Start: September 2026
Duration: 2 Years
Code: ED3CVPF1LC

Course Overview

The Game and Animation Production UAL Extended Diploma is designed for creative people who want to develop the skills needed to work in one of the world's fastest-growing creative industries. Whether you dream of designing characters, creating cinematic animations, building game environments, or bringing stories to life through digital art, this course will help you build the portfolio and experience needed to take the next step.

Based at Weston College's Creative Arts facilities, you'll work in professional studio environments using high-specification gaming PCs and industry-standard software. You'll be taught by experienced lecturers with industry knowledge who will guide you through the entire creative process, from initial concept development and visual storytelling to 3D modelling, animation, and final production.

Throughout the course, you'll work on exciting individual and collaborative projects that mirror professional creative briefs, helping you develop both your technical expertise and the teamwork, communication, and project management skills valued by employers and universities alike.

As a member of Weston College's Creative Career Excellence Hub, you'll benefit from guest speakers, employer projects, industry visits, creative competitions, and networking opportunities that provide valuable insight into careers across the games, animation, film, and digital media industries.

What will I study?

You'll develop a wide range of creative and technical skills while producing professional-quality digital artwork and animation.

Topics include:

• 2D concept art • Character, creature, and environment design • 3D modelling • Prop creation • Rigging and character animation • Lighting and rendering • Digital painting • Storyboarding • Life drawing • Game design principles • Narrative development • Visual storytelling • Interactive media production

Throughout the course, you'll create an extensive portfolio that showcases your creativity, technical ability, and personal artistic style.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is entirely coursework based, allowing you to build a professional portfolio throughout the course.

Assessment includes:

• Individual creative projects • Group projects • Digital portfolios • Presentations • Essays and written evaluations • Creative practical work

There are no formal examinations, although strong written communication is important for presenting ideas, documenting your creative process, and evaluating your work.

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you will benefit from:

• Membership of Weston College's Creative Career Excellence Hub • Access to high-specification gaming PCs and industry-standard software • Teaching from experienced creative professionals • Employer-set creative briefs • Guest lectures from industry specialists • Opportunities to exhibit your work • Creative competitions and industry events • Career planning, portfolio development, and university application support

The course is designed to reflect current industry practice, helping you develop both the technical expertise and creative confidence needed for further study or employment within the creative industries.

Entry Requirements

• Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and an art-related subject

OR

• A relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit or above

You will also need:

• A strong portfolio of creative work • A successful interview

A passion for games, animation, character design, digital art, storytelling, or interactive media is essential.

Experience using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Unity is helpful but not essential, as you'll develop these skills throughout the course.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion of this course can lead to higher education, apprenticeships, or employment within the creative industries.

You could progress to university to study:

• Computer Animation • Games Design • Games Art • Visual Effects (VFX) • Digital Art • Illustration • Animation • Graphic Design

Career opportunities include:

• Junior Animator • 3D Artist • Environment Artist • Character Artist • Games Artist • Games Developer • Concept Artist • Storyboard Artist • Digital Illustrator • Motion Graphics Designer

The portfolio you build throughout the course will play an important role in supporting applications to university and creative industry roles.

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

Got a question?

Whatever you'd like to know, we're here to help...

Register your interest

Marketing Permissions

Once we have responded to your initial enquiry we would love to keep you informed of other, similar courses you may be interested in via email. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our policy page.

Marketing permissions selection
Data protection agreement

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

Apply or find out more


Marketing Permissions

We’d love to keep you informed about vacancies, courses, and updates we think you’ll find valuable. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please let us know how you’d like to hear from us:

Email

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.