13th December 2018 CCI Facilities and Students

UCAS code

P3P2

Mode of Study

Full-time

Duration

2 years

Start date

September 2023

Creative Media and Technology HND

Overview

Want to work in a creative sector such as animation, games, or film?

Whether you’re already in further education or from an industry background looking to develop your skills, this 2-year Creative Media and Technology HND at Eastleigh College could be the perfect course for you.

You'll focus on both the creative and the technical side of digital and creative media, including 3D modelling for games and animation, video editing and post-production, programming, web design, concept art production, group project management, and business development. Plus you'll have opportunities to use modern game engines and other professional-standard software.

Digital entertainment is the third-fastest growing industry in Europe, with an increasing demand for creatives who have technical skills, such as CGI artists, 3D modellers and architectural visualisers. When you complete this course successfully, you can top up your HND to a Bachelor's degree or begin your career in the digital industry.

A modern building with decorative cladding and paved courtyard with seating, part of Eastleigh College

Eastleigh College

This course takes place at Eastleigh College.

While studying at Eastleigh College, you can access the University's student support services and community, including study support, the Students’ Union and our library's online resources.

Find out more about higher education courses at Eastleigh College in partnership with the University of Portsmouth on the Eastleigh College website.

Visit Eastleigh College

Entry requirements

HND Creative Media and Technology entry requirements

Typical offers
  • An A level in a computing, creative media or related subject;
  • T levels (Pass with D or E in the core), or equivalent qualification, (calculate your UCAS points); or
  • equivalent industry experience in a relevant field

You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

Selection process
  • Applicants will be invited to attend an interview, to which you should bring a portfolio of recent work.
  • This interview will include an admissions test.
English language requirements
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

What you'll experience

On this Creative Media and Technology HND course, you'll:

  • Be taught by teaching staff with professional experience and continued links to the digital sector, giving you industry insights and the most up-to-date digital skills
  • Learn practical and transferable skills in creative and critical thinking, team working, information management, project management and problem solving
  • Benefit from guest speakers sharing their experiences to give you a better understanding of the industry, and allowing you to make valuable contacts through networking
  • Take part in field trips that provide a wealth of working experiences including practical and logistical problems that reflect what you'll experience in the industry
  • Study at Eastleigh College

You'll have access to professional-standard equipment and resources, including:

  • The latest 3D modelling, graphics, animation and post-production software
  • Motion capture equipment
  • 3D printing facilities
  • Industry-standard game engines
  • Fully equipped and isolated computer labs where you can test networked and multiplayer games
  • Access to the HE common room, where you can relax with a coffee and work together with your peers

Careers and opportunities

When you finish this Creative Media and Technology HND course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.

What can you do with a Creative Media HND?

With a creative media HND, you could go onto work in areas such as:

  • game design
  • programming
  • web design
  • architectural visualisation
  • animation
  • production for film or TV

You could also continue your studies or set up a business with help and support from the University.

You'll have the opportunity to take an additional year to gain your Bachelor’s degree, which will further increase your employment prospects, and could lead to opportunities for further study at MSc or PhD level.

What jobs can you do with a Creative Media HND?

Job roles you could take on in your career include:

  • 3D modeller
  • animator
  • web designer
  • video editor
  • CGI artist
  • games programmer
  • architectural visualiser

What you'll study

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

Modules currently being studied

Core modules in this year include:

  • Audiovisual Production for Media – 20 credits
  • Concept Art – 20 credits
  • Foundations of 3D Graphics – 20 credits
  • Genre Analysis – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Programming – 20 credits
  • Team Development Project – 20 credits

There are no optional modules in this year.

Core modules in this year include:

  • Asset Production – 20 credits
  • Business Enterprise – 20 credits
  • Eportfolio – 20 credits
  • Intermediate Programming – 20 credits
  • Rapid Prototyping – 20 credits

Optional modules in this year include:

  • Animation – 20 credits
  • Architectural Visualisation – 20 credits

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Work experience and career planning

We can help you identify work experience opportunities that will complement your studies and build your portfolio. We'll support you in seeking work experience – whether for a summer or for 1 day a week for several weeks.

Local media and game studios regularly offer opportunities for both paid and voluntary work. Recent examples of work experience have included working with flight simulator artists and fire brigade training simulators.

Teaching

Teaching on this course includes:

  • practical demonstrations
  • experimentation
  • workshops
  • lectures
  • visits from guest speakers

Our teaching staff include people with the following experience:

  • 3D modelling for Verant Interactive on titles such as Everquest and Everquest 2
  • Over 10 years' experience teaching foundation degree 3D modelling
  • Freelance animation and website design
  • Freelance professional art
  • Professional photography and filmmaking
  • Programming and big data contract work with Lloyds Bank PLC

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

  • exam-based assessments
  • written reports
  • individual and group presentations or videos

We also provide elements of client-based assessment and exhibition-based assessment.

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

How you'll spend your time

On this course, as well as spending time in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and tutorials, you’ll do lots of independent study with support from our staff when you need it.

A typical week

 A typical week will normally consist of:

  • Practical research and skills practice with software
  • Group meetings and working
  • Photography, sketching and modelling
  • Sound and environmental sound recording
  • Reading

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to course events in the evenings and at weekends. 

 

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Extra learning support

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your HND might be less than what you're used in your previous studies, but you'll also get face-to-face support from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include the following people and services:

Personal tutor

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You’ll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

IT and computing support

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

Academic skills support

As well as support from staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK). ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Library support

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (September 2024 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £6,165 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU and International students – £17,900

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

There may be 2–3 voluntary visits and trips, which will cost around £30 a trip.

You'll need some art kit and materials. This will cost around £50 at the start of the course, then around £10 a year.

Some software subscriptions will be advantageous but not essential. These will cost around £20 per month.

Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.

Apply

You can apply for this course from May 2023.

In the meantime, you can sign up to an Open Day to:

  • tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

How to apply from outside the UK

See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

What skills and qualities do I need for this Creative Media and Technology HND?

As well as meeting the course entry requirements, it's useful if you're able to work with others, and have good organisational skills. Ideally you will have the creative ability to try new things, and can persevere until you get them right. Being able to set realistic goals and working to agreed timeframes is also helpful.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.