Campus 

Duration: 32 weeks 

Start Date: 04/10/2021 

When: Monday-Friday 09:00 to 17:00  

Entry Requirements 

GCSE English and maths at A* to C (or equivalent) and a UCAS Tariff score of 48-64 from a full Level 3 qualification such as BTEC, A Level or an Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution in maths, physics, engineering, science, computer science, electronic systems or similar. All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent. We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications. Mature students with appropriate related industry experience are encouraged to apply. 

Who is the course for? 

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies- Games Programming will enable you to develop the specialist knowledge and key skills needed to join this thriving industry. You’ll be joining a supportive and friendly cohort of highly motivated games students who work hard to achieve their goals. You will gain a strong understanding of game engine technology with the ability to extend development pipelines beyond default tools. You will explore the concepts of Artificial Intelligence and develop the skills to manage large software projects. You do not need previous experience in graphic design or 3D modelling - just a passion for computer games development. 

Course Content  

Students will develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the Digital Technologies- Games Programming at Level 4 through two core units (mandatory) and six further optional units at Level 4. The units are: 

 

Core Units: 

 

 

You will be exposed to a variety of industry-standard platforms and technologies – including virtual, augmented, mixed and extended reality – but will always focus on your own personal and professional interest. 

You’ll evolve how you think, make decisions, and develop ideas, to ultimately code games that give users an exceptional experience. 

Study Methods 

This course is classroom taught through 15 hours per week over 3 days, with a range of lectures, group work, presentations and workshops. Students are expected to complete approximately 15 hours per week of independent study (i.e. on research, Additional practice on practical skills and completing assignments). 

How is the course assessed 

Assessment is through a series of assignments and projects (individual and group based) which makes a 100% of the grade. The grades in each subject unit are shown as: 

 

Where next - Further Studies 

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies – Games Programming provides a solid grounding in Digital Technologies at Level 4, and is designed in such a way as to provide students with all the knowledge and skills required to have a successful career in the Computer Games industry. 

Upon successful completion, students can progress to The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies – Games Programming, which is planned to run from September 2022. 

 

The BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies-Games Programming is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant computing-related courses. Details of entry requirements for BTEC Higher National graduates into degree programmes at institutions in the UK and internationally can be found on the Degree Course Finder website (http://degreecoursefinder.pearson.com/) and UCAS.com 

Where next - Job Opportunities 

The Games and TV/Film industries are a constantly expanding environment, with job roles developing to cover a broader range of skills and technologies. With jobs in areas such as; animation visualisation, level design, game design, game development, 3D modelling, 3D animation and character design. A Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies – Games Programming will prepare you for a career in games design and games programming, but also in broader roles such as a software developer or UX analyst, and in roles managing technology to support a range of public and private sector organisations. 

 

In addition, the skills you learn on this degree are highly valued by a range of employers and opportunities may exist in areas such as project management, scientific research, education and many more. 

More Information 

Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on 

 

 

Students will attend college for 15 hours - over three days per week. Student are expected to complete approximately 18 hours per week of independent study (i.e. on research and completing assignments). 

 

Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students. 

 

For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS).The OfS is the new independent regulator for higher education in England and all higher education providers need to register with the OfS for their students to be eligible for student support in the 2021-22 academic year. The OfS has published providers on its Register and HCUC (Harrow College and Uxbridge College) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information. 

Fees 

 

The fees quoted are for home and overseas students for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration. 

 

Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Uxbridge College does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government. 

 

Please click here for information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Uxbridge College. This information is only a summary. 

 

If you are unsure about your status you should contact the Careers Team at Uxbridge College or please click here to complete the Fees Assessment Questionnaire and return it to the address given on the form. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students. 

How to apply 

All applications for HNC courses are through Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS). For an application pack, contact UCAS on 01242 227788 or visit www.ucas.com 

For information and advice from the College you can also make an initial application by clicking the Apply Now button below. Our Information, Advice and Guidance team can provide you with support and advice to help you through the UCAS process.