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Level 3 Games, Animation and VFX Course in Loughborough

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Games, Animation and VFX Skills course in Loughborough. Classes run at Main Campus, full-time during the day, over two years. This games, animation and VFX skills qualification covers the technical and creative skills that the games, animation, and visual effects industries need right now. The content is shaped by industry experts and kept up to date with how these sectors actually work. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, or a BTEC Level 2 in Media or Games with equivalent English and Maths.

Who this course is for

NextGen Skills Academy (or NextGen for short) is an organisation set up by Government and the Games, Animation and VFX industries to directly address skills gaps and shortages in these sectors. These are fast-moving industries, so NextGen collaborates with industry experts to make sure their vocational qualifications for young people are up to date and relevant. They do this through working with an Employer Steering Group and Further Education to support delivery of a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills, accredited by AIM Awards. Their collaboration with AIM Awards has ensured that assessment methodology is aligned to industry standards and practice. This joined up approach has also produced two VFX Apprenticeship standards with a Games standard currently in development, which would be ideal progression routes for graduating NextGen students.

Entry requirements

The entry requirement is 5 GCSE including Maths and English at grade 4 and above or their BTEC Level 2 in Media / Games including their Maths and English.

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths,or BTEC Level 2 in Media/Games including English and Maths at C/4 or equivalent.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in game design, animation, and visual effects production.
  • You'll learn industry-standard software and tools used in games and animation workflows.
  • You'll build knowledge of the production pipeline from concept through to final output.
  • You'll explore character design, 3D modelling, and digital asset creation.
  • You'll understand how VFX is applied in games and screen-based media.
  • You'll work on projects that reflect real industry briefs and production standards.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time, five days a week during the day. Learning is project-based, with coursework and practical assignments that reflect how the games, animation, and VFX industries work. Assessment is through portfolio work, practical tasks, and written assignments rather than formal exams. You'll build a body of work across the two years that demonstrates your skills to employers.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Main Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior game designer: entry-level role in game concept and mechanics
  • 3D animator: creating character and object animation for games or film
  • VFX artist: producing visual effects for games, TV, or online content
  • Motion graphics designer: animation for broadcast, advertising, or digital media
  • Digital artist: concept art and asset creation for games studios
  • Games tester: quality assurance and bug testing in game development
  • Multimedia producer: combining animation, video, and audio for digital projects

What you could study next

A Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills can support entry to a relevant degree. Options include a BA in Game Design, Animation, or Visual Effects at university. Some learners go on to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Creative Media or Computing as a more vocational route. Apprenticeships in game development or digital media are another option for those who want to earn while they train.

Apply on loucoll.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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