 
Plymouth University
Academic Partnerships
Cornwall College
Camborne
Programme Quality
Handbook for
HNC/D Games Design for Industry
2014 – 15
Contents
1.Welcome and Introduction to Games Design for Industry. 3
1.Programme Specification 4
2.Module Records 31
Welcome and Introduction to Games Design for Industry.
Welcome to the HNC/D Games Design for Industry.
The HNC/D Games Design for Industry course has been developed in order to meet the requirements of one of the fastest growing, dynamic and entrepreneurial sectors in the creative industries. This is a skills based course that provides the practical expertise needed for jobs in Games Design, whether you want to be an animator, modeller or developer. This challenging programme focuses on developing your core artistic and technical skills to enable you to create and build your own games for a variety of platforms. The course was developed from input from leading industry professionals to ensure that your experience is relevant and realistic and incorporates all the latest techniques and skills with a slant towards the creation of game content and assets.
Our innovative curriculum encourages creativity, giving you the expertise to succeed in a fast paced industry by maximising both employability and entrepreneurial skills as it is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and skills needed by the games industry. Communications between the games /animation industry and this course are extremely important and developments in the industry and knowledge gained by staff in their own practice are passed down to the students to inform theirs. This course is at the cutting edge of games design.
From the outset, through formal lectures, practical workshops, master-classes and industry based assignments; you will be encouraged to explore the numerous aspects of digital gaming within a combined creative and technical framework. You will gain an understanding of the broad areas of games development, Ludology, concept artwork, 3D modelling and animation, level design, history, contextual and social issues, together with an overview of the more technical and creative aspects of the games design pipeline.
Practical skills form the basis of the course as well as problem solving - with a strong focus on 3D modelling and animation, concept work, 2D animation and drawing. This HNC/D concentrates mainly on the production of art related assets for computer games, whilst developing professional skills in level design, concept development, project management and entrepreneurship. You will learn traditional core skills alongside industry standard practice in modelling, texturing and animation. This will be encouraged by the use of real time engines to demonstrate your work within a gaming context. As in industry, you'll use your skills collaboratively as you will create game content in teams as well as individually.
You will be encouraged to work creatively and professionally to design and communicate concepts through visuals, prototypes, 3D/2D game assets, documentation and presentations. Work related experience is also a very important part of the study programme and students are expected to be involved in competitions and live briefs.
From the start you will work on real-world tasks and create real products in order to establish a strong portfolio, web presence and show reel to take you into future employment.
At its core the HNC/D Games Design for Industry is a vision of undergraduate education that offers you a sustained and consistent emphasis on your identity as a learner and a media practitioner through the seamless integration of professional development with student learning.
The course has been designed with advice from local, regional and national employers and practitioners in the broad fields of media production. The subsequent development of the course has been guided by two key drivers
-
The need for innovative delivery of higher education within a vocational context
-
Industry sector skills gaps: presentation, networking skills, negotiating skills needed for client and contract management and developing business networks and partnerships, selling skills/marketing and PR which are a particular challenge for micro businesses and practitioners.
These key drivers have been answered in their broadest sense by the innovative content of the curriculum and the form of learning that focuses on the professional identity of the individual student. The expectation of the development of working production companies will ensure that students are engaging with peers and external agencies throughout the whole course. This interaction will take place at points which are appropriate for you and your professional practice. The teaching and learning schedule and assessment plan enables students to be proactive in their learning and stresses presentation and negotiation skills.
This programme has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge base required to work in your chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities. It is also a platform from which you can undertake additional vocational and academic qualifications.
This Programme Quality handbook contains important information including:
-
The approved programme specification
-
Module records
Note: the information in this handbook should be read in conjunction with the current edition of the College Student handbook available at (college to add link) which contains student support based information on issues such as finance and studying at HE along with the University’s Student Handbook - https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook and your Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook available on your programme virtual learning environment.
1.Programme Specification
On the following pages you will find the specification for your programme; this provides a detailed overview of the programme as a whole. It explains what you will learn and how you will be assessed throughout the two stages of your HNC or HND. The Programme Learning Outcomes Map specifies the knowledge and skills you will develop at each stage of your HNC or HND.
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth
Teaching Institution: Cornwall College
Accrediting Body: N/A
Final Award: HND Games Design for Industry
Intermediate Awards: HNC Games Design for Industry
Programme Title: HND Games Design for Industry
UCAS Code: HND 026I
Benchmarks: Informed by QAA and relevant FHEQ subject benchmark(s) in Art and Design.
