Southern Regional College

About Southern Regional College

Southern Regional College is one of Northern Ireland's premier educational institutions. With 10,000 students and 900 staff, their campuses in Armagh, Banbridge, Lurgan, Newry, and Portadown offer a dynamic learning network. From September 2023 they will be joining the NextGen network of colleges offering the NextGen AIM Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills.

They provide a vibrant, inclusive and supportive learning environment, delivering first class education and training to positively transform lives through meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Their range of Matrix and Autism Accredited student support services are dedicated to helping students before, during and after their time at the College.

Following a £100m investment, the College opened new landmark campuses in Armagh and Banbridge in September 2020, each boasting cutting-edge facilities lead by experienced and skilled professional staff. The College is also progressing with innovative plans to expand the existing East campus in Newry and is committed to the development of a new campus in the central Craigavon area.

About the Course

The Games, Animation and VFX sectors are academically stretching but vocationally focused. The NextGen / AIM Qualifications Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills teaches the fundamental up-to-date skills and knowledge identified by employers as necessary to succeed in these industries. Industry engagement is the foundation of the NextGen course, it is written and overseen by world leading Games, Animation and VFX studios. The curriculum has been created and is updated by these employers to meet their current and future industry skills needs. NextGen students learn directly from industry through inspiring masterclasses, industry set tasks, remote work experience, special events, and through real industry feedback on their project work.

NextGen students have access to a comprehensive library of online masterclasses, as well as using, learning, and mastering industry standard software. The course prepares learners with the knowledge, technical, and soft skills needed to excel in the next stage of their career path and is the tried and tested route of getting into the creative skills pipeline.

Progression routes

Knowing they have the sought-after skills and knowledge these dynamic industries demand, graduating students of the NextGen AIM Extended Diploma go on to Higher Education, Industry Apprenticeships, or Employment.

Course duration

2 years - Full Time