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Key details

Course area
Media, Digital and Photography
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses 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:C027002 Child course code: Q027008
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Course introduction

This course is perfect if you’re looking for a career in graphic design and/or animation within the digital or games design industry.

This course is designed to give you experience in all of the different jobs that make up the games industry. If you love games or are a creative person, this is a great way to explore all the different parts of game development, digital illustration and animation and see which ones are right for you.

The areas we broadly cover are:

  • Graphic design and branding
  • Digital illustration
  • 2D Animation and motion graphics
  • Concept art
  • Game design theory
  • Game mechanic creation using visual scripting
  • 3D modelling and texturing
  • Level design and layout
  • Graphic design skills
  • Idea generation and presentation

On the course you will learn Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and After effects, design principles and critical thinking skills. 

You can expect a course that offers a broad range of practical study, in great facilities with top-of-the-range equipment (like graphics tablets). Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to work and engage with real clients.

You will complete 90 credits in Year 1 and gain a standalone qualification. On successful completion of this, you will progress into Year 2 to gain the full Extended Diploma.

A group of people standing around a banner stating 'Nottingham College - you're in good hands'.

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

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Course information

2 years

BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice

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). You will also need a portfolio or showreel of work.

You’ll complete various assessments throughout your study resulting in a final industry standard games show-reel and an end of year show where you’ll showcase your work professionally.

Choose to follow with further study at degree level in games art, multimedia, digital media, design or games development. We offer a foundation degree in Digital Design and a top-up degree in Digital Media Design. Job opportunities include: app developer, programmer, games tester, 3D modeller or animation specialist.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

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

Media Lecturer Rob Hitchen talks about the newly built Digital Media Centre based at the City Hub

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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