NC Computer Games Development SCQF levels 5 and 6
NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5 (GP0L 45) has entered its lapsing period and will finish on 31/07/2025
National Certificates (NCs) are practical qualifications designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills (including core skills) required for further study or to gain employment.
The NC in Computer Games Development is available at SCQF levels 5 and 6. This award is a revision of the original NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5, which was first introduced in 2011. This award is also a revision of the NC Computer Games: Creative Development and NC Computer Games: Software Development, at SCQF level 6.
Knowledge and skills gained by undertaking this qualification not only (indirectly) lead to employment in this growing sector, but also provide a range of vocational skills and life skills, such as computer programming and problem-solving skills. The qualification would also improve learners' computational thinking skills, a competence which is increasingly recognised as vital in the 21st century. It is particularly suitable for learners who wish to progress to a Higher National Certificate (HNC)/Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Games Development.
Qualification structure
Group Award Specification (818 KB)
NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5
Group Award code: GP0L 45 (72 SCQF credit points) (Finish date 31/07/2026)
SCQF level: 5
The National Certificate in Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5 consists of six mandatory unit(s) (36 SCQF credit points) and six optional units (36 SCQF credit points).
NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 6
Group Award code: GP0M 46 (72 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 6
The National Certificate in Computer Games Development at SCQF level 6 consists of four mandatory unit(s) (24 SCQF credit points); one project unit (12 SCQF credit points) and six optional units (36 SCQF credit points).
How to assess
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.
Assessment of this NC is through a series of theoretical and practical assessments or tasks. Some assessments will be carried out under supervised open-book conditions.
Assessment support packs (ASPs) will be available for selected units and will be found on SQA's secure website.
There are opportunities to combine the delivery and assessment of various units. Full details of approaches to delivery and assessment are given in the group award specification.
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Why study this qualification
This NC is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- learners looking to progress to an HNC/HND
- migrants to the UK
- learners who may wish to progress to a Modern Apprenticeship in this field
- candidates who are seeking national recognition of their achievements
- learners who want to study at a pace and style that they determine
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although knowledge of basic computing skills would be an advantage.
Examples of formal entry qualifications include:
- a corresponding NPA award in Computer Games Development
- Computing Science at National 4, National 5 or Higher
- any appropriate grouping of vocational units
The National Certificate at SCQF level 5 can be undertaken without previous experience of computer games development. However, it is recommended that learners have some prior knowledge and experience of computer games development before attempting the National Certificate at SCQF level 6. The ideal entry to Level 6 would be the corresponding Level 5 award.
Employment and progression
The NC in Computer Games Development may provide progression opportunities to:
- an NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 6 (for those undertaking level 5)
- an HNC/HND in Computer Games Development, or other related area
- a Modern Apprenticeship in IT and Telecommunications at SCQF level 6/7
- employment in the computer games and creative industries sectors
Qualification structure
Group Award Specification (818 KB)
NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5
Group Award code: GP0L 45 (72 SCQF credit points) (Finish date 31/07/2026)
SCQF level: 5
The National Certificate in Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5 consists of six mandatory unit(s) (36 SCQF credit points) and six optional units (36 SCQF credit points).
NC Computer Games Development at SCQF level 6
Group Award code: GP0M 46 (72 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 6
The National Certificate in Computer Games Development at SCQF level 6 consists of four mandatory unit(s) (24 SCQF credit points); one project unit (12 SCQF credit points) and six optional units (36 SCQF credit points).