Advanced Diploma in Game – Programming
Toronto, Canada
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
CAD 18,035 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Whether it’s online or console, cellphone or PC-based, the game industry in Canada is large and growing rapidly. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small specialized units to mid-sized companies to Microsoft, Nintendo, and other industry leaders.
Computer programmers are the fundamental resource for companies that develop, produce, distribute and market computer-based games. In fact, our industry advisers tell us it is the technical skills that are most in-demand – a demand that this George Brown program is focused on meeting.
As a student in this three-year Game – Programming advanced diploma program, you will learn the technical skills needed to be successful in the job market by learning “the language of gaming” (C and C++), as well as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics, and much more.
The added advantage of this program is that you will also be taught by George Brown’s School of Design faculty throughout the program, working closely with design students to create games, explore all aspects of the game industry and learn to work in teams, just as you would in the industry. Classes take place at George Brown – Waterfront Campus, evening courses may be required.
Note: Students who start the program in January (Winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships for international students at George Brown College are generally in-program awards based on students’ academic performance (and other criteria) at George Brown College after the beginning of the academic program.
Curriculum
Required Courses
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
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| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
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| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
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**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit georgebrown.ca/assessment for more information.
Electives
Alternative study options
Students looking to focus more on the art/asset development aspect of game development may be more interested in our Game – Art advanced diploma program (G119), which is centered in the George Brown School of Design. Even though several courses are co-delivered in both programs, we encourage you to consider which program most closely suits your goals prior to making a final decision.
Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
- Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
- Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design, and art.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
- Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards, and codes of ethics.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Your Career
Our graduates will be able to work in many areas of the digital game industry, including:
- Software or hardware development
- Publisher
- ISP and game portal development and maintenance
- website development
- distribution middleware and tool provider
- production servicer
- content/IP owner
Industry
"Canada's video game industry is recognized as a global powerhouse for game development and has played a significant role in shifting what was once a 'niche industry' into a blockbuster industry and driver of innovation. In 2015, the industry contributed more than $3 billion to the Canadian economy and provided 20,400 full-time equivalents (FTE) jobs across the country, representing an increase of 31 percent and 24 percent respectively since 2013.
"Industry growth both globally and in Canada has been explosive and is expected to continue into the future. Canada’s video game industry crosses the country with 472 active studios that develop, publish, and distribute video games. The sector is mainly concentrated in the provinces of Quebec (29.4 percent), British Columbia (27.1 percent), and Ontario (22.9 percent)." – Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Educational Pathways
Graduates of Game – Programming have the opportunity to apply to the BSc (Honours) Computer Games Design program at the University of Gloucestershire, beginning in level 6.