Entry Requirements

Due to the course being an A-Level equivalent we have to ensure the learners we recruit are capable of succeeding at this level of study. To support us in establishing suitability we have the following minimum requirements, depending on entry route: 

• Two GCSEs at Grade 3 or higher in English and Maths.

Or:

• Level 1 qualification at a Merit, preferably in a media or art based topic, with attendance data or similar that demonstrates a commitment to making progress in raising your GCSE English / Maths outcomes.

All applicants will need to attend an interview with the course team to review a portfolio of work and establish suitability for the study programme.

Course Structure

The course content evolves every year in response to staff specialisms, job profiles for targeted job roles, and student feedback, though the structure of our courses can be broken down to typically include the below topics and skills. 

Our philosophy for student learning can be simplified down to moulding each learner in to an employee capable of: 

• Analysis : Breaking down client briefs and deconstructing problems to identify cause and solution. 
• Research : Gathering and synthesising information for the purpose of growing ideas, generating new or challenging existing knowledge, and assessing the effectiveness of their own solutions. 
• Expert Practical Skills : Learners will repeatedly go through production pipelines, with expectations growing with their increasing experience and confidence. 
• Reflection : A key focus of the course is reflecting on learning and planning a route forward for future growth. 

Themes we cover on the study programme include, but are not limited to: 

• Digital Painting
• Research Methods
• Idea Generation
• Pixel Art
• Adobe Animate
• Treatment Writing
• Visual Coding 
• Reflective Behaviours 
• Presentation Skills
• Careers in Media        
   

Assessment & Feedback

Our learners are assessed exclusively by coursework in the form of projects with unique scenarios that encourage learners to grow their confidence and independence when managing and contributing towards a creative project. 

We aim to provide informal developmental feedback every session related to learning activities, this is punctuated by a review week every term where we discuss the learner’s progression plans, perception of their progress, and individual learning plan. Outcomes from project assessment is shared digitally to the learner’s student email with feedback per skill targeted, with the option to re-submit each assessment once when they feel ready to re-attempt the assessment. 

The qualification is made up of 8 units. The final unit determines the learner’s grade for the qualification, affording students 7 units to experiment, learn, and respond to feedback before a grade is attached to their efforts. The final unit for the year is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction.  

Units prior to the final unit are graded pass or fail, with adapted language to support learners in progressing towards personalised target grades.

Course Cost

School Leavers, full_time:

FREE to UK under 19’s not in employment. 

For non-school leavers over 19, please contact us to discuss a funding assessment and alternate course options.

What Next...

Upon completion of the qualification, students typically progress on to our internal UAL Level 3 Diplomas in Animation, Games, or the media provision offered at our Southend campus.

Due to the highly transferrable range of skills taught across the year, the destinations learners can progress on to is diverse and spans not just the media industry!

At this point in the learners journey our focus is on building confidence and understanding how to best utilize their strengths in a creative environment, though typical career aspirations for our learners on the Level 2 programme are:

• 2D or 3D Animator
• Game Artist
• Game Designer
• Gameplay Programmer
• Technical Animator (Rigging)
• Visual Effects Artist
• Motion Graphic Artist
• Graphic Designer
• User Interface Designer

Success Stories...

Ethan Khumalo

Course studied

Computer Game Design & Animation Level 2 Diploma

Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”

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South Essex College student Ethan Khumalo, 20, from Southend on Sea has taken part in a BBC documentary series ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’, which is presented by wildlife expert Chris Packham who himself lives with autism.

Ethan studies Games Design at the college’s Centre for Digital technologies in Basildon and has progressed from a Level 2 course through to currently studying for a degree. Ethan was asked to participate through his involvement in the Anna Kennedy Online charity which aims to raise autism awareness.

Ethan said that he enjoyed the whole filming process and that Chris Packham was really down-to-earth. He commented: “I learned a lot about how TV crews work and really got along with Chris. I am really excited about the show.”

 

Talking of his autism, Ethan explained that he prepared in advance before attempting his studies. He said: “With autism and other mental health issues preparation makes you feel more comfortable and you have to make the best of your abilities. You have good days and bad days the same as anyone but personally, If I have moments where it doesn’t go so well, music helps me.”

Ethan’s tutor, Rama Maccha said: Ethan is a dedicated and committed student who never misses a deadline. He is wonderful with sound and has helped younger students with their projects.”

Rathi Raman, the Head Basildon Town Centre Campus (BTC) would like to thank all the staff and students who volunteered to take part in this filming, and to the Estates team at Basildon Campus for providing hospitality to Chris Peckham and the BBC crew on the day of filming.

Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”

To watch the episode, follow the below link:

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001jgbw/inside-our-autistic-minds-series-1-episode-2

For more information on the Anna Kennedy charity, visit the below:

www.annakennedyonline.com