Games Design and Development FdA

Course may be subject to change and programme is subject to validation.<br/><br/>Foundation Degree (FdA) Games Design and Development:<br/>The Foundation Degree (FdA) Games Design and Development at New College Durham is a full-time, on-site programme designed to prepare students for a career in the games and creative digital industries. The course blends creative and technical practice through studio-based learning, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and professional behaviours required to work in modern games development environments.<br/><br/>What you will study:<br/>Students develop practical games design and development skills through collaborative, project-led work that mirrors industry workflows. Learning focuses on hands-on production, iterative development, critique, playtesting, and portfolio building, supported by access to specialist facilities and industry-standard tools and software. <br/><br/>How you will learn:<br/>Delivery is designed around an on-site studio culture, supporting teamwork, communication, and real-time problem solving. Students benefit from direct tutor access, technical support, and structured opportunities to develop professional practice in a way that reflects how games studios operate. <br/><br/>Industry relevance and progression:<br/>The programme is informed by regional and national employer engagement and supports progression from existing Level 2 and Level 3 Games pathways at New College Durham. The course is designed to support progression into employment, higher or degree apprenticeships, and top-up degree routes, helping retain talent locally while preparing students for the wider games industry.<br/><br/>Who this course is for:<br/>This programme is ideal for students who want a practical, vocational route into games design and development, with a strong focus on collaborative production and creating a portfolio of work that demonstrates their creative and technical strengths.