Game – Art | Durham College

Program Overview

This program offers a well-balanced education in every aspect of the game development process, with a focus towards training artists for the game industry. There is an enormous difference between playing games and creating them, and this program is designed to teach you how to convert your love of gameplay and artistry into a lucrative career. The experience and knowledge gained in the Game-Art program at Durham College have given graduates the edge in landing careers in industry-leading game studios.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
Portfolio of work

Note: this program has additional and recommended requirements. Please visit the Admission Requirements tab for further information.

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $6,821 (CAD)
Year one international: $17,421 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Diploma-to-degree

Gameplay Mechanics

Portfolio Development

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2021	Open	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

3D modeller
Environment artist
Game developer
Level designer
Surfacing artist
Animator for games
Technical artist
Concept artist
Preproduction artist
3D generalist
Quality assurance technician

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Program Details

This program was developed with input from veterans in the digital entertainment industry and continues to garner enthusiastic support from studios and professional artists across the country. Our industry trained professors are ready to share their knowledge and experience with you. The focus of this hands-on program is to develop and hone your skills as a digital artist through project-based learning and instruction.

You will explore environment and level design, employing modelling, surfacing, lighting techniques and special effects in industry leading real-time engines. All of your work will be supported by a strong foundation in animation for games, technical art, and concept art.

You will gain a solid base in the skills needed to explore new technology and software with confidence including courses in:

Preproduction design
Traditional drawing and digital illustration
Game asset creation employing industry current techniques
Demo reel production and online portfolio development

Industry context is also strongly emphasized though the use of production pipelines and studio simulation. As a graduate, you will enter the industry with strong technical and creative ability, a realistic understanding of the world of game production and a keen sense of professionalism.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
Portfolio of work

Additional requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program requires the submission of a personal profile and a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their drawing and creative ability.

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

3D modeller
Environment artist
Game developer
Level designer
Surfacing artist
Animator for games
Technical artist
Concept artist
Preproduction artist
3D generalist
Quality assurance technician

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Game studios
Animation studios
Digital production companies
Architectural previsualization
Training and simulation employing real-time engines

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.

Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:

Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

COVID-19 Information

Game – Art

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Program Details

In The News

Admission Requirements

Recommended

Additional requirements

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Game - Art in the news

Helpful Resources

College guide September 2020 [PDF]

College guide September 2020 [Interactive]

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]