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Graphics, Games Design & Media

Whether you love capturing and editing video content, visual design or building your own video games, our media courses offer the perfect creative pathway for you. From graphic design and game design courses through to specialist production and digital media, whatever your passion, we can help you turn it into a career.

As one of the region's leading media college courses providers, students studying graphics, game design and media at our Warrington campus will benefit from our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy, equipped with the latest industry-standard equipment and software. You'll also have the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's top employers, including 10:10 Games, Liverpool Empire and many more!

Trips and visits

Our students have participated in a variety of exciting trips to locations including the Arcade Club, the Manchester Design Festival, EGX Rezzed, Manchester Comicon, and Bury Arcade Club. You may even have the opportunity to visit Alton Towers, or take part in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour!

I am

16-18 Years Old

Whether you dream of designing the next hit video game, becoming a professional graphic designer or creating engaging digital content for film and media, our media courses for school leavers can help turn your passion into a career. From graphic design and creative digital media to game design courses, you'll develop industry-relevant skills using the latest technology and software, guided by expert tutors.

As one of Warrington’s leading media college courses providers, our courses are designed to reflect real-world creative industries, preparing you for progression into higher education, apprenticeships or employment in fast-growing sectors such as games development, digital media, esports and the creative industries.

I am an

Adult Learner

As an adult student, you can take your media courses to the next level with one of our exciting HNC and HND courses. Whether you're interested in game design courses or broader creative media disciplines, these higher technical qualifications will prepare you for a career in these lucrative sectors. Take a look at what's on offer below!

I am a

Higher Education Learner

If you have previous experience within digital, media, game design or have previously studied media college courses such as digital media, gaming or a similar course, you may wish to improve your skills further with one of our HNC or HND media courses. These higher technical qualifications are designed to build upon your creativity and technical skills gained through your game design courses or wider creative studies, ensuring you are in the best possible position to progress onto university or into employment.

Media Courses - FAQs

What jobs can media courses lead to?

The creative and digital sectors have some incredible employment opportunities, which our courses aim to prepare students with the skills and experience to confidently enter the workforce. Job roles can include: Camera operative, content developer, video producer, editor, social media manager and more. 

What softwares are used in media courses?

Students have full access to innovative technology including virtual reality (VR), robotics, a motion-capture studio, green screen room with the latest DSLR cameras, virtual effects (VFX), Apple iMacs, cutting-edge PCs and the latest industry-standard software such as Adobe suite.

Meet our students

Domonic Evanson resized

Dominic, a former Weaverham High School pupil, chose to study Graphic Design & Illustration to pursue his ambition of becoming a graphic designer. The college’s industry-standard facilities and creative learning environment have helped him develop his skills and confidence, while support from tutors has enabled him to secure a place at Leeds Arts University, bringing him one step closer to his dream career. 

"The facilities gave me the opportunity to develop my skills using industry-standard software, and the tutors have always been friendly and supportive. Their guidance helped me secure a place at Leeds Arts University and take the next step towards becoming a graphic designer." 

Ruby Lou Young resized

Ruby-Lou originally chose to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College because of its access to modern, industry-standard equipment. Since joining, she has discovered that her favourite aspect of college life is the people. She describes both her tutors and peers as encouraging and approachable, helping to create an inclusive environment where students feel motivated to succeed and reach their full potential. 

"Before coming to college, I’d never used any creative software, but my tutors helped me learn loads of new skills and gave me the confidence to try things I’d never done before. I love that there are so many different ways to be creative, and every lesson feels like a chance to try something new." 

Marlena Games Design Student Headshot

When considering her next step after college, Marlena decided to complete a Higher National Certificate (HNC) rather than progressing directly to university. She is benefitting from being taught by a tutor she is familiar with and feels incredibly supported by, as well as having access to the same standard of equipment used by universities.

In the future, Marlena hopes to enter the thriving gaming sector, with dreams of becoming a Quality Assurance Tester. She feels as though the course is preparing her well for this, thanks to the excellent support she is receiving, the access to a range of high-quality equipment and resources she has, and the advanced software she gets to use.

“I’ve gained more confidence and motivation since starting my HNC course. My tutors are so supportive – Sam has been the most supportive tutor I’ve ever had.”

