Qualifications
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Game Art & Design) (603/4665/6)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Game Art & Design) (601/7469/9)
Overview
The computer game industry is one of the most exciting, innovative, and fastest-growing sectors in the world today, with the UK video game industry alone projected to generate £12 billion in 2025. With over 2,200 active games companies in the UK, this dynamic industry offers incredible opportunities to create experiences across platforms such as PC, console, and mobile.
At Belfast Met, we are excited to introduce our new dual-pathway Level 3 Games programme, allowing you to choose your route towards higher education and a career in the games industry.
The Titanic Quarter Campus programme focuses on game art and design, ideal for students with a passion for creativity, technical development, and visual storytelling. This pathway emphasises teaching:
- Fundamental Drawing Skills required for game design including concept, anatomy and technical drawing styles.
- 3D Prop and Character modelling
- 2D and 3D Animation techniques
- Creating stunning game environments and Level Design
- Blueprint Coding to get your prototypes up and running!
Students will use industry-standard creative tools such as:
- Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya
- Unreal Engine
- ZBrush
- Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
You will gain vital experience in:
- Game Art & Design Principles
- Professional Practice, Game Pitching and Portfolio Development
- Individual and Group Project Work
- Industry Insights and Emerging Trends
This programme equips students with the skills to create a professional portfolio showcasing their artistic vision and technical expertise.
Whilst this course is ideal for those with a background in art or ICT, we emphasise that this course is designed with beginners in mind, and that the only prerequisite is a willingness to get stuck in to all areas of game design!
NB: At Belfast Met, we recognise the diverse opportunities within game development and offer an alternative pathway – Game Development at Castlereagh Campus. Whilst both courses cover a broad range of overlapping material, the Castlereagh campus leans further towards aspects such as programming, VR and technical innovation.
Course Format and Qualification
This is a two-year, full time Level 3 course – Both pathways fall under the Creative Media Practice qualification. Assessment is 100% coursework-based and assessment is based on development of 3 areas, 3D, 2D and Programming. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and is an ideal stepping stone towards our Level 5 Higher Education programmes or a University Degree.
Whether your interest lies in coding and technical innovation or artistic creation and storytelling, Belfast Met has the course to match your ambitions.
Academic Course Entry Requirements
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:
5 GCSE at grade C or above.
Non-academic course entry requirements
Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- be 16 years old by 1 July 2026.
- provide proof of:
- Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required.
- Photographic proof of identity
- Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications.
Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education
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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