AIM Qualifications Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills

Our Level 3 qualification in Games, Animation and VFX Skills is aimed at students aged 16+. The Extended Diploma is comparable with 3 A’Levels and comes with UCAS points so you can progress to University or a Higher Apprenticeship.

Why take our Level 3 in Games, Animation and VFX?

Our award-winning qualification offers the most promising students the chance to be part of the next generation of leading talent in the Games, Animation and VFX industries. The course is written by industry to meet their skills needs.

This is the only industry backed course of its kind.

We work closely with employers across games, animation and VFX including Blue Zoo, Industrial Light & Magic, Framestore, DNEG, Playground Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Ubisoft and Centroid 3D. They tell us that other courses in creative and digital media are missing some important subject areas. New recruits often don't have the right combination of industry practice awareness and essential skills, particularly in maths, programming and art.

That's why, like all NextGen courses, our Level 3 qualifications were developed in partnership with employers. You'll learn precisely the skills they are looking for. Working to employer briefs, getting real industry feedback and having remote work experience with industry employers are integral parts of the learning.

Whether you're a student, parent or guardian, follow the link below for information about the colleges that offer NextGen Level 3 qualifications, and you can find more information on the full AIM Qualification Specification at the bottom of this page.

“I have full confidence in my work and have gained so much knowledge of the industry. NextGen’s teaching staff have years of experience and the skills to help students aspire to be who they want to be.”

Adam, NextGen Graduate, Sunderland College

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We work with forward thinking colleges and top employers in the industry to offer you opportunities no other course can. Our students learn from the best and become the next generation of creators.
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AIM Qualifications Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills

Our award-winning qualification offers the most promising students the chance to be part of the next generation of leading talent in the Games, Animation and VFX industries. The course is written by industry to meet their skills needs.

NextGen has worked with employers to identify the skills that are crucial in these fast moving digital industries. You will develop technical, artistic, maths and programming skills that are vital to the successful creation of any game, animation or visual effects sequence. The course will support your career and help prepare you for a wide range of potential jobs in creative and digital media. You'll leave with both essential skills and a strong portfolio that demonstrates your potential, whether you decide to go straight into the workplace, go into Higher Education, or take an Apprenticeship.

You will develop technical skills in animation, 3D modelling and the creation of visual effects. You'll learn about production pipelines, process management and the importance of commercial feasibility. Practical experience of using Agile and Scrum as project management techniques are also an important element of the qualification; you will hone your skills as a leader and team player.

On top of these advanced technical and project management skills, you will research an emerging technology or trend and present your findings. You'll work to industry briefs, applying your new skills just as you would use them in the workplace. You'll also develop study skills that will be invaluable if you go on to higher education.

All employers in every sector are looking for learners who can communicate, work well in a team and have good computation thinking. This is at the heart of all NextGen courses.

The course contains the following components, these have been designed with industry to ensure you are learning the exact skills they need:

  • Art Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
  • Core Principles of Game Design
  • Fundamental Animation Skills for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
  • Fundamental Product Programming Skills
  • Maths and Logic Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
  • VFX Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
  • 3D Tools: Creative and Technical 3D Modelling
  • ProductionManagement for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
  • Emerging Technologies/Trends in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
  • Images and Sounds for Imagined Worlds
  • Story/Playboarding
  • Working in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries