Middlesbrough College
Course Teachers
Lex Notman, Curriculum Team Leader
Middlesbrough college's Creative Media and Games department is managed by curriculum team leader Lex Notman. Lex has over 15 years teaching experience, predominantly in Computing subjects and has been line manager of various curriculum teams for 12 years. As team leader for Middlesbrough's Creative media and Games since 2015, one of her main responsibilities is to ensure high assessment and quality standards across all course levels.
Barry Hindmarsh, Course Co-ordinator
Hi, I’m Barry and I have been working on different aspects of Games Development through teaching for 5 years. I started back in 2010 as a student in Games Deign at Middlesbrough College, I then went on to study Computer Games Art at Teesside University before returning to Middlesbrough College as a lecturer. I also have a master’s in games development.
My main skillset is 3D modelling and Games Design and I spend most of my development time using software such as 3DS Max, Blender, Unreal Engine 4, Mixer and Substance Painter but I also know a little bit of programming in C++ and Python.
I’ve enjoyed gaming all my life since my first ZX Spectrum back in the 80’s and every generation of gaming platform since. My favourite games if I had to choose would be Bioshock, God of War, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic & Uncharted; I like all games but love a good narrative driven game.
Franck Dhotel, 3D Art and Games Tutor
Franck Dhotel is a 3D Art and game engines specialist with a wealth of experience in games, animation and VFX giving him a great insight into how the many disciplines and teams work and communicate together. With 5 years’ experience managing his own VFX and Animation studio and 10 years teaching games, animation and VFX he has successfully facilitated and trained students who went onto taking roles with companies such as Ubisoft Reflections, Creative Assembly, Rockstar North or more local such as Coatsink, Spearhead Interactive, ZeroLight and more. Franck is a complete 3D artist and design professional with a solid technical understanding.
About the Course
The Games, Animation and VFX sectors are academically stretching but vocationally focused. The NextGen / AIM Qualifications Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills teaches the fundamental up-to-date skills and knowledge identified by employers as necessary to succeed in these industries.
Industry engagement is the foundation of the NextGen course, it is written and overseen by world leading Games, Animation and VFX studios. The curriculum has been created and is updated by these employers to meet their current and future industry skills needs. Students learn directly from industry through inspiring masterclasses with professionals, industry set tasks and work experience, special events, and through real industry feedback on their project work.
NextGen students have access to a comprehensive library of online masterclasses, as well as using, learning, and mastering industry standard software. The course prepares learners with the knowledge, technical, and soft skills needed to excel in the next stage of their career path and is the tried and tested route of getting into the creative skills pipeline.
Progression routes
Knowing they have the sought-after skills and knowledge these dynamic industries demand, graduating students of the NextGen AIM Extended Diploma go on to Higher Education, Industry Apprenticeships, or Employment.
Course duration
2 years - Full Time