What will I learn?

Course may be subject to change and programme is subject to validation.Foundation Degree (FdA) Games Design and Development: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.What you will study: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. How you will learn: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. Industry relevance and progression: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.Who this course is for: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.