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Sheridan College, located in Ontario, Canada, is a prestigious educational institution ...
Honours Bachelor of Game Design
Trafalgar Campus (Oakville)
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Sheridan College's Honours Bachelor of Game Design program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to preparing students for careers in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of game development. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical studio projects, and industry collaborations, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create immersive, engaging, and innovative games across various platforms.
Curriculum:
1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program's curriculum combines elements of art, design, programming, storytelling, and game theory to provide students with a well-rounded education in game development. Courses cover topics such as game design fundamentals, 2D and 3D animation, interactive storytelling, game mechanics, user experience (UX) design, game engines, and project management.
2. Hands-On Learning: Students engage in hands-on, project-based learning experiences where they work individually and collaboratively to design, develop, and prototype games from concept to completion. They have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including game labs equipped with industry-standard software and hardware, allowing them to gain practical experience using the same tools and technologies used in the game industry.
3. Industry-Relevant Skills: The program focuses on developing the technical, creative, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the game industry. Students learn programming languages such as C++, Unity, and Unreal Engine, as well as game design principles, level design techniques, character animation, and sound design. They also gain experience with user interface (UI) design, playtesting, and iteration to create compelling and polished game experiences.
4. Collaboration and Professionalism: Throughout the program, students collaborate with peers from diverse disciplines, including artists, programmers, writers, and sound designers, simulating real-world game development teams. They learn to communicate effectively, manage project timelines, and resolve conflicts to deliver high-quality games on schedule and within budget. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry mentorship programs provide students with insights into the professional game development process and help them build professional networks.
5. Portfolio Development: As students progress through the program, they build a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their game projects, design documentation, concept art, and technical demos. The portfolio serves as a showcase of their skills and creativity, helping them stand out to potential employers in the competitive game industry. Faculty advisors provide feedback and guidance to help students refine their portfolios and prepare for career opportunities upon graduation.
6. Specialization Opportunities: In addition to core coursework, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as game programming, game art and animation, narrative design, virtual reality (VR) development, or serious games. Specialization courses allow students to focus on their areas of interest and develop expertise in specific aspects of game design and development, enhancing their career prospects in niche areas of the industry.
Location
Trafalgar Campus (Oakville)
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 18211
Application Fees: CAD $ 100
Academic Requirements: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Sheridan College should have a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 88 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 60.
- DET Score: A minimum DET score of 115.
Sheridan College does not provide scholarships to international students. However, there are other financial aid options available to international students, such as bursaries and awards. These are typically based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities offered by their home country's government or private organizations. It is recommended that students thoroughly research and apply for these opportunities well in advance of their desired start date at Sheridan College.
Graduates of Sheridan College's Honours Bachelor of Game Design program are well-equipped to pursue diverse career opportunities in the dynamic and rapidly growing field of game development. With a strong foundation in game design theory, practical skills in game development tools and technologies, and hands-on experience working on collaborative projects, graduates are prepared for roles across various sectors of the game industry.
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Game Designer: Graduates can pursue roles as game designers, where they are responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, creating game mechanics, designing levels, and balancing gameplay elements. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams to bring game concepts to life and ensure the overall quality and user experience of the game.
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Game Programmer: With proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Unity, and Unreal Engine, graduates can work as game programmers, developing the underlying code and scripts that power games. They implement gameplay features, optimize performance, and debug issues to ensure smooth and engaging gameplay experiences across different platforms.
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Game Artist/Animator: Graduates with a background in art and animation can pursue careers as game artists or animators, where they create visual assets, character designs, environments, and animations for games. They use tools such as Photoshop, Maya, or Blender to bring game worlds and characters to life, contributing to the overall aesthetic and immersion of the game.
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UI/UX Designer: Graduates may specialize in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, focusing on creating intuitive and engaging interfaces that enhance player interaction and navigation within games. They conduct user research, design wireframes and prototypes, and iterate based on user feedback to optimize the usability and accessibility of games.
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Narrative Designer/Writer: Those with a passion for storytelling can pursue careers as narrative designers or writers, crafting compelling storylines, characters, and dialogue for games. They collaborate with game designers, artists, and programmers to integrate narrative elements seamlessly into gameplay, creating immersive and emotionally resonant experiences for players.
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Game Producer/Project Manager: Graduates with strong organizational and leadership skills can pursue roles as game producers or project managers, overseeing the development process from conception to release. They coordinate team efforts, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that games are delivered on schedule and meet quality standards.
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Game Tester/QA Analyst: Graduates may start their careers as game testers or quality assurance (QA) analysts, where they are responsible for identifying and reporting bugs, glitches, and usability issues in games. They playtest games extensively, provide feedback to developers, and help ensure the overall quality and polish of the final product.
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Independent Developer/Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to start their own game development studios or work as independent developers, creating and publishing their own games. They have the freedom to explore niche markets, experiment with innovative game concepts, and build a portfolio of successful titles that resonate with players.
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Educator/Instructor: Graduates with a passion for education and mentorship can pursue careers as educators or instructors, teaching game design and development courses at colleges, universities, or specialized training programs. They share their knowledge and industry experience with aspiring game developers, inspiring the next generation of talent.
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Serious Games Developer: With the increasing use of games for educational, training, or social impact purposes, graduates may work as serious games developers, creating games for purposes such as healthcare, corporate training, or social advocacy. They leverage game design principles to create engaging and impactful experiences that address real-world challenges.
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Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Developer: As the demand for immersive experiences grows, graduates may specialize in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) development, creating interactive experiences for gaming, entertainment, education, or enterprise applications. They design and develop AR/VR content that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and user engagement.
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Industry Consultant/Researcher: Graduates may work as industry consultants or researchers, providing expertise and insights to game companies, research institutions, or government agencies. They conduct market analysis, evaluate emerging technologies, and contribute to the advancement of game design theory and practice through research and innovation.
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Localization Specialist: In the global game market, graduates may specialize in localization, adapting games for different languages, cultures, and regions to ensure that they resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. They translate in-game text, voiceover scripts, and cultural references, ensuring that games are accessible and culturally relevant to players in target markets.
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Community Manager/Social Media Coordinator: Graduates can work as community managers or social media coordinators for game companies, managing online communities, engaging with players, and promoting games through social media channels. They foster positive relationships with fans, gather feedback, and cultivate a vibrant and supportive gaming community around their products.