Leah Daniels Boyle resized

Having most enjoyed GCSE media while at school, Leah was inspired to continue her pursuit of becoming a world-class film producer, making creative & digital media at Warrington & Vale Royal College the perfect choice for her post-16 education! So far on her course, Leah has learned effective camera operation and has become a master at Premiere Pro, arming her with some of the most in-demand skills in the media sector. 

“What I enjoy most about studying at this college is the excellent facilities. The variety of equipment and software we get to use is really impressive, and I feel like having these skills on my CV will ensure I stand out when I come to start my career!" 

Alexander Conde resized

Having discovered an initial interest in games design at home, Alexander chose to study Games Design at Warrington & Vale Royal College after attending an Open Evening and realising that he could turn his passion into a future career. 

"The course has helped me discover what I want to do in the future and develop my skills in 3D modelling. The tutors are really supportive, and I'd 100% recommend both the course and the college to anyone interested in games design." 

Euan Kemp resized

Through his Level 3 course, Euan feels he has developed strong foundational skills and techniques essential for a career in graphic design. The course also enabled him to explore his own creative style, identifying personal favourite projects and software along the way. 

“Level 3 courses are rewarding qualifications, and they can lead you to just as many opportunities as A levels. Now, I feel very confident in my abilities, and I believe that I am ready to face new challenges in higher education.” 

Lucas Steele resized

Former Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School pupil Lucas chose Warrington & Vale Royal College because the course aligned with his passion for graphic design and digital art. Alongside his studies, Lucas is part of a go karting team and runs a small business designing and selling posters for fellow drivers and teammates, combining his passion for motorsport and photography while developing his graphic design skills! 

“The tutors on my course are incredibly supportive and always go the extra mile to help whenever I need guidance. They have encouraged me to work on projects beyond my college studies and have helped me to build a professional portfolio.” 

Daniel Thomas resized

Drawn by Warrington & Vale Royal College’s outstanding reputation, Daniel said he “didn’t think twice” about applying for the Level 3 Graphic & Illustration course. With ambitions of building a career in advertising design, he believes the course is the perfect stepping stone to help him achieve his goals. 

“One area I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about is typography, and I’m excited to use the skills and knowledge I’ve gained on this course as I progress to the next stage of my career. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone considering a future in graphic design.” 

Meet our tutors

Jayne Fox

Jayne Fox

Jayne Fox, Curriculum manager of our Creative Industries courses, is beyond passionate about the industry and dedicated to supporting students as they progress - whether to university or careers across the world. 

Jayne has spent the past 25 years working in both education and as a graphic designer, so she knows how powerful a creative education can be and can't wait to pass on her knowledge.

Sam Kidman Testimonial

Sam Kidman

Games Design Tutor Sam Kidman is really passionate about the video game industry and has a great deal of experience, having worked for TT games and even setting up his own games design company. Sam also achieved a BA (Hons) Games Art from the University of Bolton, before progressing onto an MA Games Development. Sam enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students and helping them reach their full potential.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see students turn their passion for video games into clear professional ambitions. Watching their growth in both skill and confidence is a real highlight, and I genuinely enjoy teaching groups of driven individuals while sharing my own passion for the industry.”​

Ellie Strowger Testimonial

Ellie Strowger

Graphics and Media Subject Leader Ellie Strowger has taught at the college for seven years and enjoys sharing her passion for graphic design with her students. In the past, Ellie has worked on various commercial graphic design projects from branding and corporate identity to packaging design. Ellie also takes up freelance design work alongside her teaching, ensuring she stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

Shannon Hamilton Headshot

Shannon Hamilton

Games Design lecturer Shannon Hamilton is an experienced industry professional, having worked in a variety of roles within the games sector, including Production, Quality Design, and Quality Assurance at several esteemed companies. Her broad expertise brings valuable insight and real-world context to the classroom.

She enjoys seeing her students' creative work come to life and watching their confidence grow throughout the course. She also takes great pride in teaching them how to use industry-standard software such as Maya and Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), helping them build the technical skills needed for a future career in games design.

Choosing a career based on Graphics, Games Design & Media Back to top

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