Computer Games Foundation Degree FAQ's
What is Skillset's role in Foundation Degrees?
Skillset has a key role to play in the development of Foundation Degrees by providing valuable skills and labour market intelligence. We also develop and maintain the national occupational standards that underpin vocational qualifications. We are therefore uniquely placed to work with higher education to develop Foundation Degrees that are relevant to industry needs.
For more information about the role of Skillset in developing high–quality Foundation Degrees for the audio visual industries click here
I'm developing a new Foundation Degree in Computer Games, what advice and guidance can Skillset give me?
Skillset has produced a Framework to guide the design and delivery of Foundation Degrees in the Computer Games Sector. This has been developed with input from employers in the games industry and from those already offering a foundation degree in this area. The purpose of the Framework is to offer guidance to Universities and Colleges wanting to develop FD programmes matched to the games industry's current and future skills needs, delivered within the wider educational context.
The Framework sets out industry skills requirements, pointers on what should be covered in the course, how to use the National Occupational Standards to inform curriculum design, information about work–based learning and the modes of study preferred by employers.
To download the Framework click the 
Computer Games Foundation Degree Framework
How do I use Skillset's Framework for Foundation Degrees in Computer Games?
The Framework will help you to address the following key issues to be considered in the development of your FD:
- Is there a market for your Foundation Degree?
- Have you identified a local skills gap?
- Have you got employers involved
- Do you have the necessary resources to run the foundation degree?
It also includes links to best–practice case studies, particularly regarding work–based learning and employer engagement.
Are there any other benefits to using the Framework?
You can use the Skillset Alignment Document to map your Foundation Degree to the Framework and submit it to Skillset. Successful alignment means you'll receive a statement of support from Skillset, as well as advanced information about industry developments and master classes.
We are already running a Foundation Degree in Computer Games, is the Framework of any use to us?
Yes. For example, if the Foundation Degree is about to be revalidated, you can map your existing course to the Framework and identify any changes that might be needed to bring course content in line with current industry needs. You can then go through the process of alignment detailed in the above answer.
You can map existing courses and make changes if necessary, providing they don't jeopardise the original, validated programme. You can then go through the process of alignment. Or, you can use the Framework to help convert an existing, successful HND programme to a Foundation Degree and go through the process of alignment.
Where can I find information about work–based learning?
The Framework includes a section on work–based learning and there are case studies of existing, successful Foundation Degrees that take an innovative approach to work–based learning on the Skillset website, for info click here
Where can I get help on employer engagement?
Employer involvement is crucial from the outset and they should be consulted during the design, delivery and assessment of Foundation Degrees. We strongly advise you to develop a strategy for employer engagement so that when you speak to employers you can be clear about your objectives. The Framework contains advice drawn from our research with employers that may help inform your strategy.
Where do I find the National Occupational Standards for Computer Games and how do I use them in the design of a Foundation Degree?
We advise you to use the Computer Games National Occupational Standards to help the design of course modules. We don't intend to prescribe curriculum design, after all that is the domain of the course provider, but the NOS have been developed with employers so they are useful as a tool to influence course content. You can find the Standards at http://www.skillset.org/standards/standards/IM/
What other guidance is available on developing Foundation Degrees?
Skillset's Foundation Degree Framework is designed to be used in conjunction with the Foundation Degree Guidance Document produced by Foundation Degree Forward.
For more any more information and guidance regarding Computer Games Foundation Degree's please contact saraha@skillset.org
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