NPA Computer Games Development (Schools)
***PLEASE NOTE - only pupils who will be at school during session 2026/27 can apply for this course***
The NPAs in Computer Games Development at SCQF level 5 will introduce learners to the genres, trends and emerging technologies of the computer games industry. This award provides a foundation in techniques that are important to the sector, such as digital planning and design, creation of media assets, and development and testing - while also developing employability skills and Core Skills through enterprise activities.
Throughout this course you will design and develop ideas and media assets used in Computer Games Development.
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 1.40pm - 4.25pm at Falkirk
This course will run on Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm at Stirling
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
Content
This qualification covers core areas such as design, media assets and development. Coding is also an important part of this qualification. The award will improve learners' computational thinking skills - an area that is gaining recognition as a vital 21st century competence - and stimulate interest in computer science.
Entry requirements
Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:
- Basic computing knowledge and skills (Level 4 entry)
- Corresponding NPA award at lower level (Level 5 and 6 entry)
- Computing Science at National 4, National 5 or Higher
- Any appropriate grouping of National units
- Pupils without prior qualifications may be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge they have developed through the use of existing programmes that they have experimented with, experience of storytelling, gameplay etc. This can be explained through your personal statement.
More Info
Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to March 2025, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk