Entry Year
Location
Duration
Course Code
Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production (603/4665/6)
Overview
Computer Game Development: Choose Your Path to the Gaming Industry
The computer game industry is one of the most exciting, innovative, and fastest-growing sectors in the world today, projected to exceed £187 billion globally by 2025. With over 2,100 active games companies in the UK, this dynamic industry offers incredible opportunities to create experiences across platforms such as PC, console, mobile, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR).
At Belfast Met, we recognise the diverse opportunities within game development and offer two distinct pathways to suit your interests and career goals:
Game Development at the Castlereagh Campus
The Castlereagh Campus programme is focused on game development, equipping students with the technical and creative skills to design, build, and programme interactive experiences. This pathway emphasises:
- Mastery of Unreal Engine
- Developing technical proficiency in game blueprints scripting and programming
- Creating immersive 2D, 3D, and VR/AR experiences
- Solving complex technical challenges in game production
- Video Game sound track design, including dialogue, sound effects, atmos tracks, foley effects, and their implementation to enhance player immersion
This course mirrors a professional game development studio environment, enabling students to learn through a practical, project-based approach. Students will work with cutting-edge tools, including:
- Unreal Engine
- Autodesk Suite
- Blender
- ZBrush
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Audio tools for creating and integrating sound, such as Audacity, Pro Tools, or Unreal's audio engine
- Game Art and Design at Titanic Quarter Campus
The Titanic Quarter Campus
this programme focuses on game art and design, ideal for students with a passion for creativity and visual storytelling. This pathway emphasises:
- Concept art and visual development
- 2D and 3D art and animation techniques
- Creating stunning game environments and assets
- Exploring the artistic side of game design, including UI/UX
Students will use industry-standard creative tools such as:
- Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya
- ZBrush
- Adobe Creative Suite
This programme enables students to build a professional portfolio showcasing their artistic vision and technical expertise.
Core Learning Across Both Campuses
While each campus specialises in different aspects of game creation, both courses provide a solid foundation in:
- Game Design Principles
- Professional Practice and Portfolio Development
- Individual and Group Project Work
- Industry Insights and Emerging Trends
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
Both campuses offer:
- High-end PC workstations designed for game development
- Access to the latest-generation consoles, AR devices, and VR systems
- A collaborative, creative learning environment
- Course Format and Qualification
This two-year, 100% coursework-based qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Whether your interest lies in coding and technical innovation or artistic creation and storytelling, Belfast Met has the course to match your ambitions.
Choose the Castlereagh Campus for a technical game development focus, including game audio creation.
Explore your potential and become part of one of the most innovative industries in the world.
Download the Pre-Entry Advice presentation to find out detailed information about the course.
Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link
Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
Applicants must have 5 GCSEs at a minimum of grade C or equivalent
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for FE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Entry requirements can change and be discussed on an individual basis if necessary.
Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol e.g. exam certificates.
Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded on your online application account.
All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, with the exception of language specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.
Fees:
Academic period 2025:
Fees are payable annually.
Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk
The course is 100% coursework focused and will combine both theory and practical elements. If required, you will also undertake Essential Skills in Literacy and/or Numeracy.
Careers
Successful completion of this course may allow you to progress to our level 5 Foundation Degree course: Game Art, Design and Development (university discretion)
Possible careers are:
Game Designer
Game designers have duties like designing characters, levels, puzzles, art and animation. They may also write code, using various computer programming languages. They may also manage project teams and test early versions of the games.
Game Developers
Game developers work on teams to plan, design, and produce video games for computers, mobile devices, or game consoles. Their work involves creating visual content for the game and writing
code to implement all the game’s features and functionality.
Interests
- Game Development
- Game Engines
- 3D Modelling
- Game Design
- Game Scripting
- Game Creation
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