At a Glance
- Tasks: Create your own games using industry-standard software and learn essential art and design skills.
- Company: Join a vibrant community at Burnley College University Courses, focused on game art and design.
- Benefits: 100% coursework assessment, no exams, and opportunities for real-world industry experience.
- Why this job: Dive into the exciting world of game development and unleash your creativity!
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English and Mathematics.
- Other info: Engage in studio-style projects, meet industry professionals, and explore creative trips.
Game development is a growing industry that allows individuals to work towards creating their own games. The course is art-driven, focusing on the designing of characters and environments using industry-standard software. You will learn skills such as traditional art, animation, graphics, level design and 3D modelling and bring these skills together within the Unreal Engine. You will also write compelling storylines that give depth to your games, as well as developing relevant skills to succeed in university and the industry. We use a variety of theory and practical based approaches to assess you, including reports, presentations and practical assignments.
Start Date/s: 02/09/2026
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including English and Mathematics or a relevant Level 2 qualification.
Modules:
- Module A1: Skills Development – This unit helps develop learners' skills in game art and design in Unreal and 2D character creation and animation.
- Module A2: Creative Project – This is a live brief where students produce a game aimed at a specific audience for a specific purpose.
- Module B1: Personal Progression – In this unit students produce a website portfolio and investigate future career options. They also produce a portfolio of evidence focused mainly on design and development.
- Module B2: Creative Industry Response – Learners create a final project aimed at a specific audience for a specific purpose.
Assessment: The course is 100% coursework and has no exams. This allows for much more time and delivery on practical work and all aspects of the game production process, from pre-production and game art and design. Learners get ongoing feedback throughout the projects as well as summative feedback at the end of each unit. All coursework is assessed against the same five criteria for all units: informing ideas, problem solving, technical skill, professional practice and communication. Finally, assessed work is graded at pass, merit or distinction. The content of your assessment will be outlined on an assignment brief; the design of these will be explained during induction. For every assessment, there will be a clear deadline by which the work must be submitted to your assessor (course tutor). Your assessed work will be a mixture of both practical and theoretical coursework.
This course is your gateway into the creative world of game art and design. You could progress into roles such as: Junior Environment Artist, Junior Character Designer, 3D Modelling assistant, Concept Art assistant & Animation assistant. Many learners choose to continue their studies at university, including our own BA (Hons) Game Art & Design course here at Burnley College University Courses (BCUC), validated by Greater Manchester University. Whether you move directly into industry or progress to higher education, this course provides the creative and technical skills needed to take the next step in your journey.
Equipment Needed: Laptop or computer at home to complete written assignment work would be beneficial, a headset to listen to tutorials and a portable hard drive to store your work.
You’ll take part in a range of enrichment activities that connect your learning to real industry practice. You’ll join our studio-style club, where you’ll work on extended projects that mirror how professional game art teams operate. This gives you the chance to develop your skills further, build your portfolio, and learn how to manage time, respond to briefs, and collaborate in a production setting. You’ll also meet guest speakers from the games and creative industries, who will review your work and offer feedback based on real-world standards. Trips and visits form a key part of the experience. Past learners have visited Paris, London, the Royal Armouries, and TwitchCon in Rotterdam, all chosen to inspire your creativity and broaden your knowledge of game art, history, and digital culture. These opportunities support your personal development, help you build industry awareness, and prepare you for the next step in your creative career.
Vocational Game Art and Design in Burnley employer: BURNLEY COLLEGE
Contact Detail:
BURNLEY COLLEGE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vocational Game Art and Design in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, online forums, or even social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job in game art and design.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create an eye-catching portfolio that highlights your best work in character design, 3D modelling, and animation. Make sure to include projects that showcase your creativity and technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Keep honing your skills in Unreal Engine and other industry-standard software. The more proficient you are, the more attractive you'll be to potential employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Don’t hesitate to send in your application and let us help you kickstart your career in the exciting world of game development.
We think you need these skills to ace Vocational Game Art and Design in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for game art and design shine through! Share what excites you about creating games and how you’ve explored this passion in your own projects or studies.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Make sure to include a portfolio that highlights your best work relevant to the course. Whether it's character designs, animations, or 3D models, we want to see your creativity and technical skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your ideas and how you approach game design.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in game art and design.
How to prepare for a job interview at BURNLEY COLLEGE
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the game art and design industry. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular games, and the software mentioned in the job description, like Unreal Engine. This shows your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in character design, 3D modelling, and animation. Make sure it reflects the skills outlined in the course, as this will give the interviewers a clear idea of your capabilities and creativity.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you would approach a creative project or respond to a brief, as these are key aspects of the role. Practising mock interviews can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Engage and Ask Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the course structure, industry connections, and opportunities for collaboration. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the programme is the right fit for you.