Date of Approval: May 2012
Admissions Criteria:
Qualification(s) required for entry to the HND
|
Comments
|
Candidates must have at Level 2:
|
Key Skills requirement/Higher Level Diploma
|
Level 2 Communication
|
and/or
|
GCSEs required at Grade C and above
|
Normally 4 x GCSEs, to include an Arts subject and English
|
Plus at least one of the following Level 3 qualifications:
|
A Levels required:
|
Minimum of 1 relevant subject (media studies, IT, photography, art, graphic design) to a minimum of 120 UCAS points
|
Advanced Level Diploma
|
Media
|
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
|
Pass in Media Production, Graphic Design or IT
|
HNC
|
Pass in any relevant media/ IT based subject
|
VDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS
|
Advanced in Media
|
Access to HE or Year 0 provision
|
In creative or IT subject
|
International Baccalaureate
|
24 points required
|
Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
|
1 Pass in an Media or Design based subject
|
Work Experience
|
Mature students without formal qualifications will be considered by portfolio of relevant production work
|
Other non-standard awards or experiences
|
Experience in media production, accompanied by portfolio of recent work
|
APEL/APCL possibilities
|
This must be applied for before the start of the programme. Please refer to University of Plymouth Academic regulations
www.plymouth.ac.uk
|
Interview/portfolio requirements
|
Students are expected to attend an interview where possible. Interviewees should bring a portfolio of their work – E-portfolios are acceptable for students unable to attend personally.
|
Independent Safeguarding Agency (ISA) / Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) clearance required
|
Not initially. However it may be required for some work-based learning placements.
|
Brief Description of the Programme:
|
The HND Games Design for Industry will enable students to develop the breadth and range of skills required to work within the games development industry in terms of both practical, creative and theoretical understanding of a fast changing field. The games industry is one of the UK's largest exporters and our intention is to equip students with up to date skills for this market.
|
Aims of the Programme:
|
The Programme aims to:
1. Provide an educational foundation for a variety of technical, creative and managerial careers in the computer games design and development industry
2. Provide an educational foundation for progression to a higher level course within games design or related subject area
3. Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable learners to make an immediate contribution in employment within the computer games design and development industry
4. Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding as required for careers in computer games design and development
5. Develop the skills and personal qualities necessary for success in professional life within the computer games design and development industry
|
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes:
|
By the end of this programme the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate skills in computer games design and development
2. Effectively communicate using written and oral presentation
3. Exercise responsible scholarship
4. Determine how to locate relevant information; sort, analyse and utilise that information
5. Work in teams and appreciate the importance of peer contribution within computer games design and development
|
Distinctive Features of the HND
|
-
Students are encouraged to recognise themselves as working practitioners in small scale production companies.
-
The flexibility within the curriculum enables students to develop a highly individualised professional identity.
|
Teaching methods and assessments
A: Development of Knowledge
and Understanding
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
The major theories of the discipline(s) and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks.
The wider social and environmental implications of area(s) of study and is able to debate issues in relation to more general ethical perspectives.
The reciprocal relationship between creative output and the wider socio/cultural matrix.
The responsibilities of the practitioner.
A preparedness to experiment.
| -
Primary
-
Lectures and tutorials
-
Skills workshops
-
Directed independent study
-
Learning from work experience
-
Secondary
-
Case studies
-
Problem-solving exercises
|
NB: Benchmark References
4.2, 4.3, 4.4.1, 4.4.4, 4.4.5
|
Assessment
Key knowledge and understanding is assessed via a combination of essays, presentations, and seminar performances.
|
B: Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
Critique rival theories and frameworks.
Analyse and synthesise.
Intelligently apply appropriate principles in assessing policy or practice.
Demonstrate problem solving and research skills.
Take appropriate risks and be able to evaluate the outcomes of experimentation.
Develop an appreciation between medium and message.
|
Primary
-
Skills workshops
-
Tutorial/seminar discussions
-
Feedback via coursework assessment process (essays etc)
Secondary
For example:
-
Policy and practice analysis in portfolios and tutorials
|
NB: Benchmark References
3.5, 3.11, 4.2, 4.3
|
Assessment
-
Essays/projects/dissertations
-
Coursework/ groupwork on practical application questions
-
Portfolio
-
Final production pieces
|
C: Key Transferable Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
Interact effectively within a team / learning group.
Manage learning using resources for the discipline.
Communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the discipline (in standard English oral, written, using ICT).
