Diploma in Advanced Game Design

Overview

Don’t let the word “game” fool you. The gaming industry is the largest, fastest-growing media industry in the world. It’s bigger than Hollywood, and it dwarfs the music business, making more than $138 billion in 2018, a 13% increase over the previous year (Newzoo’s Global Games Market Report 2018).

As a student in the Advanced Game Design program, you’ll experience the entire game development cycle—from creating concept art and UI & UX for games to coding for artificial intelligence (non-player character behavior) and virtual reality gaming experiences. Develop specialized skills that prepare you for cutting-edge careers in one of the most vibrant, multifaceted, and expansive industries ever. Your industry instructors will give you the skills, training and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in exciting careers in game design, concept art, UI/UX design, animation, technical art, and emerging technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality.

Program options

Our entertainment arts programs are designed to equip you with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the vibrant and growing entertainment arts industry.

The curriculum

Continuing Studies Diplomas are two-year, full-time programs designed to give graduates the skills and abilities they need to immediately enter the animation, VFX, and game design job markets, and to succeed in their careers. The program consists of 24 required courses over six 15-week terms. Most courses have three hours of lecture and two hours of lab each week. Additional studio lab time is also provided to complete assignments and projects.

International students

International graduates who successfully finish their program are eligible to apply for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Admissions

Entrance requirements are based on the following criteria:

• Applicants must have completed B.C. Grade 12 (or equivalent) or must be at least 19 years old at time of program start
• An intermediate to advanced level foundation in traditional art and/or game design, or a strong proficiency in computer graphics or computer programming
• A portfolio of 15-20 of their best pieces of work (e.g., sketches, renderings, design variations, etc.) in either digital or hardcopy format. The portfolio should showcase the student’s proficiency, creativity, artistic range, and/or technical ability in collaboration while reflecting one’s own artistic interests and identity. Ideal portfolios will reflect a broad range of influences, styles and subject matter.

Demonstrated English language proficiency, with one of the following:

• IELTS 6.5
• TOEFL (Internet-based) with a total score of 80 or higher and a minimum of 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 19 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing
• LPI (Language Proficiency Index) Level 4 with essay 24
• ELA (English Language Assessment for VCC) 145
• LET (Langara English Test) Level 2
• Successful completion of LEAP Level 8 with a minimum of 70%
• Successful completion of B.C. Grade 12 English or Communications or equivalent with a minimum of 70%
• Successful completion of a post-secondary English or Communications course for which Langara College awards transfer credit with a minimum of 70% or B-
• IB English A1 or A2 (HL or SL) with a score of 4
• Advanced Placement:
  • English Language and Composition with score of 3
  • English Literature and Composition with score of 3

*Please note that students who have not completed Grade 12 or equivalent may still apply to this program, but must be 19 years or older.

Career opportunities in 3D animation

Graduates will be prepared for many positions in the film and animation industry including:

• 3D Character Artist
• 3D Environment Modeler
• Character Concept Artist
• Environment Concept Artist
• Game/Level Designer
• Gameplay Programmer
• Systems Programmer
• Tools Programmer
• UX/UI Designer
• Texture Artist

Graduates who earn their Advanced Game Design diploma will have the opportunity to transfer to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to continue their studies. The Academy offers fully accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 40 areas of study.

“I graduated with a pretty extensive portfolio, which made it easier to apply for jobs. I picked up a lot of texturing techniques in my 3D environment modeling class and got a good foundation from the portrait painting class, and I learned the fundamentals of design for visual development of mobile games. I definitely would recommend the Game Design program. It has made a difference in my career.”— Duy Nguyen, MFA ’15Associate 3D Character Artist, Riot Games