Games Development Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) Full-time

Course Overview

Games Development Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) Full-time

The Higher National Certificate in Game Development equips students with essential skills and knowledge in game design and development. This program covers core game development concepts, practical skills through research, and workplace scenarios. It fosters communication, teamwork, and analytical abilities, preparing students for further education or employment in the gaming industry. This course provides a strong foundation for future career prospects in game development.

Located at: SciTech Digital Innovation Hub

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 1 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: HGAMEHNC

UCAS Course Code: GDEC

Apply via UCAS

Awarding Body:

Pearson education ltd logo

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

Course fees: £6,995* per year for those that enrol in September 2025 (*subject to approval from the Office for Students).

Other funding information

As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.

Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants' Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.

Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.

Visit the Student Finance page on the Government website for further details and to apply.

We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.


For further information please visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) web page for more information.

Course Content

64 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent) in a related subject or 60 Access to HE credits (of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3) in a related subject. GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

You will complete project-based assessments which are industry-focussed. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.

All equipment will be provided, but we recommend purchasing an SD card (32gb or higher) and/or a removable portable storage drive for larger file transfers.

Higher National Certificate

A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Game Design. You could also move on to another Higher Education course or employment in a relevant area.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 05 March 2025.