Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development(Art Major)

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* Please note fees are current till December 2009 and may change thereafter.

The Advanced Diploma comprises two years of full time training for students who want to work as an animator in the video games industry. The course has been designed in consultation with Australian game developers and delivers the most up-to-date training in game creation.

In either Year 1 or Year 2, students must complete a series of life drawing classes to extend their artistic skills. These classes do not incur an additional cost.

 

Year 1

Year 1 is designed as a foundation year to introduce students to the skills required to produce industry standard 3D modelling and animations. During this course, students are introduced to the elements of the production process involved in making a short animated film.

At the successful completion of Year 1, students not choosing to continue their studies can exit with a Certificate IV in Screen.

*July mid year intake is delivered at an accelerated pace allowing students to progress into Year 2 the following February.

Areas of Study

Aesthetics
Students learn colour theory and fundamentals of design, focusing on animation and anatomy. This also allows students to develop a greater understanding of proportion and perspective.

Environment Creation
Students design and create their own virtual environment fully furnished with 3D modelled and textured elements.

3D Foundation
Students are introduced to the elements and tools of 3D animation programs and gain fundamental training in user interface & controls, simple building methods commonly used in 3D art and the basics of modelling, texturing and animation.

Introduction to Character Animation
Students create an animated 3D character; the process begins with the development of concept art, followed by character modelling, texturing and the animation of their character. This module also covers the theory and practice of animation anatomy and movement morphing, facial animation and Inverse Kinematics (IK) Animation techniques.

Texturing and Lighting
Students create photo-realistic images by combining 3D modelling with textures created in 2D software. Students will learn how to create atmosphere and shading through the implementation of CG industry lighting effects.

Final Animation Project
The final project is to produce a short animation with characters, background scenery, lighting and effects. Students start by planning their animation with concept art and storyboards, modelling and animating their designs throughout the production process, and finish by compositing sound/music and effects into the final product.

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Year 2

Guided by industry experienced teachers, the Advanced Diploma is delivered through project modules covering all aspects of game creation currently employed in game development, as well as new technologies currently being developed by the industry. Students will further their skills in all aspects of 3D Graphics before working on individual specialisations in creating art assets for game development. All facets of 3D games modelling and animation are covered, including character creation, level design, environment modelling, game design, concept art, animation and custom texturing.

In the second half of the year, animation and programming students work together in a single development team to design and produce a playable video game demo. The training environment closely mirrors the real world production cycle as it would occur in an industry development studio, covering the entire process from pitching the game idea, through writing game design documents, evaluating technical requirements, managing workload, meeting milestones, delivering commercial quality artwork and animation, bug-fixing, QA testing, focus groups, and market analysis of the game.

Students graduate at the end of Year 2 with an extensive showreel of 3D modelling, animation and a complete game level. The showreel forms the basis of an industry standard portfolio that they can take to prospective employers or demonstrate to development studios at our end of year Industry Day.

Areas of Study

Concept Art
Students will develop concept art and presentation skills, featuring both character and environment design. These skills are integral to the game development process, providing strong design conventions that shape commercial 3D production.

Texturing
Students learn to create custom textures to enhance the aesthetic appeal and realistic appearance of in-game models.

Rigging & Animation
Students develop advanced animation techniques to create realistic movement in gameplay. This provides the skills and experience for students to develop industry standard animations for their showreel.

Lighting & Vertex Shading
Introduces students to effective lighting techniques currently employed in the games industry.

Game Development Industry
Students take part in a comprehensive series of industry presentations and networking events to promote strong understandings of industry roles and business areas. This gives students the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of emergent trends in the games industry.

Modelling for Game Development
Students will specialise in low-polygon modelling and optimising artwork for original game characters, scenes and environments, giving students the skills to create professional art assets for their showreels.

Workflow
Developing time management skills and working to game design documents, students gain valuable skills in developing and meeting team expectations and deadlines.

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Course Costs

Please contact the campus of your choice for more information on the course fees and flexible payment options available.  This is a VET FEE-HELP approved course.

Career prospects

On completion of the Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development, students have access to a wide range of careers in the games development and CGI industries. Click here for more information on the careers available in animation.

Application Procedure

Applications for February 2010 intake are now open.  Applications for the July 2010 intake open in April. Contact your nearest campus for more information.

1. Download and send (email, fax or post) us the application form
2. We arrange an interview time with you and you gather your portfolio of art work or programming work
3. You drop in for your interview and show us your portfolio
4. We'll let you know if you're accepted and organise enrolment

Visit this page for more information about applying.

 

* Please note fees are current till December 2009 and may change thereafter.