Take responsibility for own learning with minimum direction.
Manage information with the ability to select appropriate data from a range of sources and
develop appropriate research strategies
|
Primary
-
Library and other research exercises
-
Group work awareness and practice
-
Computer-based learning and assessment
Secondary
-
Class and seminar interactions and feedback
|
NB: Benchmark References
3.8, 4.4.1, 4.4.4
|
Assessment
-
Coursework of all types
-
Production portfolios
-
Assessed discussions
-
Group work assessments
|
D: Employment Related Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
|
|
E: Practical Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
-
Demonstrate a high level of discipline specific skills
-
Present ideas appropriate to the context and audience
-
Work effectively in groups
|
-
Projects
-
Designated tasks
-
Lectures and tutorials
-
Learning from work
|
NB: Benchmark References
5.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 3.8
|
Assessment
-
Project work
-
Competence in a range of communication techniques
|
Learning Outcomes Maps for HND Games Design for Industry at HE Levels 4 and 5
CORC2056
CORC2056
CORC2056
CORC2056
CORC2056
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth
Teaching Institution: Cornwall College
Accrediting Body: N/A
Final Award: HNC Games Design for Industry
Intermediate Awards: N/A
Programme Title: HNC Games Design for Industry
UCAS Code: HNC 02PI
Benchmarks: Informed by QAA and relevant FHEQ subject benchmark(s) in Art and Design.
Date of Approval: May 2012
Admissions Criteria:
Qualification(s) required for entry to the HND
|
Comments
|
Candidates must have at Level 2:
|
Key Skills requirement/Higher Level Diploma
|
Level 2 Communication
|
and/or
|
GCSEs required at Grade C and above
|
Normally 4 x GCSEs, to include an Arts subject and English
|
Plus at least one of the following Level 3 qualifications:
|
A Levels required:
|
Minimum of 1 relevant subject (media studies, IT, photography, art, graphic design) to a minimum of 120 UCAS points
|
Advanced Level Diploma
|
Media
|
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
|
Pass in Media Production, Graphic Design or IT
|
HNC
|
Pass in any relevant media/ IT based subject
|
VDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS
|
Advanced in Media
|
Access to HE or Year 0 provision
|
In creative or IT subject
|
International Baccalaureate
|
24 points required
|
Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
|
1 Pass in an Media or Design based subject
|
Work Experience
|
Mature students without formal qualifications will be considered by portfolio of relevant production work
|
Other non-standard awards or experiences
|
Experience in media production, accompanied by portfolio of recent work
|
APEL/APCL possibilities
|
This must be applied for before the start of the programme. Please refer to University of Plymouth Academic regulations
www.plymouth.ac.uk
|
Interview/portfolio requirements
|
Students are expected to attend an interview where possible. Interviewees should bring a portfolio of their work – E-portfolios are acceptable for students unable to attend personally.
|
Independent Safeguarding Agency (ISA) / Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) clearance required
|
Not initially. However it may be required for some work-based learning placements.
|
Brief Description of the Programme:
|
The HNC Games Design for Industry will enable students to develop the breadth and range of skills required to work within the games development industry in terms of both practical, creative and theoretical understanding of a fast changing field through engagement in level 4 learning. The games industry is one of the UK's largest exporters and our intention is to equip students with up to date skills for this market. Successful completion on the HNC will enable progression to the HND in Games Design for Industry.
|
Aims of the Programme:
|
The Programme aims to:
-
Enables learners to develop the skills required for a variety of technical, creative and managerial careers in the computer games design and development industry
-
2.Provide an educational foundation for progression to a level 5 course within games design or related subject area
-
3.Encourage the development of the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable learners to make a contribution in employment within the computer games design and development industry
-
4.Develop the skills and personal qualities necessary for success in professional life within the computer games design and development industry
|
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes:
|
By the end of this programme the student will be able to:
-
1.Develop skills in computer games design and development
-
Satisfactorily communicate using written and oral presentation
-
3.Exercise responsible scholarship
-
4.Determine how to locate relevant information; sort, analyse and utilise that information
-
5.Work in teams and appreciate the importance of peer contribution within computer games design and development
|
Distinctive Features of the HNC
|
-
Provides underpinning knowledge required for future study at level 5 within a vocationally relevant context
-
Students are encouraged to recognise themselves as working practitioners in small scale production companies.
-
The flexibility within the curriculum enables students to develop a highly individualised professional identity.
|
Teaching Methods and Assessments
A: Development of Knowledge
and Understanding
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
The major theories of the discipline(s) and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks.
