Game Development - Game Programming and Design

Still image of video game character.

Start Date:
September
Typical Length:
2 Years
Credential:
Diploma
  • Overview
  • Locations & availability
  • Admission requirements
  • Tuition
  • Career & future study

Overview

The Game Programming and Design concentration is a second-year option of the Game Development diploma program. You start this concentration in the second term of your first year.

This concentration focuses primarily on game programming. Games require interaction within an immersive environment that can take many forms – from pure entertainment, to medical and military simulations, to training initiatives.

In this concentration, you learn to apply artistic, technical and problem-solving skills, as well as critical thinking and logic, to develop games using the Unity game engine, C# programming language, and JavaScript/HTML 5. You work individually and in groups, to design and develop game prototypes and manage the challenges of the game development cycle for multiple platforms, including web and mobile. You also learn to use object-oriented programming techniques, pre-production design and algorithm designs to develop engaging game content.

Choose NSCC

  • You learn in a studio environment that reflects industry practice and uses of current technology and software.
  • You gain valuable experience working on a major project through all phases – from requirements to conceptualization, design, prototyping, development, testing and delivery.
  • Small class sizes and instructors with diverse skill sets and industry experience, provide one-on-one interaction in a collaborative environment.
  • Throughout the program, industry experts and guest speakers are brought into the classroom to deliver specialized training.

2022-23 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

September 2022

Campus Location Full time/part time Delivery
Truro Campus Truro Full time In-class In-classDelivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.

Admission requirements

  • Successful completion of Game Development – Year 1 or advanced standing.
  • Advanced standing – To be considered, you must apply to and meet the admission requirements for the Game Development program. Advanced standing is based on academic credits (certificate/diploma/degree) completed from a recognized public institution within the past ten years that meet the academic requirements of the full first year of the program. Advanced standing is subject to seat availability.

Program requirements

  • Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

2022-23 tuition will be announced in the late Spring once approved by the government of Nova Scotia. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional. Amounts below were for the 2021-22 academic year.

Tuition (Domestic):

$3,620

Tuition (International):

$11,690

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

  • Game Development - Year 1
  • Game Development - Game Programming and Design - Year 2

Career options

Job titles may include:

  • Junior game designer, level designer or quality assurance tester
  • Game studios, indie game studios, mobile game development
  • Online IT and web assets
  • Self-employment freelance: work as independent contractor or sub-contractor in the field
  • Scientific and serious games: military, medical, educational, simulations, architectural, industrial visualization, 3D prototyping and product development
  • 3D modellers work alongside developers, helping to create better in-game experience
  • Digital, design, television, interactive and video game industries
  • Game programmer, software engineer, game designer, Unity developer, level designer, UI designer, C# developer

Future study options

  • Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more

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