Level 1 Diploma in Animation, Games and Esports

Location

Applicant Type

School Leavers

Level

Level 1

Subject

Creative Media, Animation & Games Design

Course Overview

The Foundation in Games Animation and Esports course is designed for learners who are interested in creative digital media and want to explore games, animation and esports while developing essential skills for progression. It is suitable for those who enjoy creative and technical learning and want a supportive route into further media‑based study.

Alongside subject learning, the course supports learners to work towards achieving a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and maths, helping strengthen key academic skills needed for future progression. Learning is project‑based and encourages learners to explore game design, animation and digital media concepts while developing confidence, creativity and problem‑solving skills.

Throughout the course, learners are introduced to core creative and digital practices such as digital painting, animation, visual coding, pixel art and idea generation. They also develop important transferable skills including research, presentation, reflection and analysing briefs. Learning focuses on repeated use of production processes, helping learners build technical skills and understand how creative projects are developed and refined. The course is delivered in a supportive environment with enhanced learning support and content that evolves to reflect industry trends and learner interests.

By the end of the programme, learners will have built a strong foundation of creative, technical and academic skills, preparing them for progression to higher‑level creative media courses or further vocational study. This course is delivered at our Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon.

Entry Requirements

To study this course you will require 2 GCSEs at Grade 3 or higher in English and Maths, or a 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.

Assessment and Feedback

You will be assessed through coursework projects only, with no exams. Projects are based on creative scenarios that help you build confidence, independence and teamwork skills. You will receive regular feedback in lessons, with a review week each term to discuss your progress and next steps. Assessment feedback is shared digitally, and you will have one opportunity to re‑submit each project where needed. The course is made up of eight units. The final unit determines your overall grade, which can be Pass, Merit or Distinction, while earlier units are assessed as pass or fail, allowing you to practise, improve and respond to feedback before your final grade is awarded.

Fees and Funding

This course is free to UK learners under 19 who are not in employment.

Future study/career options

On successful completion of this qualification, learners typically progress onto our internal UAL Level 3 Diplomas in Animation, Games or Media, including further study at our Southend campus. The wide range of transferable creative and technical skills developed throughout the year means learners are not limited to just media pathways and can progress into a variety of creative and digital routes. At this stage in your journey, the focus is on building confidence, exploring your interests and understanding how to use your strengths in a creative environment. Common career ambitions for learners on the Level 2 programme include roles such as 2D or 3D Animator, Game Artist, Game Designer, Gameplay Programmer, Technical Animator (Rigging), Visual Effects Artist, Motion Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer, or User Interface Designer, providing a strong foundation for progression into further study or future creative careers.

Study Commitment

1 year

Additional Information

Full Time