Throughout the year, the Higher Certificate Programme equips students with the fundamental design skills necessary to progress in any design discipline. But the final twelve weeks of the programme specifically allows students to complete elective projects from a range of disciplines such as multimedia design, 3D animation, game design and development.

• Design Thinking and the Design Process  
• The Design Elements and Principles  
• Visual Communication Methods, Tools and Techniques  
• Software for game design  
• Freelance Working Environment  
• Workplace Readiness    

Business in the Game Industry  

In this module, students will be introduced to the business side of the game industry.  

The module will cover the following topics:  

• Overview of the gaming industry  
• The Indie developer  

Lighting and Cinematic Colour Theory  

The student will be introduced to the theory of light and how to use it with cinematic principles. Following this the student will learn how to apply these principles in the Unity game engine This module will cover the following:  

• Basic properties of Light (Reflection, Refraction, Diffusion),   
• Attenuation,   
• Colour balancing.   
• Cinematic lighting setups,   
• colour as focal point and contrast,   
• telling story with light.    
• Cinematic colour theory: cool/warm colours, emotion of colour, colour as focal point, colour for depth.   
• Creating lights in Unity for game environments.  

Creating Game Assets  

This module will introduce the student to the process of creating their own game assets.

The following topics are covered in this module:  

• Basic modelling techniques and Principles using Maya or 3DsMax
• Sculpting details using Autodesk Mudbox and Pixologic ZBrush
• Optimising models of us in Game engines

Textures, Maps and UVW Mapping  

Students will be exposed to the basic principles and workflows of texturing for games using 3DsMax or Maya.  

This module will cover:  

• Properties of Materials in Unity  
• Creating textures with Adobe Photoshop  

Rigging and animation  

Students will be exposed to the principles and workflows of creating rigging and animation for games using 3DsMax or Maya as well as creating cinematic camera movement in a game engine.  

• Rigging and Animation in 3DsMax or Maya  
• Theory and Principles of animation and motion.   
• Camera movement in Unity  

Dynamics and Simulation  

Students will be taught how to create dynamic simulations in Unity as well as employ particle system for special effects in their scenes  

The module will cover:  

• Physics and Particles in the Unity game engine  

Projects and assets  

In this module, students will explore the project interface and will be introduced to the management of assets in the Unity game engine.  

Topics covered in this module:  

• Understanding the software interface  
• setting up a project,  
• Importing and Managing Assets in Unity  

Cameras, User interfaces   

This module will introduce the student to the process of setting up views and user interfaces in the Unity Game engine  

The topics covered in this module are:  

• Creating Interface and 2D assets using Adobe Photoshop  
• Setting up 2D interfaces in Unity  
• Creating 3D views and Cameras in Unity  
• Basic Cut scene setup in Unity  

Virtual Reality  

With Virtual Reality becoming one of the fastest growing fields in the game industry we believe no gaming course would be complete without introducing the student to the specific requirements and nuances of designing for this interface. Our VR module is a standalone course that will not only introduce the basic concepts of VR but also expose the student to some of the fields beyond gaming where this is being applied and the specific needs of working in those industries. This module will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality: This topic will cover the basics of Virtual Reality, the concepts and ready to use VR environments. Learners will use their Goggles VR Headset and experience various VR environments both static and interactive.

• Introduction to the 3D Environment using Virtual Reality: A topic to introduce students to the concept of 3D using virtual reality. By using VR, learners will conceptualize the 3D environment much quicker. 
• Modelling for Virtual Reality: Guidelines and tips for ensuring correct modelling techniques are followed to ensure the best experience. 
• Preparing your 3D Data for Virtualization and Immersion: This topic will cover how to prepare your data for the virtual reality environment. It will explore the conversion of your data through various channel, using applicable software so that it is VR ready. 
• Design Validation through Virtual Reality: Use VR for design validation.  
• Presenting your data in Virtual Reality: Using VR platforms, learn how to present and use your data in various VR scenarios, from basic stereo images to full immersive experiences.  

Game Scripting using C#  

This module will introduce the student to the powerful c# language and how it can be used in Unity to script and extend interactions and game logic.  

This module will cover the following topics:  

• Basics of Programming  
• The c# syntax  
• Creating and Applying C# scripts in Unity  

Portfolio Project  

The world is changing and with the traditional degree not being a guarantee for employment anymore students need to show that they don’t just have the knowledge, but that they can be innovative and apply the knowledge it as well. Employers are increasingly looking for proof of application and competence, especially in the creative fields and the portfolio has become a standard requirement for any job application.

Our course is based around the building of a complete portfolio that will allow the student to showcase skills and abilities at the end of the programme.

Freelancing for Creatives, Designers and Digital Artists, Making Money in the Gig Economy  

This module will introduce the student to the exciting, tumultuous and ever changing world of freelancing in the creative industry and the burgeoning gig economy.   

The module will cover the following topics:  

• Introduction to freelancing and exploring different freelancing services  
• Exploring freelancing supporting sites and finding the right one for your skillset  
• Explore crowdsourcing and finding the right one for your skillset  
• The importance of a High-Quality Portfolio Website  
• The Importance of a professional online personal and social profile and building of your PERSONAL BRAND  
• International Job Hunting/Jobs Hunting, your market is bigger than you think.