The wider social and environmental implications of area(s) of study and is able to debate issues in relation to more general ethical perspectives.
The reciprocal relationship between creative output and the wider socio/cultural matrix.
The responsibilities of the practitioner.
A preparedness to experiment.
|
Primary
Secondary
-
Case studies
-
Problem-solving exercises
|
NB: Benchmark References
4.2, 4.3, 4.4.1, 4.4.4, 4.4.5
|
Assessment
Key knowledge and understanding is assessed via a combination of essays, presentations, and seminar performances.
|
B: Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
Critique rival theories and frameworks.
Analyse and synthesise.
Intelligently apply appropriate principles in assessing policy or practice.
Demonstrate problem solving and research skills.
Take appropriate risks and be able to evaluate the outcomes of experimentation.
Develop an appreciation between medium and message.
|
Primary
-
Skills workshops
-
Tutorial/seminar discussions
-
Feedback via coursework assessment process (essays etc)
Secondary
For example:
-
Policy and practice analysis in portfolios and tutorials
|
NB: Benchmark References
3.5, 3.11, 4.2, 4.3
|
Assessment
-
Essays/projects/dissertations
-
Coursework/ groupwork on practical application questions
-
Portfolio
-
Final production pieces
|
C: Key Transferable Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
Interact effectively within a team / learning group.
Manage learning using resources for the discipline.
Communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the discipline (in standard English oral, written, using ICT).
Take responsibility for own learning with minimum direction.
Manage information with the ability to select appropriate data from a range of sources and develop appropriate research strategies
|
Primary
-
Library and other research exercises
-
Group work awareness and practice
-
Computer-based learning and assessment
Secondary
-
Class and seminar interactions and feedback
|
NB: Benchmark References
3.8, 4.4.1, 4.4.4
|
Assessment
-
Coursework of all types
-
Production portfolios
-
Assessed discussions
-
Group work assessments
|
D: Employment Related Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
-
Recognise strengths and areas for improvement
-
Present ideas confidently to a variety of audiences
-
Work to deadlines
-
Locate opportunities for practice
-
Work effectively in groups
-
Demonstrate the application of knowledge to varying contexts
|
|
E: Practical Skills
|
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
|
By the end of the programme the student will be able to:
-
Demonstrate a high level of discipline specific skills
-
Present ideas appropriate to the context and audience
-
Work effectively in groups
|
-
Projects
-
Designated tasks
-
Lectures and tutorials
-
Learning from work
|
NB: Benchmark References
5.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 3.8
|
Assessment
-
Project work
-
Competence in a range of communication techniques
|
Programme Structure Diagrams
College: Cornwall College
Year: 2014/2015
PU Course Code: 4540
Programme: HND Games Design for Industry
Mode of Attendance: Full Time
Total Credits: 240
Stage 1
|
Module Code
|
Module Title
|
No. of Credits
|
Core / Optional
|
CORC1072
|
Computer Games Studies and Research
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1073
|
Pre Production Design and Computer Game Concept Art
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1074
|
2D Digital Graphics and Texturing for Computer Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1076
|
3D Modelling and Animation for Computer Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1077
|
Animation Principles
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1078
|
3D Computer Games Engines and Asset Creation
|
20
|
Core
|
Stage 2
|
Module Code
|
Module Title
|
No. of Credits
|
Core / Optional
|
CORC2056
|
Games Design and Development Project
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC2057
|
Subject Specialism Project
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC2060
|
3D Cut Sequence Design and Digital Audio for Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC2061
|
3D Character Animation and Motion Capture for Computer Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC2062
|
Level Design and Production for Computer Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC2064
|
Professional Practice
|
20
|
Core
|
College: Cornwall College
Year: 2014/2015
PU Course Code: 4539
Programme: HNC Games Design for Industry
Mode of Attendance: Full Time
Total Credits: 120
Stage 1
|
Module Code
|
Module Title
|
No. of Credits
|
Core / Optional
|
CORC1072
|
Computer Games Studies and Research
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1073
|
Pre-Production Design and Computer Game Concept Art
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1074
|
2D Digital Graphics and Texturing for Computer Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1076
|
3D Modelling and Animation for Computer Games
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1077
|
Animation Principles
|
20
|
Core
|
CORC1078
|
3D Computer Games Engines and Asset Creation
|
20
|
Core
|
2.Module Records
Academic Partnerships Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook 2014-15 Page of
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