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: September 2025
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 4th October 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