Game Level Design

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Game Level Design

Duration

1 year (3 semesters)

Location

Trafalgar Road Campus

(Oakville)

This program is not currently accepting applications. However, Sheridan offers many other programs that you may be interested in.

Apply your creative skills for a game level designer career.

Program Overview

A realistic work environment

Developed in response to industry need, this three-semester program simulates a realistic work environment in which designers, coders and artists integrate their skills. You'll learn to communicate game level design concepts and gain practical skills to implement and evaluate this knowledge in a simulated work situation. Note: This program is held consecutively – September to August.

A well-rounded skill set

The Sheridan game level design courses focus on offering applied, real-world skills development. Assignments and class work focus on case studies. You'll learn both 2D and 3D game design, while gaining industry-specific skills in game design and development, story and scripting, cinematography and sound, multi-player systems, game documentation and play testing.

The future of the game industry

Ontario's digital game industry is poised for growth, and so is the demand for game level designers. With the Game Level Design graduate certificate program from Sheridan, you'll be ready to step right into an exciting game design career.

Additional information

Canada is a major player in the digital games development market. Game level designers occupy a unique niche in the computer gaming industry, focusing on the detailed design of player experience and interaction.

Long recognized as a world-class training ground for animators, Sheridan is now leading the way in the training of industry-ready game design professionals.

If you already have a degree or diploma in an art-related discipline, and love gaming, this graduate level program could be your entry into an exciting field. The game level designer is responsible for designing the game spaces in which the player competes. The new Sheridan graduate program in Game Level Design offers unmatched preparation for that niche, focusing on the specific skills employers seek in game level designers.

In your final semester, you'll collaborate with fellow students to develop a quality video game capstone project.

View gallery of student work: Game Level Design Showcase

PGLDS

Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

  • CODETITLECREDITS
    PROG 50004Introduction to Programming and Scripting for Games3
    GAME 55586Story, Quests and Missions3
    GAME 54579Game Level Design 16
    HIST 56529Introduction to Game Design Theory3
    GAME 53921Game Asset Creation3
    Total:18
  • CODETITLECREDITS
    GAME 56859Game Asset Integration (Prerequisite: GAME 53921)3
    GAME 58823Applications of Scripting for Games3
    GAME 58448Game Mechanics and Prototyping3
    GAME 50036Game Level Design 2 (Prerequisite: GAME 54579)6
    MGMT 50036Game Production3
    Total:18
  • CODETITLECREDITS
    GAME 54321 Capstone Project (Prerequisite: HIST 56529 and MGMT 50036)18
    Total:18

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Postsecondary diploma or degree.

or

Demonstrated competence through related work, and/or educational experience.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement and the results of a portfolio submission.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

Domestic applicants

  • Postsecondary transcripts indicating courses completed to date must be submitted to ontariocolleges.ca at the time of application.
  • Domestic applicants with education outside of Canada must have their transcripts assessed for equivalency through ICAS or WES. A comprehensive (course-by-course) post-secondary credential assessment is required.
  • Private career college courses and/or credentials are not acceptable as admission requirements for Sheridan programs.

International applicants

  • Official postsecondary transcripts, indicating courses completed to date, and credential must be submitted at the time of application. In case the transcripts/certificates are not in English, note that these documents must be accompanied by a notarized, official translation into English. Translated copies must also be accompanied by a copy of the original transcript.
  • International applicants need to follow the international application process.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Sheridan Game Level Design program will attract strong interest from employers in the digital game industry. Our integrated approach with game programming and emphasis on applied problem-solving are unique in the field, offering the type of preparation employers seek.

Career Employment Areas

  • Game Level Design
  • Game Design
  • Game Development
  • Project Management
  • Digital Graphics

Learn from the comfort of home with our virtual option

Sheridan’s Social Service Worker – Gerontology program is the first in the province to offer our diploma program entirely online.

  • This virtual, synchronous program will allow you to access the program from wherever you live. *
  • Our synchronous delivery will allow us to offer the same hands-on, supportive environment that Sheridan is known for while addressing some of the barriers to accessing an in-person program.
  • If you live in Ontario, practicum opportunities will be developed local to you, even if you reside outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
  • Predictable schedules for synchronous learning will allow you to manage work and personal life while in school.

* Note: At this time, the virtual option is only open to domestic students.

Advanced Entry Challenge Exams

Get credit for what you know

Sheridan recognizes and appreciates that advanced learning doesn’t always require standard classroom instruction, and that opportunities to advance skills and learn new technologies are everywhere.

If you have significant knowledge and experience in programming, web development, database and/or networking, you may choose to complete Advanced Entry Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (AEPLAR) Challenge Exams for academic credit towards your Sheridan Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma.

How do Challenge Exams work?

AEPLAR Challenge Exams are administered by and through the Sheridan College Assessment Centre or through an approved Test Centre. There are fees to write each exam (an Assessment Centre fee and a Challenge Exam fee).

Your completed Challenge Exam(s) will be evaluated to determine whether you’re eligible for credit in one or more courses within the identified program streams.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to Sheridan’s policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures.

I have previous postsecondary education. Should I write a Challenge Exam?

No. Challenge Exams are designed for applicants with knowledge and experience gained outside of formal education. If you have previous postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply for Advanced Standing instead — you may be eligible to apply your previously earned credits towards your new program at Sheridan.

What subjects can I complete Challenge Exams for?

Challenge Exams for applicants to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program are designed to test skills in specific knowledge streams within this program:

  • Programming – Introductory
  • Programming – .NET
  • Programming – Advanced Java
  • Networking
  • Web Development
  • Operating Systems
  • Databases
  • Software Design
  • Mobile App Development – Android
  • Mobile App Development – iOS
  • Game Development – UNITY
  • Wireless

You can also choose to complete Challenge Exams for specific individual courses within the Computer Systems Technology program.

Complete a free self-assessment test to help you determine whether Challenge Exams are a good option for you.

How do I apply to complete a Challenge Exam?

Step 1: Make sure you meet the program admission requirements

You must meet the program admission requirements to be eligible for admission and PLAR.

Step 2: Complete a free self-assessment

Complete a free self-assessment test for each knowledge stream you wish to challenge. This will help you determine whether your current skills will enable you to succeed in the Challenge Exam(s).

Step 3: Apply to Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma program

Apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program.

To be eligible to complete Challenge Exams for this program, you must select "Advanced Entry" as the level of the program on your application.

Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete your Challenge Exam(s)

Once Sheridan receives your application, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to register and pay for your Challenge Exam(s). Follow those instructions.

Once you’ve completed your Challenge Exam(s), subject matter experts in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology will evaluate them within 10 business days. The Faculty will forward your results to the Office of the Registrar, and any approved credit transfers will be posted in your Credit Transfer centre. Exam feedback will not be provided.

Step 5: Accept your offer of admission and pay your program fees

If you receive an offer of admission to Sheridan, please follow the instructions to confirm your offer and pay your fees by the due dates indicated in order to reserve your spot in the program.

We wish you success in this process and look forward to seeing you at Sheridan!

Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

Fees For Canadian Students

Fees for Canadian students

$14,301.72

Notes: Fees shown are for three academic terms.

Fees for International Students

Fees for International students

$26,328.72

Financial Aid & Awards

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

International Entrance Scholarship

International students beginning their full-time postsecondary studies at Sheridan may receive an entrance scholarship. A separate application is not required. Visit the International Entrance Scholarship page for details.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

  • Create and combine pre-existing and original game components in the construction of game levels.
  • Design, develop and test functional prototypes of game levels that are consistent with predetermined rules, mechanics, characters and narrative structures.
  • Integrate increasingly more complex graphics, models, animation, sound and cinematography into game levels.
  • Create game documents for communication and record keeping that are consistent with industry standards.
  • Determine appropriate scripting techniques for game level development.
  • Work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment providing guidance to others in resolving issues.
  • Manage projects and specific job role activities, using effective project and personal time management.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of game level design by applying the principles of design theory.
  • Evaluate the role of historical trends to situate contemporary designs.
  • Analyze new trends in game level design in order to keep pace with changing markets and technology.
  • Adapt to the requirements and limitations of specific hardware platforms and software environments to create progressively more difficult game levels.

Educational philosophy

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design curriculum and its delivery are designed to address current social issues pertinent to the design industry. This enables students to broaden their understanding of their place within the world.

Fundamental to the vision of the program is the balance of creative and conceptual thinking with the technical and business aspects of the profession. Courses follow a logical sequence with the degree of difficulty building vertically from first year to fourth year.

The various streams provide a range of design problems building in size and scope, from simple to complex in various design sectors. The curriculum builds on fundamental introductions that ensures a strong foundation for students to apply additional more complex learning and skills developed later in the program.

