Courses

Games, Animation and VFX Skills Extended Diploma

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  • Course Type
    16-19 Courses
  • Course Code
    CA301
  • Campus
    Twelve Quays
  • Start Date
    7th Sep
  • Level
    Level 3
  • Duration
    2 years

Since 2020, the Games industry has made well over £21 billion in the UK alone, and continues to grow with over 2,000 active games companies based all over the UK.

The Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills will help to equip you with the skills, theory and practical knowledge on how to take a game, animation idea or VFX project from initial concepts through the creative pipeline to a completed project.

This course is suitable for anyone wanting a career in the games, animation or VFX industries.

  • Course Details

    This course is intended for students who want to progress to a career in the games, animation or VFX industries, with content such as the following:

    YEAR 1

    • Art Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
    • Core Principles of Games Design
    • Fundamental Animation Skills for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
    • Fundamental Product Programming Skills
    • Maths and Logic Fundamentals or the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
    • 3D Tools: Creative and Technical 3D Modelling

     

    YEAR 2

    • Emerging Technologies/Trends in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
    • Story/Playboarding
    • Working in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries

     

    This qualification is supported by the following companies:

    • Blue Zoo Animation
    • Creative Assembly
    • Double Negative
    • Framestore
    • Imaginarium
    • Microsoft
    • MPC
    • Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe.

  • Entry Guidelines
    • Level 3 courses are usually 2 years in length.
    • You will need 4 GCSE's at Grade 4 or above. One of the 4 GCSE's must be Maths at Grade 4 or above (or functional skill level 2) to study at this level.
    • If you have a level 2 qualification in the subject you want to study and a maths or English GCSE at Grade 4 (or functional skill level 2) you can study at this level.
    • Entry requirements for Level 3 courses in some sectors may be more specific. If you're unsure whether you meet these requirements, don't worry — we can help you find a suitable course that aligns with your skills and experience.

    If English is not your first language, you may need an assessment before enrolling on this course. To discuss further, please contact the ESOL department on 0151 551 7144.

  • Where can I progress to?

    The UCAS points awarded for the completion of this course can allow for progression onto a number of Undergraduate programmes such as:

    • The Game Assembly (Liverpool)
    • SAE (Liverpool)

    Throughout the course students will create artworks and projects which can fit into a professional portfolio, giving the option to apply for industry roles upon completion of the course.

  • Timetable
    You will typically be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week. You will receive your individual timetable at the start of your course.

  • Equipment Required

    Whilst not necessary, it would be beneficial to have access to a Windows PC (or laptop) capable of running Blender 5.0 to enable the completion of tasks outside of scheduled sessions.

    Equipment packs containing drawing supplies, wired headphones, and USB storage will be made available for purchase - students who receive a bursary will receive the pack for free.

  • Assessment Methods

    All assignments are marked and verified internally, except for 2 mandatory exams which are marked externally (Core Principles (year 1) and Case Study (year 2)).

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Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.