Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This sector-leading course* helps you develop the skills needed to become a 3D Digital Developer, incorporating live industry-related projects in a range of different 3D animation disciplines.

This course is aimed at creative individuals with an interest in 3D and 2D animation, video games, digital art and architectural visualisation.

You will develop skills in 3D character modelling and animation, environmental modelling, textures and surfacing, special effects, lighting and camera work. You will learn how to develop your presentation skills and how to produce a portfolio of work.

You will be introduced to industry-standard software including 3D Studio Max, Mudbox, Substance Painter, After Effects and Photoshop. The course also incorporates 3D printing and VR Headsets into the learning experience.

During our Year 2 programme, you will have an opportunity to participate in Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the West of Scotland affiliation and transition programmes. 

Some students may gain internships and summer placements with industry partners while studying at the college.

This course also accepts year two direct entrants.

The course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8. 

*Gold Medal at Global Skills Challenge (Melbourne, Australia), Gold Medal at WorldSkills UK 2023 (3D Digital Game Art competition), Medal of Excellence WorldSkills Final (Korea) 2022 (3D Digital Game Art).

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Two Highers at Grade C or above AND three National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above including Computing, Information Systems or Graphic Communications, OR
• National Qualification at SCQF level 5 or 6 in a relevant subject such as Digital Media Computing or Computer Arts and Animation.
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

• 3D Modelling.
• Character Modelling.
• Cameras.
• Lighting and Special Effects.
• Environmental Modelling.
• Drawing Skills.
• Movement Studies.
• Surfaces and Textures.
• Showreel/Portfolio Creation.
• Sound Editing.
• Video Editing.
• Compositing.

After the course

Careers

Employment in relevant industries.

Continuing Study

Students who complete the HND may progress to:

• Abertay University (A30) - Computer Arts (GW42).
• University of Dundee (D65) - Animation (W280).
• Glasgow Caledonian University (G42) - 3D Animation and Visualisation (2E4W); Computer Games (Art and Animation) (GW4G); Computer Games (Design) (GWK2).
• University of the West of Scotland (U40) - Computer Animation Arts BSc Hons (GW48).
• University of Edinburgh (E56) - Animation (W615).