Sunderland College seeks future Oscar and Bafta award-winners as it premieres new course
Sunderland College will ensure that breaking into the creative sector will become more of a reality than ever before for students in the region.
Launching in September, the newly created NextGen Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills – comparable to three A Levels – is a vocational course, which will provide the skills and experience young people need to start a career in these entertainment industries.
From creating visual effects for the latest TV or movie blockbuster to developing the next videogame sensation, students will be given all the tools they need to become the next generation of makers.
“We’re delighted to be one of the first colleges in England and the only college in the North East to offer this new two-year course,” said Mike Jaques, curriculum leader for visual arts at Sunderland College. “Designed by some of the best in the business, including Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft Reflections, Double Negative and Framestore, in collaboration with educators, this course ensures young people are industry ready with the right skills and knowledge for the workplace.”
The NextGen Skills Academy, a pioneering organisation backed by both government and industry investment, has developed the course with its partner awarding organisation AIM Awards and it is designed to replicate real-world working environments in the entertainment industry, with a progression into relevant apprenticeships and higher education courses in mind. To achieve this, students will have unprecedented access to mentors and industry briefs from a group of leading companies in the sector
Students will study in the college’s state-of-the-art visual and performing arts building in the purpose-built NextGen studio which will feature professional work stations with industry standard software, along with a twelve foot cinema screen, cinema projector, 7.1 surround sound and conference facilities.
Mike added: “NextGen provides a unique opportunity to ensure learners in the North East are given the right skills and knowledge for the computer games, animation and VFX industries. These industries, along with the IT and digital sector, is forecast for significant growth in the North East in the coming years, and Sunderland College is dedicated to helping meet the skills demand in this area.
“A whole new suite of facilities with the latest technology will be available to students, helping them to develop the skills they need to apply for higher education courses or apprenticeships.”
For young people with a passion for creativity and entertainment, the NextGen Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills can be the first leap to a life working in one of the most dynamic and exciting sectors possible. Students wishing to join the course will need GSCE grades A-C in English and Maths. They can find out more by visiting www.nextgenskillsacademy.com/students
In addition to the extended diploma, NextGen is supporting industry partners in the creation of four higher apprenticeships, including two roles in games, and two roles in VFX. The games apprenticeships are quality assurance technician, led by Rebellion, and community coordinator, led by Ubisoft. The two VFX apprenticeships are junior 2D artist, led by Double Negative, and assistant technical director, led by Framestore. These apprenticeships are expected to be available to young people later in 2015.
A higher apprenticeship offers a work-based learning programme, which combines on the job training with study, allowing employers to create a highly skilled workforce that is ready to meet the future demands of their businesses.
Key facts:
- The course launches this September and will be comparable to three A-Levels
- Students will be post-GCSE and will need GCSEs in English and Maths with grades A-C
- Further information can be found at www.nextgenskillsacademy.com/students
- NextGen – Sunderland College lecturer Matty McGrory and visual arts curriculum leader Mike Jaques in the college’s new NextGen studio
- War Horse – Motion capture poignant scene with War Horse. Photo credit: The Imaginarium
- Ubisoft Reflections – A member of Ubisoft Reflections staff works on Assassin’s Creed. Photo credit: Ubisoft Reflections
- Centroid – Motion capture man and woman close up. Photo credit: Centroid
- Centroid2 – Motion capture. Photo credit: Centroid
About NextGen Skills Academy
NextGen Skills Academy is a government-funded organisation established in 2014 in order to respond to a review that showed a gap in the education system when it came to providing crucial skills needed in the games, animation and VFX industries. NextGen is committed to working closely with these industries to develop qualifications, apprenticeships and short courses that will ensure their future growth and success.
About Sunderland College
Sunderland College offers one of the region’s largest range of school leaver, adult and higher education courses, as well as programmes for international students. The college has strong links with businesses, both regionally and nationally, and offers a range of employer-focused courses, including apprenticeships and bespoke training programmes.
Sunderland College has four main campuses, including three in the city and one in Washington, and teaches more than 18,000 students each year. The college has held a 99 per cent pass rate for the past six years and has been awarded the matrix Standard, the national quality mark for advice and guidance, four times in a row.
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