Studio projects are designed to mimic professional practice and require applied theory, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Curriculum is also connected horizontally across each semester to help support the learning in courses happening simultaneously. This demonstrates the inter-connected knowledge and skills required to practice in the industry.

The program provides many opportunities that expose students to practicing professionals and professional practice. Industry leaders and representatives from professional associations like ARIDO and IDC are invited into the classroom as jurors and guest speakers throughout the four years. The internship also provides professional design work experience for students before they enter their final year of study.

The curriculum is student-centric and designed to equip students with the skills that are required for entry-level design positions and advanced study. Manual skills such as drafting, drawing and model making are developed alongside digital skills using current software. Students are also well-versed in the applicable building codes and regulations required to practice in Ontario. Students are exposed to valuable research skills and encouraged to continue their learning past graduation.

Program goals

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program aspires to:

  • Develop confident, creative and critical thinkers that can solve a variety of problems thoughtfully, improving the quality of the built environment and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  • Equip students with the tools to think independently and ethically to ensure technically, environmentally, and socially responsible decision-making.
  • Deliver current and relevant curriculum that incorporates equity, diversity and inclusion. This encourages students to create spaces that foster inclusivity and look at design from various perspectives within diverse communities, involving numerous stakeholders.
  • Inform students regarding the various facets of the profession, engaging them with designers and industry affiliates.
  • Encourage continuous professional and personal growth, instilling a desire to contribute to the profession and society at large. The program encourages students to become active participants in the design community, become members of their local Association, write their NCIDQ exams, give back to the community and become progressive leaders in the profession.
  • Prepare graduates for entry-level design positions, equipped with the required knowledge and skills for employment in the diverse design industry, ensuring they possess the body of knowledge necessary to respond to social and environmental issues, while designing interior spaces that are technically proficient, code-compliant, conceptually strong, sustainable and all-inclusive.
  • Provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue post-graduate studies, employment, research and/or further their academic studies and/or credentials.

Pathways from Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology

If you've graduated from a health-science degree other than athletic therapy or kinesiology, your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Get your Osteopathy degree in less time

If you're a graduate of Sheridan's Athletic Therapy or Kinesiology degree program, you may be eligible to start in the second year of this program after completing three bridging courses.

This bridging program will be available in Spring/Summer 2024.

How to apply: Submit an application using the program code PBHSB.

Bridging courses (Spring/Summer Semester)

  • OSTP 17927D: The Science of Osteopathy (3 credits)
  • OSTP 14859: Theoretical Pathways to Osteopathy (5 credits)
  • OSTP 16333: Practical Pathways to Osteopathy (1 credit)

Course exceptions

After successfully completing the assigned bridging courses, you'll be admitted into Year 2 (Semester 3) of our Osteopathy degree. In order to earn your Osteopathy degree, you'll need to complete all courses in the remaining three years of the program, with the following exceptions.

You will additionally take:

  • Year 2: OSTP 11271D: Clinical Methodology (3 credits)
  • Year 2: SCIE 22437D: Human Physiology for Allied Health (2 credits)
  • Year 3: SCIE 31116D: Pathophysiology for Allied Health (3 credits)

You will not need to take:*

  • SCIE 26661D: Pathophysiology 1 (3 credits)
  • OSTP 24645D: Structure & Function 2 – Lower Cervicals, Thorax & Upper Extremity (3 credits)
  • OSTP 22482D: Applied Clinical Practice 2 (1 credit)
  • FLPL 21839D: Internship Prep (1 credit)
  • SCIE 39622D: Pathophysiology 2 – Systemic Interactions (3 credits)
  • RESE 37626D: Statistical Methods in Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • RESE 42279D: Applied Research Methods for Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • BUSM 44956D: Business Entrepreneurship for Clinical Practitioners (3 credits)
  • 6 Degree Breadth Electives (3 credits each)

*Athletic Therapy graduates are also exempt from the following course:

  • OSTP 20782D: Clinical Experience 2 (0.5 credits)

Program Mission

Our mission is to utilize harmonious, comprehensive and specialized training to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to demonstrate the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.

Program Vision

Our vision is to graduate highly-skilled life-long learners who uphold professional integrity and promote quality and safety in practice.

Critical Performance Statement

Upon graduation, students in Sheridan’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program will have demonstrated the ability to pursue the career of pharmacy technician and to practice safely in a community or hospital while adhering to the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.

Writer-in-Residence program

Each year, Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing (CW&P) program hosts a Writer-in-Residence. The 8-month residency is awarded to a writer who embodies the distinctiveness and dynamism of the & in our program name.

