Games & Animation

The Digital Technologies HNC – Games and Animation, equivalent to the first year of a university degree programme. It concentrates on developing the skills to succeed in industry and prepares you for work in the digital sector. You’ll study units such as:

• Principles of Animation
• Game Development
• 3D Modelling
• 3D Sculpting for VR and AR
• Advanced Animation

You’ll gain a wide range of knowledge, during your Games and Animation course, tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios, with live project briefs from our employer partners. You will also have the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

After studying a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies you’ll have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of digital technology. You’ll be able to demonstrate a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to digital employers.

Once you’ve completed your HNC, you can progress your learning by moving on to Digital Technologies Higher National Diploma, progress on to study at university or onto employment.

MK College and the South-Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) are now partnering with The Open University to produce new routes to full honours degrees which represent a real cost saving for students.  

You can now study towards your HND (Higher National Diploma), followed by a third top-up year with the open University.

What types of jobs could you expect afterwards?

You could expect roles with titles such as Games Designer, Junior Animator, Games Consultant, Animator, Games Developer, Animation director. Don’t feel limited by this list, with the Digital Technologies HNC you’ll be anything ready.

During these jobs you could be responsible for working in a dynamic and agile environment, with constant exposure to new technologies and plenty of opportunities to grow your skills and learn from others.

Did you know?

• 55% of game development studio roles are based outside of London and the South East (UKIE, The regional economic impact of the UK games industry 2020)UK tech employs 2.93m people, with 40% growth in two years (Tech Nation Jobs and Skills Report 2020).

If you’re looking to get your career in Games and Animation started and have a passion for digital technologies, then this is the course for you. There are full time and part time course options available to suit your needs.

Not ready to apply yet? Why not give us an email, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’ll be able to advise on whether this Games and Animation course is right for you and take it from there.

Digital Technologies HNC learners at the South Central IoT will benefit from:

• Project based learning: You will manage projects from beginning to end, solving employer-generated problems and maximising higher skills.
• Active partnerships with employers: Our previous projects include working with Microsoft. Learners will be given opportunities to complete Microsoft relevant certifications. Our projects are co-delivered with employer partners which means you get trained directly by industry professionals.
• Confidence to learn, forget and relearn – as you would in industry: You will be treated as a unique investor in your working future rather than individuals accessing courses.
• Real research and development: You will undertake detailed research, enquiry, writing and analysis and communicate results effectively.
• Friendly and approachable: The South Central Institute of Technology team is welcoming, and will encourage you at every step.

Our Digital Coaches will support you on your exciting learning journey. They will provide advice and guidance at regular intervals to ensure you achieve the best possible grade.

All of our programmes are assessed by assignments or coursework. Projects completed as part of the course are based on live briefs from industry employers, ensuring relevant workplace experience and potential job prospects.

At Level 4 entry, total qualification time is estimated at 1,200 hours per academic year, of which 480 hours are guided learning hours. This equates to approx. 15 hours per week taught (face-to-face and e-learning) and 15+ hours per week independent self-study during term time.

This course can be studied both full-time in one-year and part-time in two-years.

The most important thing for us is passion, dedication and commitment to learning about digital technologies at a higher level. Whatever the qualifications you have, we’ll find away for you to join us on this course and support you at every step.

It all starts with a conversation with our admissions team to find out about your interests and aspirations, and we’ll match you to the right pathway.

You’ll gain a wide range of knowledge, during your Games and Animation course, tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios, with live project briefs from our employer partners.

During the course of your Higher National Certificate, you’ll develop and strengthen your core skills, while preparing yourself to continue onto a Level 5 Higher National Diploma, or to entering employment. Not only will you have a sound knowledge across a broad range of technical areas, you’ll also leave with the qualities and skills that employers look for. What’s more, we’ll be here to support you at every step, offering a friendly environment that feels (and looks) like a real employer.