Ready for the NEXTGEN?
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Level 3 Diploma NEXTGEN: Games, Animation & VFX
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.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
Written by Industry. Delivered at a Centre of Excellence.
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.
Year 1 fundamental units
- Core Principles of Games Design
- Maths and Logic Fundamentals for GAVFX
- Art Fundamentals for GAVFX
- 3D Tools Creative and Technical 3D Modelling
- VFX Fundamental Skills for GAVFX
- Fundamental Animation Skills for GAVFX
- Fundamental Product Programming Skills
Year 2 specialisms
- Emerging Technologies or Trends in GAVFX
- Images and Sounds for Imagined Worlds
- Story and Playboarding
- Production Management for GAVFX
- Working in the GAVFX Industries
- Synoptic Project
- Case Study
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Entry requirements
- Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 5/C or above, MUST include Maths AND English Language/Literature
- GCSE IT or Computing is beneficial, as strong IT skills are essential and knowledge of coding helps
- A genuine interest in games, animation or VFX as a career
- Good time management, self-motivation, and independent study skills
- Successful interview with our team
NEXTGEN's entry bar is higher than most Level 3 diplomas because the course is academically stretching. Students without the required Maths and English grades should look at Level 2 or the general Level 3 first.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
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Careers it can lead to
- Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators £27,800 a year
- Artists £35,100 a year
- With further study or experience Graphic and Multimedia Designers £26,400 a year
- With further study or experience Web Design Professionals £34,100 a year
See all 5 careers
With further study or experience
- Programmers and Software Development Professionals £46,600 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Recently Upgraded Studios
NEXTGEN students work across our recently upgraded Digital Technologies studios, with industry-standard kit and software.
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State-of-the-Art Equipment
the studios were recently upgraded through a £1.5 million investment from Sheffield City Region.
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Modern high-tech computer labs
gaming chairs, LED lighting, industry-standard software.
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NextGen Skills Academy partnership
access to masterclasses, workshops, work placements and live industry briefs.
£1.5m Upgraded Studios · Industry Software · NextGen Partner
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.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
Qualifications That Count
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 listTutors With Real Experience
Our 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.
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.
See career optionsYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.