Games Development
Why study Games Development?
-
Games Development at New City College is shaped by current industry practice, with students working on vocationally-relevant briefs and large-scale creative projects.
The course encourages engagement with real industry contexts, and includes employer-linked activities, guest speakers and the option to respond to real or simulated professional briefs, preparing you for the creative sector from day one.
-
You’ll be taught by passionate tutors with experience across the creative media and games industries.
Whether you’re building game mechanics, animating characters, or working with 3D modelling tools, you'll benefit from expert guidance in areas like level design, interactive storytelling, programming, VFX, and more—all aligned with how the industry operates today.
-
Throughout the course, you’ll develop strong portfolios and learn essential transferable skills like problem solving, communication, critical thinking, and project management.
You’ll also explore different roles in the creative industries, giving you the confidence to pursue careers in games development, animation, digital media, or higher education.
-
From motion capture and augmented reality to character design and coding, you’ll experience a wide range of tools and platforms that go beyond the basics.
You’ll also build promotional materials, such as a digital portfolio or showreel, and learn how to market yourself effectively in this competitive field.
-
New City College offers a creative and inclusive learning space where innovation is encouraged and your ideas matter.
With access to professional equipment and dedicated tutor support, you’ll be empowered to experiment, reflect, and grow throughout your journey—from your first concept to your final playable game.
Prepare for success
Learn more about your course.
Get ahead of the game and feel confident about what’s coming next. Get a feel for your course by trying the activity below.
Things to read:
Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design by Scott Rogers
Hey! Listen!: A journey through the golden era of video games by Steve McNeil
Drawing basics and video game art by Chris Solarski
Discover where your course can take you
Not sure what jobs your course could lead to?
Explore career options linked to the subject you’ve applied for. From real-world job roles to industry insights, you’ll see how your studies at New City College can help you build a successful future.
“New City College supports you, the staff and teachers are very kind and are always there to help and also the study programme and the way the courses are run is amazing.”
Top tips
Learn the basics of game design
Start by understanding the core elements: gameplay mechanics, level design, narrative structure, and user experience. Play a variety of games and think about why they work—not just how they look.
1
Start using industry tools early
Familiarise yourself with software like Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, or Photoshop. Don’t worry about mastering everything right away—just start experimenting. Having basic skills before your course begins will give you a big head start.
2
Build a portfolio of projects
Whether it’s a simple 2D platformer or concept art for a game idea, start collecting your work. Show your creative process, not just the final product. A strong portfolio will help with university, apprenticeships, or entering the games industry directly.
3





FAQs
-
The course covers a wide range of creative and technical skills to prepare you for the games and media industries. You’ll study:
Computer Game Development
Visual Effects (VFX)
Animation Production
Linear and Interactive Narratives
Character Design
Digital Design and Page Layout
3D Modelling
E-Sports and Games Journalism
These modules give you hands-on experience with industry tools and help you build a strong creative portfolio.
-
Many NCC students go on to study degrees in areas such as Games Design, Computer Animation, Visual Effects (SFX), or Architectural/Product Pre-Visualisation.
Alternatively, you can enter the creative and media industries directly, with roles in game development, animation, design, or even Esports and content creation.
-
No previous experience is required—just a passion for games and creativity.
The course is designed to teach you the fundamentals, whether you're interested in design, storytelling, art, or technical development. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore your strengths and grow your skills.

We’re officially Outstanding!
New City College has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted (March 2025) — the highest grade possible.
Inspectors praised our inclusive culture, exceptional teaching, strong student support, and inspirational leadership. We’re proud to be the largest college in the UK to achieve this top rating — and even prouder of what it means for our students.
Discover your campus