Free BTEC Level 3 Games Design and Development Course in Leeds. Classes run at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4, including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths, to apply. Over two years, you'll learn to design and develop digital games from initial concept through to programming, building technical skills in 3D animation, coding, and industry practice. The course covers the full range of roles in the games industry, from technical artists to games testers. Assessment is 33% exam and 67% coursework.
Who this course is for
School leavers aged 16 to 19
Entry requirements
You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths.
What you will learn
You'll design digital games from initial concept through to finished product.
You'll study game development and programming techniques.
You'll develop technical skills in 3D animation.
You'll learn about the different roles in the games industry, including technical artists, programmers, and games testers.
You'll write proposals and pitches for a game commission.
You'll produce a games treatment document outlining your ideas and concepts.
You'll build skills in effective communication and technological design.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the college, combining practical project work with written study. Assessment is split: 33% through exams and 67% through coursework. The coursework element means a significant part of your grade comes from the projects and creative work you build throughout the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Games tester: check games for bugs and quality issues
Junior game developer: build and code game features in a studio
Technical artist: create 3D assets and animations for games
Games designer: develop concepts, mechanics, and storylines
Junior programmer: write code for games or interactive software
UI/UX designer: design menus and player interfaces for games
What you could study next
A degree in Games Design or Games Development: the natural next step for those wanting to work at a studio level. Leeds and other UK universities offer specialist programmes.
A degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering: broadens your options beyond games into wider tech roles.
A games industry apprenticeship: earn while you train with a studio, applying the skills you've built on this level 3 btec games design and development qualification.
