Information Communications Technologies (ICT)
Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice
Study the Higher Certificate in Game Design and Development Practice with Boston City Campus. This Higher Certificate introduces students to the creative and technical foundations of designing and developing games in South Africa’s growing digital entertainment sector and the broader global games industry.
You learn how ideas become playable experiences through storytelling, visual design and core programming principles.
When you study with Boston, you work through the same processes used in real game development environments. You design gameplay, test user experiences and build small game prototypes from the ground up.
This develops the creative and technical skills needed for roles in game design, game development and interactive media. This qualification also provides a pathway to further study in digital design, software development and related creative technology fields.
Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice
Time to Complete
1 Year (min) - 3 Years (max)
Study Options
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
130
NQF Level
5
SAQA ID
121165
Field of Study
Entry Requirements
National Senior Certificate (NSC), with English passed with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate study; or National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), with English passed with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate study; or prior to 2009, Senior Certificate with English as one of the modules passed. Alternatively, a post school qualification may also be considered, for example, an FET/National Certificate, NQF (OQSF) Level 4, minimum Credits 120.
This programme is offered by Boston City Campus in the distance mode of education with support provided at Learner Support Centres. Apply to register at any Boston City Campus Learner Support Centre nationwide.
All modules are compulsory and must be passed.
Possible employment opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Junior Game Designer/Developer
- Junior Game Artist
- Junior Animator
- Junior Concept Artist
- Junior Game Tester
- Junior Interface Designer
Did you know that Boston does not work on a points system
Although your subjects may be considered, Boston does not use a point system for entry.
Your endorsement says it all.
Your endorsement says it all.
Year One Modules
| Semester A | Semester B |
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How You'll Be Assessed
Various How You’ll Be Assessed (ASC, ASW4 and AS2) are used throughout the modules in the programme. For example, AS2 is predominately applied in this programme and consists of a Formative Assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, which count fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark. The Summative Assessment in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%).
No supplementary assessment is provided for FA1. A maximum of one (1) additional supplementary assessment opportunity is provided for SA1, which will be charged for.
Please consult the Fact Sheet and Student Rulebook for additional, detailed programme information.
Outcomes
On completion of the programme, graduates will have the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to:
- Select suitable strategies and techniques in a game design and development environment.
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of relevant programming language logic, syntax and use in the pipeline, mechanics, and development of a game.
- Produce basic game ready assets contextualised by design, modelling, texturing, animating, and rigging.
- Demonstrate the fundamental ability to implement, produce and source 2D and 3D game assets for an industry-standard game engine.
- Design and produce a functional game using an industry-standard game engine platform.
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of the game publishing marketplaces and related game format export.
- Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with peers and effectively manage time and resources to meet deadlines.
Programme Category
BOSTON HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME
On successful completion the Learner will be issued a Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 121165, minimum 130 credits from Boston City Campus.