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Gain specialized game development skills and launch your career as a game developer.

Long recognized for excellence in animation, digital media and technology, Sheridan now brings an innovative multidisciplinary approach to the study of video game development. Our new graduate certificate in Game Development–Advanced Programming presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Offered alongside the Game Level Design Program at Sheridan renowned Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design, our game development courses simulate a realistic work environment that integrates game programming, digital art, storytelling and project management. This unique integrated approach prepares students for success in a collaborative, highly creative work environment.

Ontario's computer game industry is poised for growth, and so is the demand for game development talent with advanced programming skills. Game programmers play a vital role in the industry, and are commonly involved in a project from initial conception through to production. Combined with your degree or diploma in computer science or computer programming, the Sheridan Game Development Advanced Programming certificate will prepare you to step directly into an exciting game development career.

Gain Industry-Specific Skills

Developed in response to industry need, Sheridan Game Development courses encompass both 2D and 3D game development. You'll learn advanced game programming techniques, utilize industry-standard technologies, and apply your programming skills to animation, artificial intelligence and multiplayer systems. You'll gain important industry-specific skills such as:
  • Gameplay programming
  • Graphics programming
  • Mobile game development
  • Project management
  • Game documentation
  • Playtesting

In your final semester, you'll collaborate with graduate students from the Game Level Design Program to develop and produce an original video game capstone project.

Program Benefits

  • Outstanding job prospects in a growing industry
  • Hands-on curriculum emphasizing job-specific skills
  • Collaboration with Sheridan renowned Faculty of Animation, Arts, and Design

Game Development-Advanced Programming is offered at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario.

The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
  • Identify, choose, and implement appropriate algorithmic, programming, and mathematical techniques to develop software components for various aspects of computer games, such as character control, scene management, artificial intelligence, graphics and animation, etc.
  • Create prototype games or game fragments by integrating original software components with existing professional tools, such as game engines, middleware, and common application programming interfaces.
  • Develop and maintain software in a team environment using collaborative tools and technologies reflective of industry practices, including source control, build management, deployment, bug tracking, etc.
  • Plan, prioritize, and manage tasks related to software development in a team environment.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate hardware and software platforms for a particular game strategy.
  • Design, create, and present a technical design document for a computer game or game component.
  • Develop and maintain software documentation and communicate technical ideas using verbal, written, and digital communication skills.
  • Test, debug, and optimize a game or game component to meet production requirements.
CODE TITLE CREDITS
SEMESTER 1
PROG 50049 Data Structures and Algorithms for Games 6
PROG 50102 Game Engine Fundamentals 3
MATH 56206 Mathematics for Games 3
PROG 54310 Computer Graphics and Animation 3
HIST 56529 History and Theory of Games 3
GAME 53921 Modelling and Animation for Games 3
Total: 21
SEMESTER 2
PROG 56048 Gameplay Programming 6
PROG 57370 Concurrent and Distributed Systems 3
PROG 59207 Artificial Intelligence for Games 3
PROG 58634 Mobile / Console Games 3
PROG 56206 Game Optimization and Debugging 3
TBA Game Project Management 3
Total: 21
SEMESTER 3
INFO 55892 Game Programming Capstone Project 18
Total: 18

Note: Courses subject to change.

Canada is a major player in the digital games market. Graduates of Game Development–Advanced Programming are well positioned to attract the attention of employers in the industry. The program’s integrated multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on applied problem-solving are unique in the field, offering the preparation employers are looking for, and advanced programming skills that stand out on a résumé.

The highly marketable Game Development–Advanced Programming certificate can lead to exciting opportunities in:

  • Game programming
  • Project management
  • Digital graphics
  • Game level design

Program Eligibility

  • Postsecondary diploma or degree in computer science/programming or related discipline
    • or 
  • Demonstrated competence through related work, and/or educational experience

Applicant Selection


Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement and/or demonstrated experience. In some cases, applicants may be requested to submit a résumé, which includes details of related work experience, and a cover letter, which summarizes their career goals and reasons for wanting to take this program.

Postsecondary transcripts indicating courses completed to date must be submitted to ontariocolleges.ca at the time of application.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.

Program Offerings

Program Details

Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Science and Technology
Program Code:
PGDAP
Duration:
1 Year (PGDAP)
Designation:
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Campus:
Trafalgar Road Campus
Start:
 September