Level 3 Diploma · AIM Qualifications · Full-Time · 2 Years
An award-winning two-year Level 3 developed with the biggest studios in games, animation and VFX. You'll build technical, artistic and programming skills, work on live industry briefs, and access masterclasses, workshops and work placements through the NextGen Skills Academy. By the end of year two you'll have a specialist portfolio, real industry experience, and a route into Higher Education, apprenticeships or the sector itself.
Written with Framestore, DNEG, Ubisoft, Playground Games, Sumo Digital, Sony Interactive Entertainment and more.
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NEXTGEN was written by industry: Framestore, DNEG, Blue Zoo, Sold Out, Centroid Motion Capture, Creative Assembly, Ubisoft, Playground Games, Sumo Digital, The Mill, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. They oversee and update the course content to meet current industry skill requirements. Doncaster College is recognised as a NextGen Centre of Excellence.
Year one builds the fundamentals: core principles of games design, maths and logic for GAVFX, art fundamentals, 3D tools and 3D modelling, VFX fundamental skills, animation, and product programming. Year two goes specialist: emerging technologies and trends, images and sounds for imagined worlds, story and playboarding, production management, working in the industry, plus a synoptic project and case study. Throughout, you’ll access masterclasses, workshops, work placements and live industry briefs, and build a specialist portfolio ready for HE, apprenticeships or industry.
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Individual and group presentations to build your confidence and communication skills.
Build a portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements throughout the course.
Graphic and multimedia designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects, 3D models […]
Web design professionals design, develop and maintain websites and web and mobile applications to meet a client’s specified requirements.
Programmers and software development professionals design, develop, test, implement and maintain software systems on a range of platforms in order to meet the specifications and business objectives of the information […]
Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras, operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial […]
Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.
NEXTGEN students work across our recently upgraded Digital Technologies studios, with industry-standard kit and software.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
the studios were recently upgraded through a £1.5 million investment from Sheffield City Region.
Modern high-tech computer labs
gaming chairs, LED lighting, industry-standard software.
NextGen Skills Academy partnership
access to masterclasses, workshops, work placements and live industry briefs.
Student Voice
Studying here has been amazing. We get to use Adobe software, I’ve improved my time management and organisational skills, made new friends, worked on fun projects, and now I’m thinking about either getting an apprenticeship or going to uni.
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listOur tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsLevel
Level 3
Duration
2 Years
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
AIM Qualifications
Entry
5 GCSEs Grade 5/C+ including Maths and English
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Presentations + Portfolio
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: L3 NEXTGEN (2 years) → Higher Education, industry apprenticeship, or industry employment
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk