Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements but pupils should expect to work at SCQF Level 5.
Why take this course?
Playing computer games is fun. But it is actually more fun to design your own computer games and let other people play them. With GameMaker, you can create your own computer games quickly without the need to learn a programming language. The joy of playing a game is not related to its complexity as simple games like Space Invaders are a lot of fun to play and a lot easier to create. GameMaker offers an intuitive and easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface that allows you to create your own games quickly.
While you are doing that you are learning to think logically and develop your “computational thinking skills”, which is gaining recognition as a vital 21st-century competence.
During the award, you will gain a variety of knowledge and skills including the following:
- What makes a good game
- How to design a good game
- What media assets are available and how to capture them
- How to modify media assets for your game
- How to develop a computer game
- How to test a game
What you will experience
You will learn how to make computer games using the GameMaker Studio engine. Whilst doing that the three units that make up this NPA will help you:
Design
Learn an understanding of underlying concepts and fundamental principles involved in computer game planning and design.
Media assets
To identify a range of legitimate methods for acquiring media assets and learn how to plan and produce media assets for use in a game development environment.
Development
To be able to implement the design for your working computer game and evaluate the effectiveness of the final solution produced.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
Student Stories
Danielle Craig
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development)
“I loved that the course covered a broad range of topics, from animation and graphic design to programming”
Read more about Danielle's story
Rebecca Clements
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design and Development)
“I’ve had a passion for computing from a very young age. I decided when my son was starting school that it was the best time to go back and follow a dream I had put on hold.”
Read more about Rebecca's story
Ella-May Quinn
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development)
“I really enjoyed the course and the hands on nature of the learning. Being able to build websites was great and I got a real sense of achievement from the work we were asked to produce.”
Read more about Ella-May's story
Scott Duncan
Computing
HND Digital Development & Design (Games Development)
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
Read more about Scott's story
Martin Meszaros
Computing
HND Cyber Security
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Read more about Martin's story
Shay McGillivray
Computing
HND Technologies in Business
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
Read more about Shay's story
Beata Tetkowska
Computing
HND Technologies in Business
“I would definitely recommend NESCol to everyone who wants to study computing. No matter what age, or if this is their first course, or – if like me – you want to change your career. It’s a very friendly environment, well quipped when it comes to computing facilities and – most importantly – with very, very supportive and highly knowledgeable lecturers.”
Read more about Beata's story
Louise Findlay
Computing
HND Digital Design & Development (Web Development)
“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.
“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”
Read more about Louise's story
George Madgett
Computing
HNC Computing
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
Read more about George's story
Gayle Duguid
Computing
HND Computing: Software Development
“I would say to anyone thinking of returning to learning after time away – just do it.”
Read more about Gayle's story
Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
Currently unavailable
This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!
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