Games Design

Course: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma (Equivalent to three A-Levels).

Length: Full-time, two years.

course overview

Discover the world of Games Design & Development with our Level 3 course, meticulously crafted for individuals aged 16 to 19. Whether you're intrigued by the fast-paced games industry or aspire to become a game developer, artist, animator, or programmer, our program offers a comprehensive exploration of this growing creative sector.

Led by industry experts, our curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands of the Games and VFX industries, ensuring that you're equipped with the skills and knowledge sought after by employers. Through partnerships with key players in the industry, we provide invaluable insights and opportunities to immerse yourself in real-world scenarios.

Throughout the course, you'll work within a games studio environment, gaining hands-on experience as you collaborate on various projects. From developing games and creating captivating visual effects to mastering industry-standard software like Maya, Adobe Suite, Unity, and Unreal, you'll acquire a versatile skill set essential for success in the field.

For aspiring programmers, our curriculum covers essential concepts such as Object-Oriented Programming, C#, machine learning, and Python, along with practical experience in game development using Unity and Unreal Engine.

Artists will have the opportunity to refine their craft using tools like Aseprite for pixel art, 3D modelling and animation in Maya, Motion Capture, and ZBrush. Our curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest industry trends, ensuring that you're well-prepared for the ever-evolving landscape of game design and development.

Join us on this educational journey as we explore the exciting world of Games Design & Development and unlock your potential in this rapidly growing industry!

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

In your first year you will use Game Engines such as Unreal or Unity to produce a range of indie games beginning with the initial ideas page through to concept art, 3D modelling and the scripting of the Game. You will conclude by testing the game to ensure it is fit for release before launching it as an App on the Android, Google Play or IOS Platform.

During your second year you will take these skills and develop them over a range of different specific unitised productions designed to prepare you for Industry Employment and Higher Education whilst consolidating written skills with a range of exciting and thought provoking theory units.

Have a look and listen to our Games Showcase where Games Trainees talk to you about their experiences on the Games course.

where next? CAREER PATHWAYS

After completion, trainees will progress onto higher education or move straight into the industry using the skills they have developed over the duration of the course. Roles within this industry could include VFX artist, games developer, 3D animator, texture artist and games programmer.

Alumni and Destinations

Freddie Drabble - Cathedral Studios

Since graduating from ELAM with a Distinction, Freddie has gone on to work at Cathedral Studios to launch their maiden game Bornless, a FPS action shooter. Freddie showed his passion for 3D Character Art whilst studying with us and we’re super excited to see his creations take to life in this 2024 release.

Lauren Kavanagh - Freelance 3D Artist

Already an expert in 2D art, Lauren made the move over to the 3D world whilst at Bournemouth Uni. Since graduating, Lauren has been commissioned on a number of projects as a 3D artist, including 3D assets for international rock band Alter Bridge.

Nathaniel Hondi - Sports Interactive

Spending a further 3 years honing his craft at Queen Mary University of London after establishing himself as a serious programmer ELAM, Nathaniel has been applying his C# skills, working with Sports Interactive on the development of the latest Football Manager.

Sam Szaz - Space Ape Games

After becoming ELAM’s first ever YGD Bafta winner, Sam moved straight from ELAM into a role with Space Ape Games (recently voted as one of the best places to work in the Games Industry!). Sam will be taking over the games industry very very soon, watch this space…

Islam Dallali - Unexpected Developments ltd

Ever the model professional, Islam graduated from Teesside University and landed him employment at Unexpected Developments who have contributed to titles such as Forza Street and Battlefield 2042.

Felipe Palacio Naranjo - Curve Games

Since leaving ELAM, Filipe has been juggling an internship with Curve Games as well as furthering his knowledge of 3D modelling and UE5 at university. Felipe was a driven and committed trainee whilst at ELAM and it’s great to see continue to make strides towards in his career. 

Raiyana Haque - Dupe VFX

In the short time after leaving ELAM, Raiyana went to Teeside University, interned at Sports Interactive and Spilt Milk Studios, and has now become a force to be reckoned with in the VFX world. Dupe VFX have worked on a wide range of projects including Sex Education as well as a whole range of productions on Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming platforms. 

Andrew Marmo - Wired Productions

Now in the world of QA testing with Wired Productions, Andrew has always show an aptitude and passion for the creation of games. Taking his Distinction achieved at ELAM into university, we are so pleased to Andrew continue his journey into the Games Industry. 

Ben Smith - Cambridge University

Our first trainee to be accepted onto the Computer Science course at Cambridge University - what an achievement for Ben, however, we know this won’t be the last we hear of him. Whilst at ELAM, his games production truly took the department by storm. His team’s work was presented at New York and London fashion week, thanks to our partners Modern Mirror. Ben also interned on the latest release of Football Manager.

Ellie Vong - Worldwide Webb

Specialising in pixel art, Ellie really found her flow at ELAM, creating some of the most imaginative concept art we’ve seen. An alumni of Teesside University, Ellie has worked for Spilt Milk Studios and Worldwide Webb as a Pixel Artist and Character Concept Artist,creating unique character concepts in Photoshop and learning important skills along the way. They also create pixel art in Aseprite, creating environment designs, character designs and sprite animations.

Jake Leong - Freelance 3D Artist

A 3D artist to be reckoned with, Jake’s work in Project 5 took him to New York to present his 3D experience to fashionistas and enthusiasts with Modern Mirror. Now, as an established freelancer, Jake has been working with Ibby Njoya, collaborating to help him visualise the "Hermes - Brides de Galaxy" event space and the "V&A - Naomi Campbell" exhibition space. He has a passion for creating stories through his digital environments and animations.

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