Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice

Game design and development is where creativity meets code – blending storytelling, visual design, and programming to create interactive digital experiences.

From mobile games to immersive 3D worlds, you’ll learn how to design engaging gameplay and user experiences, then develop them to bring your ideas to life.

Level up your future and gain the creative and technical skills to start building your own games from concept to completion. Design. Develop. Play.

H.Cert. (Game Design & Development Practice)

Time to Complete:

1 year (min) - 3 years (max)

Credits:

130

NQF Level:

5

SAQA ID:

121165
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Entry Requirements

National Senior Certificate (NSC), with English passed with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate study; or National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), with English passed with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate study; or prior to 2009, Senior Certificate with English as one of the modules passed. Alternatively, a post school qualification may also be considered, for example, an FET/National Certificate, NQF (OQSF) Level 4, minimum Credits 120.
This programme is offered by Boston City Campus in the distance mode of education with support provided at Learner Support Centres. Apply to register at any Boston City Campus Learner Support Centre nationwide.
All modules are compulsory and must be passed.

Possible employment opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Junior Game Designer/Developer
  • Junior Game Artist
  • Junior Animator
  • Junior Concept Artist
  • Junior Game Tester
  • Junior Interface Designer
*Certain occupational objectives are provided for in foundational form and may require further specialisation or experience.

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Factsheet

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Prospectus

Did you know that Boston does not work on a points system

Although your subjects may be considered, Boston does not use a point system for entry.
Your endorsement says it all.
Semester A Semester B
  • Computer Literacy (Computational Thinking & Programming)
  • Principles of Game Design
  • Introduction to Game Scripting 1A
  • Introduction to Digital Arts 1A
  • Foundation of Game Engines 1A
  • Introduction to Game Scripting 1B
  • Introduction to Digital Arts 1B
  • Foundation of Game Engines 1B
  • Creative Project: Game Production

Various How You’ll Be Assessed (ASC, ASW4 and AS2) are used throughout the modules in the programme. For example, AS2 is predominately applied in this programme and consists of a Formative Assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, which count fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark. The Summative Assessment in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%).

No supplementary assessment is provided for FA1. A maximum of one (1) additional supplementary assessment opportunity is provided for SA1, which will be charged for.

Please consult the Fact Sheet and Student Rulebook for additional, detailed programme information.

On completion of the programme, graduates will have the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to:

  • Select suitable strategies and techniques in a game design and development environment.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of relevant programming language logic, syntax and use in the pipeline, mechanics, and development of a game.
  • Produce basic game ready assets contextualised by design, modelling, texturing, animating, and rigging.
  • Demonstrate the fundamental ability to implement, produce and source 2D and 3D game assets for an industry-standard game engine.
  • Design and produce a functional game using an industry-standard game engine platform.
  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of the game publishing marketplaces and related game format export.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with peers and effectively manage time and resources to meet deadlines.

BOSTON HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME

On successful completion the Learner will be issued a Higher Certificate in Game Design & Development Practice NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 121165, minimum 130 credits from Boston City Campus.