Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games Design

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Turn your passion for games into a career and become the person to create them. Step into the world of games design and start building the ideas, visuals and experiences that bring games to life. On this two-year course, you won’t just play games, you’ll design them. From characters and environments to gameplay and sound, you’ll explore how games are developed from concept through to final product. With the games industry continuing to grow as one of the most exciting and fast-moving creative sectors, this course is your starting point into a future where creativity meets technology.

Bring your ideas to life by designing your own characters, worlds and gameplay, exploring how games are built from concept to final product. You’ll explore what makes a game engaging, learning how to turn your ideas into playable experiences. Build your skills across both the creative and technical sides of games design. You’ll develop your technical skills, experimenting with 3D modelling and bringing your ideas to life using industry-standard game engines. You’ll also explore sound, storytelling and level design, developing a well-rounded understanding of how games are made. As you progress, you’ll begin to specialise, refine your skills and develop your own style as a game’s designer. You will develop skills in: • 2D art and concept design • Character and environment design • 3D modelling and asset creation • Game engines and interactive development • Sound production for games • Level design and gameplay development You’ll be supported by experienced creatives who will guide you as you grow your skills and confidence. You will also become adept at using the best in industry software such as: • 3DS Max • Unreal Engine 4 • Adobe Creative Suite You’ll also work on a range of creative projects and live briefs, helping you build a strong portfolio that showcases your ideas, creativity and technical ability. With creativity, confidence building, adaptability and storytelling at its core, the course prepares students for higher education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the lucrative games industries.

You will be assessed through multiple projects that will build your creative skills. You will develop and workshop ideas during group projects, presentations and written assignments, whilst also showcasing the skills you’ve learnt within practical production work. You’ll build an impressive portfolio throughout the course, with each project giving you the chance to experiment, refine your skills and create games that meet real industry standards. At the end of the course, you will also complete a Final Major Project. this is your opportunity to take creative control and develop a project you’re passionate about. You will be tasked with producing a standout piece of work that showcases your skills, ideas and readiness for the next step in your creative journey.

To study at Level 3, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, ideally including English and Maths. You will also be required to show a portfolio of work when you apply. In instances where little or no portfolio and/or performance experience is shown, we will guide you towards the best course to help you build your portfolio and develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at higher levels. This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success. Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships.

By the end of your course, you’ll be ready to take your next step into the games industry or continue your studies. This course opens the door to a range of career paths, including: • Games designer • 3D artist • Concept artist • Level designer • Game developer • Interactive media designer You can progress onto university, specialist games courses or apprenticeships, using the portfolio you’ve built to stand out in this competitive and fast-growing industry. A wide range of progression opportunities will be available to you, including moving on to university, starting a higher-level apprenticeship or stepping into an entry-level role within the creative industries. Many of our Level 3 learners have gone on to study or work within the gaming and wider media sector. -------------------------------------------- “After college, I’m aiming to go to Falmouth University, as it’s one of the top universities in the country for Games Design. I want to specialise further in programming and hopefully be part of an indie development team, working on video games independently.” - Alto, Level 3 Games Design