AIM Level 3 Diploma Games, Animation and VFX Skills 
        Key Facts
 Awarding Body: AIM Qualications 
Level: 3 
Attendance: Full Time (FT) 
Duration: 2 Years 
Course Code: HFH0061 
Start Date: August 2026 
Location: Loughborough College 
Code: HFH0061 
Please note, course costs shown are per year.
     NextGen Skills Academy (or NextGen for short) is an organisation set 
up by Government and the Games, Animation and VFX industries to directly address 
skills gaps and shortages in these sectors.
These are fast-moving industries, so NextGen collaborates with industry 
experts to make sure their vocational qualifications for young people are up to 
date and relevant. They do this through working with an Employer Steering Group 
and Further Education to support delivery of a Level 3 Extended Diploma in 
Games, Animation and VFX Skills, accredited by AIM Awards. Their collaboration 
with AIM Awards has ensured that assessment methodology is aligned to industry 
standards and practice. This joined up approach has also produced two VFX 
Apprenticeship standards with a Games standard currently in development, which 
would be ideal progression routes for graduating NextGen 
students.
 NextGen hold an inaugural showcase of graduate students’ work. Attended by 
employers from world renowned games design, animation and VFX studios. 

   The Games, Animation and VFX sectors are academically stretching but 
vocationally focused, which is why employers supported the creation of NextGen 
and continue to work closely with them. The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, 
Animation and VFX Skills embodies the fundamental skills and knowledge 
identified as necessary for employment in these industries. It was developed in 
2015 by NextGen with industry collaboration from Sony Interactive Entertainment 
Europe, Microsoft, Ubisoft Reflections, The Imaginarium, Blue Zoo, Framestore, 
Double Negative, Centroid and MPC. NextGen are always expanding and have since 
added Creative Assembly and Playground Games to their roster of supporters.
   The entry requirement is 5 GCSE including Maths and English at grade 4 and 
above or their BTEC Level 2 in Media / Games including their Maths and English. 
  - Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths,or 
  
- BTEC Level 2 in Media/Games including English and Maths at C/4 or 
  equivalent.
 All NextGen courses are practical, applied and relevant, and they include 
real-world challenges and feedback from industry. NextGen students become the 
next generation of creators, whether their next steps are in to an 
apprenticeship or vocational higher education they have a solid base of 
technical skills allied to practical teamwork, communication and iteration 
experience.
   94%
 of learners said the College campus provides a safe environment
  90%
 of learners said staff valued students views and opinions about their study programme
           Next Open Day
   Saturday 8th November 2025
 It's great to read about a college and what it has to offer, but there's really no substitute for experiencing it at an open day.
 - Talk to tutors about our courses
- Take a tour of the college's facilities and accommodation
- Get advice on the application process
- Learn what it's like to be a Loughborough College student