Advanced Diploma in Animation and Game Development
Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology
Key Information
Campus location
Belleville, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 16,337 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
Animators make movies, bring video games to life and help build apps. In this program, students can specialize in character animation, 2D/3D animation, gaming, visual effects, computer graphics, web design or mobile applications.
This program allows students to connect with their passion for playing video games and watching computer-generated media and animation by challenging students with cutting-edge development for a variety of mediums. Specialize in character animation, 2D/3D animation, game design and development, visual effects, motion graphics, Virtual Reality development, web design or mobile applications. Under the guidance of faculty with industry experience, students learn production-proven tactics for generating AAA-level content for Games, Film, Animation, and Visual Effects.
Please note: Students will receive an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Interactive Media Development – Animation & Game Development.
Turn Your Diploma into a Degree
Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. The following is a list of agreements that are currently in place. There are many more options, and new agreements are added annually.
- Algoma University – B.A.; B.B.A.; B.Sc.; Bach. Computer Science
- Brock University – various*
- Davenport University – B.A. Computer Information Systems – Computer Gaming and Simulation; B.A. Technology Management – Global IT Project Management
- Griffith University – Bachelor of Digital Media or Bachelor of Multimedia
- Institute of Technology Tralee – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design (Year 4)
- Lakehead University – various*
- Laurentian University – various*
- Laurier Brantford – any honours program
- Limerick Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Games Design and Development (Year 4)
- Nipissing University – various*
- Queen's University – various*
- Ryerson University – various*
- Seneca College – Bach. Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ontario Tech University – Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours), Game Development and Entrepreneurship; B.A. Adult Education and Digital Technology; Commerce Bridge
- University of Waterloo – various*
- University of Windsor – various*
- Western University – various*
- Wilfrid Laurier University – various*
- York University – various*
*Various potential degree pathways. Please confirm details with the receiving institution.
York University's Consecutive Bachelor of Education in Technological Education
Eligible Animation diploma graduates have the opportunity to enter York University's Consecutive Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Technological Education program.
Post-Grad at Loyalist
- Earn a double diploma in another College program, in as little as two semesters
- Specialize with a post-graduate certificate in Public Relations – Event Management
Experiential Learning
Gain a competitive edge in the job market with instruction in the entire range of the production process. Develop hands-on skills in our cutting-edge facilities featuring:
- The latest workstations and editing systems.
- A motion capture system.
- Leading industry software including Maya, Unreal 4 and the Adobe Master Suite.
- Tailor your studies in third year with independent production courses and a choice of streams in animation, visual effects or gaming.
- Get valuable on-the-job experience during a real-world placement.
- You will finish the program with professional practices and job search skills, as well as an impressive portfolio of work.
Ideal Students
Is It for You?
Students come to this program from artistic or technical backgrounds. What they have in common are:
- Artistic ability
- A vivid imagination
- Computer literacy
- A strong work ethic
Admissions
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
- Animation 1
- Audio/Video 1
- Communications 1
- Digital Imagery
- Game 1
- Production Design 1
- Project Management 1
- Web Authoring 1
- General Education Elective
First Year - Semester Two
- Animation 2
- Communications 2
- Game 2
- Production Design 2
- Programming 1
- Project Management 2
- Web Authoring 2
- General Education Elective
Second Year - Semester Three
- Animation 3
- Audio/ Video 2
- Digital Compositing
- Game 3
- New Media Production 1
- Production Design 3
- Programming 2
- Web Authoring 3
Second Year - Semester Four
- Animation 4
- Character Design 1
- Game 4
- New Media Production 2
- Production Design 4
- Web Authoring 4
- General Education Elective
Third Year - Semester Five
- Animation 5
- Communications 3
- Independent Production 1
- Production Design 5
Third Year - Semester Five (Elective Group 1 )
- Animation Master
- Game Master
- Web Master
Notes
Select 1 course from above
Third Year - Semester Six
- Character Design 2
- Field Placement
- Field Placement Preparation
- Independent Production 2
- New Media Production 3
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Find Your Career
You could work in 2D and 3D computer animation, game design, game content creation, visual effects or web design and development.
- Positions include computer animators, CGI artists in the entertainment or game industry, media content providers, and web designers and developers.
- There is increasing demand for 3D artists in the architectural and industrial fields.
- Entry-level salaries in these industries vary from $35,000 to $39,999.* Senior animators and supervisors can earn $100,000 and higher.
- Entrepreneurship and communications training also prepares students for freelance work.
*Source: Employment Profile Provincial Report, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Our Grads Get Great Jobs
- Technical Director, Nelvana
- 3D Artist, Jellyfish Pictures
- Compositor, Prime Focus Productions
- Game Development, Funcom
- 3D Artist, Arc Productions
- Mobile App Developer, BlackBerry Ltd.