* Insurance fees
NCEA: 28 NCEA Credits, Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology.
The IELTS score required is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 (or equivalent)
Overview
Become a highly sought-after programmer who can breathe life into unimagined worlds. Collaborate with artists to create your universe that behaves in their own laws of physics and have artificially intelligent creatures.
Breathe life into unimagined worlds.
As a highly sought-after games programmer, you'll collaborate with artists to create scenes defying the laws of physics. Learn game coding in a variety of languages, including C++, which will help you succeed and actually make games. Media Design School is the only school in New Zealand who has partnered with Sony's Academic Development Programme, giving you the opportunity to develop for the PlayStation platform. Kick-start your future-proof career now.
Course Outline
Start your learning with the essential theories, principles and knowledge needed for game programming and development, which includes an overview of C++ programming and practical mathematical skills. You will also gain experience constructing, testing and debugging simple computer games.
Prepare for a major game production by learning the management strategies needed for a collaborative project. You will also learn software engineering principles, advanced graphic programming and advanced game programming strategies.
The final year focuses on creating a major game production in conjunction with Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art) students. You'll also begin developing for PlayStation platforms Vita and PS4. Just picture your portfolio at the end of it!
Industry Insights
To be a game developer you'll need both the experience and practical skills to be able to work across multiple game platforms and the ability to collaborate in a group that simulates the industry environment.
In this course, you'll be learning C++ along with other coding languages that will help you succeed in the games industry. In your third year, you'll experience an end-of-year project which will be the closest experience you'll get to an industry environment at any tertiary provider in New Zealand. You'll be collaborating in a group with fellow programmers and artists to create a commercially viable game, which you can include in your portfolio and show-reel by the time you go on to work as a professional.
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Year 1
Component Name, Credits, Toggle
Introduction to Software Engineering for Games, 15,
Algorithms and Data Structures, 15,
2D Game Programming, 15,
3D Graphics Programming, 15,
Introduction to Game Mechanics, 15,
Fundamental Mathematical and Engineering Principles, 30,
Mathematics for Graphical Games, 15,
Game Design Principles, 20,
Year 2
Component Name, Credits, Toggle
Artificial Intelligence, 15,
Software Engineering for Games, 15,
Physics Programming, 15,
Technology Leverage for Games, 15,
Advanced Graphical Games Programming, 15,
Software Engineering Principles and Practices, 15,
Advanced Software Engineering and Programming for Games, 15,
People and Games, 15,
Game Mini Project II - Rapid Game Prototype, 20,
Year 3
Component Name, Credits, Toggle
Game Engine Development, 15,
Software Engineering Capstone Project, 30,
Software Engineering Game Development Capstone Project, 20,
Preproduction, 15,
Game Development Team Production Alpha, 30,
Game Development Team Production Gold, 15,
Professional Practice, 15,
Game Programmer
Software Engineer
Graphics Programmer
Engine Programmer
Artificial Intelligence Programmer
Technical Lead
Gameplay Programmer
Tools/UI Programmer
Network Programmer
Physics Programmer
Sound Programmer
You'll also have the opportunity to work with the PlayStation game platform. Media Design School has partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to become the only tertiary institute in New Zealand where students can develop for PlayStation platforms, giving you the edge once you graduate.
Our graduates go to work in game studios here and around the globe, such as Game Loft, Grinding Gear Games, Pik Pok and Krome Studios.
Insurance/year: 700/per year