In addition to working on at least one specific writing project of their own during their tenure, the Writer-in-Residence is responsible for creative leadership, mentoring and public outreach in the area of creative writing and/or publishing.

How our Writer-in-Residence supports Sheridan students

Students in our CW&P program benefit from the work and mentorship of our Writer-in-Residence, who:

  • shares their expertise and experience as a creative professional and working writer;
  • performs public readings from their recently published work and/or current work-in-progress;
  • organizes public lectures and/or workshops; and
  • works with faculty to augment existing curriculum in the area of creative writing, publishing and/or creativity.

2024–25 Writer-in-Residence

Cassidy McFadzean
Photo credit: Tony Tulathimutte

Fiction writer, editor and poet Cassidy McFadzean is joining Sheridan as the 2024–25 CW&P Writer-in-Residence.

McFadzean was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she earned an MA from the University of Regina. She went on to earn an MFA in poetry from the University of Iowa, and an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College, where she was co-Editor-in-Chief and Fiction Editor of The Brooklyn Review.

McFadzean is the author of three books of poetry: Crying Dress (House of Anansi, 2024), Drolleries (McClelland & Stewart, 2019), and Hacker Packer (M&S, 2015). Her poetry has appeared in magazines across Canada and the U.S., has been anthologized in The Best Canadian Poetry, In Fine Form 2, and The New Wascana Anthology. Her fiction has appeared in Joyland, EVENT, Maisonneuve, and The Best Canadian Stories, and is forthcoming in Hazlitt, The Walrus, and Invisible Publishing's collaborative anthology Dead Writers.

In welcoming her to the post, CW&P's Associate Dean Morgan Dennis highlights McFadzean’s expertise in both poetry and fiction, as well as her editorial work at The Brooklyn Review: “McFadzean is such a well-rounded talent, which is exactly what our students are looking for. Plus, her experience in the literary journal market will be of great value to our in-house magazine—The Ampersand Review of Writing & Publishing."

Free professional development opportunities

Are you a business lead who's looking to level up your company's culture of creativity and entrepreneurship?

Sheridan offers FREE, one-hour PD sessions on topics such as:

  • Creative Strategies for an EDI-driven World
  • The Science of Creativity and Innovation
  • Intra- and Entrepreneurial Thinking, and
  • Creative Team Leadership

These workshops will catalyze your climate of innovation and give your team an exclusive look into Sheridan's one-of-a-kind graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation.*

Register your team for a FREE online one-hour masterclass!


*Advance further with our Applied Creativity and Innovation graduate certificate

Our new graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation is a great professional development (PD) opportunity for many company teams. The program teaches complex problem-solving, creativity, innovation and negotiation skills — competencies that make companies more resilient and adaptable as they face the unique challenges presented by the future of work.

Why this program is a great choice for PD:

  • Flexible hours — your employees can complete their graduate certificate online, at their own pace.
  • Relevant coursework – they can choose electives that are most applicable to their position at your company.
  • Award-winning faculty – they’ll learn from instructors who are on the cutting-edge of creativity and innovation research.
  • Practicum project – they’ll work alongside our team of experts to resolve an issue that your business is facing today — whether it’s how to leverage artificial intelligence technology, advance your sustainability efforts, update your marketing strategies, address supply chain inefficiencies or another challenge.

Apprenticeship Exemption Test

The Apprenticeship Exemption Test (AET) provides a chance for students who are learning a skilled trade to bypass in-class studies.

In most cases, you need to score 70% or higher to pass the AET. If you score lower than 70%, you'll need to wait three months before you can try again (with some exceptions for certain exams).

Apprenticeship Exemption Tests are administered at the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, through Sheridan's Assessment Centre.

Learn more about the AET, including eligibility criteria, available tests and how to register.

Sheridan is a Ministry-approved Apprenticeship Exemption Test centre, authorized through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD), for both apprentices and non-apprentices.

Our 2025-26 Digital Viewbook is here!

Learn about Sheridan’s campuses, programs, support services, alumni and more.

Program availability

Domestic
International

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Full-time 1 year Program code: PGLDS

Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Start date Campus Delivery Status
Sep 2025 Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville)
In Person
Domestic Closed
International Closed

Get a feel for your future

Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

Have a question? Contact us.

We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)

Contact Centre hours of operation:

Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Contact Sheridan

Which of the following applies to you?
X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm