Diploma Of IT (Games Programming)

Course details

The Diploma of IT (Games Programming) program will enable the student to be the architects of games titles. Foundation training is given on key areas of game development theories and concepts whilst allowing specialization studies across all standard development platforms.

The course structure allows students to combine the fundamental modules with advanced options that deal specifically with all levels of game production including programming, artificial intelligence and networked games. They will also learn about the development of game environments, mathematics for game programmers, and graphics programming using OpenGL and DirectX and shader techniques.

As with all SAE courses it's not all about the theory, there are plenty of practical projects for students to pe into plus insider knowledge, tips and advice from visiting industry experts. With constant communication with key players in the industry, SAE have designed the course to constantly keep abreast of the latest developments in game production so that students will always be working with the hardware and software and their associated techniques and disciplines used in the real game programming industry.

QUALIFICATION

• Diploma of IT (Games Programming)

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

To complete requirements for graduation and receive a SAE Institute diploma, students must satisfy the examination board on all modules of study with a minimum grade of 16 or better and have attended at least 90% of the class hours in the program.

YOU WILL LEARN

• C++ programming
• Middleware packages
• Game play programming
• Game engine programming
• Tools development
• Game design
• Game psychology
• Working prototype development
• 3D pipeline
• Level development
• Maths, statistics and logic

YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE

• Learn advanced-level industry-standard C++ programming language with a specialised focus on games development.
• Use industry-standard middleware and development packages such as Havoc, Direct X, Ogre, OpenGL, UDK, Unity, and many more.
• Experience a course designed in collaboration with industry partners, develop the skills the games industry wants.
• Learn game play programming, game engine programming and tools development – you will be able to develop your own engines from the ground up and create your own tools including importers/exporters and scene managers.
• Learn the design and technical skills to be able to articulate and implement high-level games concepts – these are key professional attributes required by the games industry and often not addressed in other HE games courses.
• Develop high-level skills in games design, programming, 3D pipeline, games psychology, and working prototypes – learn how to make your ideas a reality.
• Start making games in your first trimester.
• Work with artists, designers, web and mobile developers, film makers, animators and audio specialists.

Become a :

• Games Programmer
• Games Designer
• Games Director
• Games Programmer Manager
• Character Designer
• Games Design Studio Manager

DIPLOMA OF IT (GAMES PROGRAMMING) VIEW

SEMESTER 1

• Communications and Computer Technologies DIT 100.1
• Introduction to Digital Imaging DIT 101.1
• Object Orientated Programming DIT 100.2
• Games Systems Design DIT 102.2

SEMESTER 2

• Scriptwriting & Storyboarding DIT 102.1
• Games Programming I DIT 104.1
• Designs for Interactive Entertainment DIT 103.1
• Principles of 3D Modelling DIT 101.2

SEMESTER 3

• Games Programming II DIT 104.2
• Games Level Design DIT 103.2
• Mathematics of Games Programming DIT 201.1
• Games Programming III DIT 201.2

SEMESTER 4

• AI & Agent Systems DIT 202.1
• Interactive Entertainment Project DIT 202.2

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicants would normally be expected to meet the following requirements:

Minimum Age: 17

Education completion of : 

• GCE O-Level, min 2 passes including English D7 and above or
• N-Level, min 2 passes including English D7 and above or
• ITE Certificate or 
• SAE Certificate 

As a creative school, SAE Institute is always looking for people who are excited about the creative media industries and therefore welcomes applicants without formal qualifications. In such cases, we will interview the student and may look at a portfolio of their work. For applications from mature students (aged 21 and above), we also consider work and life experience. In such cases, SAE Institute requires applicants to provide satisfactory evidence of their ability to successfully complete the programme.