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Key details

Course areas
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentMedia, Digital and Photography
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C021875 Child course code: Q021876
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you want to progress onto a university level course in computer games design and development, digital arts, animation, and programming. It’s ideal for anyone interested in learning about the practical skills needed to design and make computer games. We teach both 2D and 3D games design using both popular and commercial software. 

All of the necessary starting skills needed to become a future computer games designer.  Most of your time on the course will be spent gaining the complex skills needed to create digital content for 2D and 3D computer games.  You will design games all the way from making concept art and designing game mechanics, travelling through all the development processes such as creating 2D and 3D digital graphics, constructing in-game and character animations, recording sound and music content, as well as making your games playable with code.  We cover a full range of skills, and it will be challenging, but you’ll have a lot of fun and be very prepared for university study.

You can expect lots of fun mixed with serious learning that’ll prepare you very well for future study in higher education. We will support you all the way, with fantastic and exciting projects, that’ll both challenge you and get you learning the skills and knowledge for making computer games. You will get to use a full range of design software and games engines, be competent creating graphics, and have a great knowledge of game coding.

Course information

1 year

CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Creative Industries

You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C).

It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths on this course.

You are assessed through submitting evidence of practical and written work.  Projects are set throughout the year, and assessments are based on submission of constructed work examples.  There is some assessed written work to prepare you for university, alongside presentations, and a final portfolio.

Access students on this course usually progress onto a range of creative design degree courses. These are mostly in games design, but also include degrees in animation, computer programming, visual effects and AI.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Graphic and Multimedia Designers

Potential Earnings

£45,131.87

Average Earnings

£26,681.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Information and Communication Technology

People in these occupations manage and analyze technical information and communication systems, provide user support, and plan, build, and test applications and systems.

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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