HNC/HND Games Development

Course Overview

Level: 4

Attendance: Full Time (FT)

Duration: 2 Years

Course Code: HFK0041

Start Date: September 2026

Apply via UCAS

Code: HFK0041
Please note, course costs shown are per year.

Apply via UCAS

Turn your passion for games into a career with our Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Games Development. Designed in collaboration with industry requirements, this course provides the technical, creative and professional skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving games industry.

You will explore the full game development lifecycle, from concept design and storytelling through to programming, testing and deployment. Using industry-standard software, tools and development practices, you will develop a portfolio of projects that showcase your skills.

Whether you aspire to become a games programmer, designer, technical artist or independent developer, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical experience needed to take your next step.

Validated by:

Course content

Throughout the programme, you will gain an understanding of the key principles and technologies that underpin modern game development. You will learn how to create engaging player experiences through a combination of design, programming, project management and production techniques.

The course places a strong emphasis on practical learning, allowing you to develop games for a variety of platforms while working on individual and collaborative projects. You will also explore emerging trends and technologies within the digital and creative industries.

Learning and Assessment

Learning takes place through a blend of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, studio-based activities and independent study. Industry-relevant projects provide opportunities to apply knowledge in realistic development scenarios and build professional working practices.

Assessment is primarily coursework-based and may include:

Practical game development projects

Programming assignments

Design documentation and project proposals

Presentations and pitches

Portfolio development

Group projects and collaborative work

Research reports and reflective evaluations

There are no traditional end-of-year examinations, allowing you to demonstrate your skills through authentic project work.

Entry requirements

HNC:

All applicants will be required to have achieved Level 4/Grade C in GCSE English Language and Maths.

Applicants will typically require a minimum of 48 UCAS points from one of the following:

A Level 3 BTEC, T-Level or equivalent qualification in Computing, Creative Media, Games Development or a related subject

Relevant industry experience may also be considered

Mature learners without formal qualifications are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

HND:

Successful completion of an HNC in Game Development

Modules

Module A Process and Practice

A1: Concept and Development

A2: Creative Project

Module B Professional Creative Practice

B1 Personal Professional Development

B2 Professional Project

Progression opportunities

Students who successfully complete the HNC are able to progress onto the HND. Following the HND, you will have the necessary skills to enter various divisions of public services. There is the potential to gain rewarding employment posts within the Armed Forces, Police, Fire, Prison, and NHS Ambulance Services, as well as the Civil Service and Crown Prosecution Service, to name a few. Past graduates have also progressed onto final-year BA (Hons) Public Services Management degree programmes at Loughborough College.