This short, introductory qualification is designed to teach you how to write computer games. It is available at three levels: SCQF level 4 (National 4), SCQF level 5 (National 5) and SCQF level 6 (Higher).
Each level consists of three topics: media assets, design and development. The media assets part of the award focuses on finding and capturing digital media that could be used within a game, such as sounds, images and videos, and customising these assets to fit into a game. The design part of the award focuses on creating a plan for the development of a computer game. The development part of the award focuses on writing code to actually produce the game.
During the award, you will gain a variety of knowledge and skills including the following.
- What media assets are available and how to capture them
- What makes a good game
- How to modify media assets for your game
- How to program a computer game
- How to design a good game
- How to test a game
The games that you are expected to produce will depend on the level. At the lowest level, the games will be simple; at the highest level they will be quite complex. Although you will be expected to write code, the media side is equally important since a good game comprises more than good code.
The award is assessed by a practical task that will require you to actually create a computer game. You are required to do this by yourself but you will learn in a collaborative way, along with other learners.
At the completion of the qualification you could do a higher level (of the same qualification) or progress to different qualifications in this area such as an HNC or HND or a degree course.
