Overview
If your ambition is to have a career in game design, animation or VFX, either in a specialism or in a more general role, becoming highly skilled, well-trained and qualified in the field is an essential first step. This one-year Level 4 qualification in Game Development is an advanced, technical qualification co-developed with London South Bank University (LSBU) and employers, delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.
Gaining this industry-led qualification will not only provide you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to the second year of some of London South Bank University’s Bachelor’s degrees, it also will further your skills in designing, programming, testing games and further your understanding and experience of their marketing needed to fast-track your entry into the exciting and fast-moving world of game development and its related industries.
Through immersive, project-based working, you will explore everything from game design, character development, concept art and animation to digital painting and 3D modelling and VFX, enabling you to develop a diverse skillset to take into a successful career in the industry. You will use industry standard equipment and software including, for example, Photoshop, Unity, Blender, Premiere Pro and After Effects, and work on live briefs and projects focussed around working with professional clients in the industry.
When undertaking practical assessments you will be supported by industry-professional lecturers to perform to an industry standard, either working within a team or on your own, using your own initiative to research required topics. Students will be able to access some of London South Bank University’s specialist facilities and benefit from the expertise of the University lecturers via master classes and other activities, whilst studying in small groups in a supportive College environment.
Why study Games Development?
- star
- You can study this course at the new London South Bank Technical college (LSBTC) in Nine Elms, London’s buzzing Zone 1.
- briefcase
- You will undertake industry related enrichment visits and experiences to enhance your learning experience. It will work on live project briefs, get equipment demonstrations, with an opportunity to attend events and go on work experience.
- mortar-board
- Bringing together students, apprentices, employers, industry experts and teachers, this new technical college offers work-based education for students, designed in partnership with businesses across London. It is hands-on learning, where other students become your co-workers on team-based projects
| ModeFull-time | Duration1 year | Start dateSeptember | Application code5818 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time | Duration2 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5819 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
5 GCSE qualifications at grade A*-C or 9-4 (to include Maths and English)
or
A-Levels plus GCSE Maths and English
or
Relevant Level 3 vocational qualification in a creative industry discipline
or
Relevant Access to Higher Education qualification in a creative industry discipline
All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Course status
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 1 year | Start date September | Application code 5818 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 2 years | Start date September | Application code 5819 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
The course is structured through different projects which explore fundamental skills allowing for more in depth practice through Game Design, 2D and 3D Modelling and Animation, Game Development Practices and VFX. You will also work on components that develop your understanding of context, creative media practice and professional practice before pulling all of your skills together in an individual project.
You will study a range of units including:
- Creative Media Industry
- Professional Practice
- Individual Project
- Specialist mandatory units:
- Game Development Practices
- Games in Context
Careers
On successful completion, you can develop a career in the computing sector in roles such as:
Games / web / mobile Application Designer/Developer, Animator, Software Designer/Developer, UI/UX Designer, Product Designer, AR/VR Developer
In addition, this course could lead to direct employment in a variety of creative industry roles, such as marketing, publishing, branding, sound and visual media, retail merchandising, design agencies and community arts organisations.
After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Media Production (Film and TV), you may wish to progress to Higher Education, including the opportunity to progress straight to year 2 of either London South Bank University’s Film & TV degree or its Media Production degree.
Teaching and Assessment
For all modules summative assessment consists of 100% coursework.
Your acquisition of knowledge and understanding will be assessed by project-based tasks, including the practical demonstration of skills and presenting research in reports and presentations.