Boston City Campus is excited to launch its Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice - a one-year programme designed for aspiring game creators eager to explore the art and craft of game development. This qualification equips students with the creative, technical, and conceptual skills needed to enter the fast-paced world of interactive entertainment.

From pixel to platform, this programme offers students hands-on experience in game design, digital art, game scripting, and working with industry-standard game engines. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of how games are conceived, designed, developed, and published - skills that serve as a launchpad into the global gaming ecosystem.

As game development continues to shape digital economies around the world, Boston is proud to support the next generation of local talent as they step into, and help shape, this vibrant and dynamic industry.

“Game design is where creativity meets code, and ideas become playable worlds. At Boston, we’re not just teaching students to play or build games - we’re empowering them to tell stories, shape experiences, and to bring the rich aesthetics and cultural narratives of South Africa and the African continent into the global gaming arena,” says Su Opperman, the Programme Coordinator.

The Higher Certificate in Game Design (SAQA ID 121165, NQF Level 5, Credits 130) offers students a solid foundation in the tools and techniques of game development. Whether students dream of becoming designers, developers, character artists, or indie creators, this qualification sets the stage.

Students will:

Unpack the essential elements that make games work, from structure and pacing to challenge and balance.
Use creative software applications like Krita and Blender to create original 2D and 3D game assets.
Master basic C# scripting to build interactive gameplay in Unity.
Make game builds in Unity to explore the technical workings and capabilities of game engines.
Publish fully functional 2D and 3D games for mobile platforms.
Develop solo projects that reflect real-world production pipelines and portfolio-ready work.

Delivered through Boston’s flexible and student-centred open distance e-learning model, the programme is supported by 50 Support Centres nationwide and a robust digital infrastructure that allows students to study from anywhere, at any time, with cutting-edge textbooks included.

Why Choose the Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice at Boston City Campus?

You get to dive into a hands-on adventure that takes you from beginner to game creator.
Master the same industry tools that power top studios – Unity, C#, Blender, and beyond.
Build your skills and confidence through solo projects designed to spark creativity and independence.
Unlock pathways to advance qualifications and exciting careers in game art, design, development, and software.
Experience a learning journey that blends creativity and technology, preparing you for the fast-paced world of interactive media and gaming.
The programme is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), registered with the department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
The institution’s additional credentials, including institutional accreditation from the British Accreditation Council (BAC) and membership in the Association of African Universities (AAU), underscores its commitment to maintaining global standards while expanding access.
The unique Boston Higher Certificate ‘Invest in SA’ Subsidy for full registrations qualifies you for a 28% reduction in fees.

Join Us!

Applications for Semester B are now open, with studies beginning on 28 July 2025. Whether you’re chasing your passion for games or looking for a career in South Africa’s growing creative economy, the Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice is your first power-up.

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