Our region boasts some of the most innovative technology companies in the UK, particularly in the fast-paced games, animation, and VFX industries. Join us at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, where we can guide you in becoming a part of this digital revolution!
Hartlepool Sixth Form College is one of only 18 UK colleges approved to deliver the award-winning NextGen Skills Academy qualification. Developed in partnership with industry leaders, this qualification equips you with the essential skills to join the next generation of leading talent in the games, animation and VFX industries.
As the only industry backed course of its kind, it has been created in collaboration with employers, including Blue Zoo, Industrial Light & Magic, Framestore, DNEG, Playground Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Ubisoft and Centroid 3D.
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation, and VFX Skills is designed to ensure that young talents are industry-ready, blending a keen awareness of industry practices with essential skills. The course provides students with a solid foundation in art, design, maths, and computing skills—attributes highly sought-after within the industry.
Crafted for those keen on game development, our programme focuses on hands-on activities, where theory meets practice head-on. Engage with employer-assigned projects, receive genuine industry feedback, and gain valuable remote work experience with industry leaders as essential components of your learning journey.
Aimed at students aged 16+, this extended diploma is comparable with 3 A-Levels and comes with UCAS points so you can progress to University or a higher apprenticeship.
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9, including English Language and Maths, plus IT skills, self-motivation and a passion for computer games, animation and VFX.
Additionally, you should have great creativity and imagination, be able to express your ideas, and be a logical problem-solver. You also need to be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, work well in teams, and have an interest in the future of technology.
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | Free | You may be required to pay for stationery, art materials, trips and visits. It would be beneficial if you have a computer at home that is powerful enough to play games, however, this is not essential as you will have access to computers and technology at college. More specific information of system requirements can be provided depending on your budget. |
You will be taught using a range of techniques including:
- Individual projects
- Large scale group work projects
- Demonstrations
- Peer learning
- Independent guided learning
- Practical workshop sessions
- Industry workshops (online and face-to-face)
- Industry feedback
You will be assessed by:
- Coursework – through an online blog
- Periodic formative feedback
- Presentations of projects
- Academic writing essays
- Mock exams
- Externally set exams
GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications before you enrol.
There will be several remote work experience weeks throughout the year that all students are expected to take part in. Taking place within college and spanning a full week, students will be ‘off timetable’ and working in teams on a variety of briefs. These weeks are organised by the NextGen Skills Academy and students are guided by industry feedback throughout the week.
Additionally, work experience opportunities come up through our NextGen partners regularly and students are encouraged to engage with these. These often take a variety of forms and will enrich your student experience and strengthen your skills.
At Hartlepool Sixth Form College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:
• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent. Through the NextGen Skills Academy we have links to industry to ensure you gain an outstanding learning experience with us and are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to progress to a career in the creative industries. These include: Ubisoft, BlueZoo, Infinity 27, Creative Assembly, MediaTonic, Framestore, Sony, Microsoft, Zerolight, Centroid, BAFTA.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.
Mon-Fri, between 9am-4pm. Days and times of study are subject to change. Timetables are confirmed at the start of term.
You will study around 16 hours a week in college and will be expected to take time outside of college to develop your coursework further. Lecturers will set tasks and guide you so that you stay organised and continue to develop your creative and technical skills. Additionally, you will be set weekly homework to complete that will develop your knowledge further.
As part of your study programme, you will also be expected to attend sessions for personal tutorial, group tutorial (Self, Society and Skills) and Talents and Interests, alongside your main qualification.
The aim of the course is to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the games, animation and VFX industries. This includes art theory, concept art, 3D modelling, animation, VFX, game design, Maths, and programming fundamentals.
We also develop skills and knowledge with business practices, production management, teamwork, and communication. This will allow you to progress to a career in a range of creative industries using the transferable skills that we cover.
Most students progress onto Higher Education, internally or externally, and then achieve jobs in the industry. You could also progress in wider industries, such as visualisation, advertising, marketing, education and more.
The creative industries are also evolving, with an increasing number of apprenticeship opportunities becoming available. Through our links with the NextGen Skills Academy, our students will get the most up to date and current opportunities.
You will undertake a range of assessments using the knowledge you have learnt from a range of industry focused units, incluing
Year 1 Units:
- 3D Tools Creative and Technical 3D Modelling
- Fundamental Animation Skills for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- VFX Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Core Principles of Game Design
- Art Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Fundamental Product Programming Skills
- Maths and Logic Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
Year 1 Assessments:
- Core Principles exam (maths, programming, and game design)
- Art Theory in Context essay
- Asset Development portfolio
Year 2 Units:
- Emerging Technologies/Trends in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Images and Sounds for Imagined Worlds
- Storyboard/Playboarding
- Production Management for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Working in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
Year 2 Assessments:
- Synoptic group project
- Case Study exam
- Emerging Technologies essay
This is a course with multiple destinations for students. At its heart, it is defined by the skills that the creative industries of games, animation and VFX need for future innovation and growth. It’s much more than just a qualification – it’s the start of a career journey.
Successful completion of the NextGen Skills Academy qualification, along with an appropriate grade and strong portfolio, will provide access to a wide range of external and internal specialist Higher Education courses and higher apprenticeships.
You could progress onto the Level 4 and Level 5 Foundation Degree (Fda) in Game Design and Production at our Sunderland Campus. Once you have achieved this there is also the option to top up to our Level 6 full BA (Hons) degree.
Find out everything you need to know about Hartlepool Sixth Form and our exciting range of courses!
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Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
2024
97% of our students progress to university, employment or further study
2023-24
94% overall pass rate for T Levels
2022-23
100% pass rate for over 30 of our courses
