HNC/HND Computer Games Development

Higher National qualifications have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry ¿ so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.

The HNC award will prepare learners for employment as a tester, level designer or intern within the computer games industry or a junior software developer role within the IT industry generally. It will develop learners' ability to work collaboratively on interactive media projects and an awareness of current professional practices and technologies relevant to the computer games industry.

In addition, the second year of the HND will enhance employability through engagement with National Occupational Standards and develop a range of specialist knowledge and skills that reflects recent, in-demand skills in multiplatform applications development. Learners will develop an awareness of entrepreneurship and the requirements for establishing a client base for independent work.

The qualification will allow centres to maintain an up-to-date qualification within the ever-changing and volatile employment market. There is a range of optional units which provides a flexible and relevant curriculum to allow diverse occupational destinations within the creative and digital industries.

The unit-based structure supports flexibility. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

The HNC and HND Computer Games Development are suitable for a wide range of learners including:

• school leavers
• adult returners to education
• individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre.

For entry to the Higher National Certificate, learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

• passes in two relevant subjects at SCQF level 6 (Higher), one of which should be Maths, Computing, or Physics together with at least three relevant subjects at National 5, one of which must be English
• relevant work experience which has involved a significant amount of coding in a high-level language
• a related National Certificate at SCQF level 6 to include Mathematics units, problem solving, English and numeracy skills
• a National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 5 or 6 in Games Development or Digital Media together with one other subject at SCQF level 6 (Higher) and Maths and English at National 5

Progression and employment

Learners who achieve the HNC Computer Games Development will have opportunities to progress to the HND Computer Games Development. Learners who achieve the HND award will have opportunities to progress to higher education in the relevant fields.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Both Computer Games Development: Graded Unit 1 and Graded Unit 2 are project based.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment support packs will be available for the qualifications.