HNC/HND Game Development

Step into the shoes of a professional game developer with our groundbreaking Indie Game Studio Development Programme. Designed for aspiring game designers, artists, programmers, and producers, this two-year programme immerses you in the real-world dynamics of running an indie game studio. Collaborate on a single game project from concept to publication, gaining hands-on experience in every stage of development while mastering the technical, creative, and business skills demanded by the gaming industry.

Why Choose This Programme?

Real Studio Experience

Work Like a Pro: Join a simulated indie studio where Level 4 (HNC) students take on junior roles and Level 5 (HND) students lead as seniors. Mirror industry workflows, from game conceptualisation to launch.
Ship a Game: Graduate with a published title on your portfolio, a tangible credential to showcase to employers or investors.

Own Your Creativity

Collective IP Ownership: Unlike traditional courses, you’ll retain shared ownership of the game’s intellectual property. Equity is earned through your contributions, teaching you the value of collaboration and fair reward.
Entrepreneurial Skills: Learn to navigate contracts, revenue models, and team management, essential skills for starting your own studio.

Industry-Ready Training

Cross-Disciplinary Teams: Collaborate with artists, producers, designers, and a wealth of other specialists across various fields mirroring real studio dynamics.
Tools of the Trade: Master industry-standard software (e.g., Unreal Engine, Adobe Creative Suite, Blender) and agile project management tools like Trello and GitHub.

Unique Support Systems

Fair Play Guaranteed: Transparent contribution tracking and mediation ensure every student’s work is recognised.
Mentorship: Learn from tutors with industry experience and guest lectures from industry experts.
Extended Collaboration: Collaborate with students across the wider college community, to expand your opportunities across various fields such as Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Film and TV, Performance Arts and more.

Pathways to Success

Career Ready: Graduate prepared for roles like Game Designer, Producer, or Technical Artist, or continue to a Level 6 degree.
Publish & Profit: Use your collective IP ownership to commercialise your game post-graduation or pitch it to publishers.

Programme Highlights

Year 1 (HNC): Build foundations in game design, storytelling, and art as you develop a game concept from initial idea to prototype.
Year 2 (HND): Lead teams through full production, testing, marketing, promotion and launch. Refine leadership and business strategy skills.
Portfolio Power: Showcase your contributions in a professional portfolio, with rights to use assets non-commercially.

Join Us and Level Up Your Future! Whether you dream of joining AAA studios, launching indie hits, or studying further, this programme equips you with the creativity, technical prowess, and business acumen to succeed in the fast-paced world of game development.

This course is a degree level qualification which consists of:

Specialist Subject Learning
Professional and Industry Experience
Academic Tutorials and Progress Reviews
Independent Study and Research
Assessment Through Assignments, Projects and Presentations
Development of Academic, Professional and Employability Skills

We offer a range of support services to help you succeed during your studies, including:

Financial support and funding advice
Student finance support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) guidance and support
Support from our dedicated Higher Education team
Personal academic tutoring and study support
Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding services
Access to the Student Minds mental health and wellbeing resources
Academic skills development, including research, referencing and study skills workshops
Careers education, information, advice and guidance
Employability support and progression to university or employment

The tuition fee for this course is £6,100 per year for full-time study or £3,050 per year for part-time study.

There are three ways to pay for your course:

Student Finance. Eligible students can apply for a Higher Education Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England.
Self-Funding. Students can pay their tuition fees in full at enrolment or spread the cost across three instalments throughout the academic year.
Employer Sponsorship. If your employer is funding your studies, payment can be made directly by them.

Some Higher Education courses may be eligible for funding through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability. Please contact the HE Team for the latest information and to discuss the options available to you.

If you would like further information about course fees, funding options, or payment arrangements, please contact the HE Team at HEenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Higher Education Team and the Course Lead.

In some cases, where applicants have the relevant qualifications and/or professional experience, we may be able to make a decision based on the information provided in the application and issue an offer without the need for an interview.

For other applicants, we may invite you to attend an interview to discuss your previous experience, career aspirations and suitability for the course to ensure you meet the entry requirements. This also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the course and ensure it is the right choice for your future.

Please ensure you regularly check your emails, as all updates regarding your application and any next steps will be communicated by the Higher Education Team.

HNC/HND Game Development

Higher Education · Hinckley
14/09/2026

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Disclaimer

The information provided about this course was accurate at the time of publication. Course details may be subject to change, often as a result of external factors such as amendments to awarding body or examination board specifications. While every effort is made to ensure that the information on this website remains accurate and up to date, prospective students are advised to confirm course details with the Admissions Team prior to enrolment to ensure the course meets their requirements. The institution accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information presented.