| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Game – Art
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
GART
Next Intake
September 2025
Faculty
Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD)
Length
Six semesters
Delivery
In person
Program Overview
This program offers a well-balanced education in every aspect of the game development process, with a focus towards training artists for the game industry. There is an enormous difference between playing games and creating them, and this program is designed to teach you how to convert your love of gameplay and artistry into a lucrative career. The experience and knowledge gained in the Game-Art program at Durham College have given graduates the edge in landing careers in industry-leading game studios.
Intakes and Availability
| Date | Domestic Availability | International Availability |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Open | Open |
Program Highlights
- Success Stories
- Resources
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
- Portfolio of work
Recommended
- Senior-level visual arts credits
Additional Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program requires the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their drawing and creative ability.
Tuition
- Year one domestic: $6,821 (CAD)
- Year one international: $19,407 (CAD)
Semester 1 Courses
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Pre-Production 1 (DESG 1100)
- Traditional Art 1 (FINE 1100)
- Animating I - Games (GAME 1103)
- Modelling 1 (GAME 1104)
- Real Time Engines (GAME 1105)
- Surfacing 1 (GAME 1106)
Career Options
- Environment artist
- Surfacing artist
- Technical artist
- Animator for games
- Motion capture clean-up artist
- Lighting artist
- 3D modeller
- Game developer
- Concept artist
Program Details
This program was developed with input from veterans in the digital entertainment industry and continues to garner enthusiastic support from studios and professional artists across the country. Our industry-trained professors are ready to share their knowledge and experience with you. The focus of this hands-on program is to develop and hone your skills as a digital artist through project-based learning and instruction.
Program Learning Outcomes
- 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
- Develop pre-production and conceptual art for games and gaming through the selection and application of relevant design tools and drawing techniques
- Create original game assets to meet requirements outlined in game design documents and/or creative briefs
- Engage in original world building and level design within a range of game engines to meet industry and marketplace requirements
- Generate user interface design in alignment with Game Design Documents to optimize both the aesthetics and function of gameplay
Courses
Semester 1
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Pre-Production 1 (DESG 1100)
- Traditional Art 1 (FINE 1100)
- Animating I - Games (GAME 1103)
- Modelling 1 (GAME 1104)
- Real Time Engines (GAME 1105)
- Surfacing 1 (GAME 1106)
Semester 2
- Pre-Production 2 (DESG 1200)
- Traditional Art 2 (FINE 1200)
- Animating 2 (GAME 1204)
- Real Time Engines 2 (GAME 1205)
- Modelling 2 (GAME 1206)
- Surfacing 2 (GAME 1207)
- Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
Semester 3
- Pre-Production 3 (DESG 2100)
- Animating 3 (GAME 2100)
- Environment Art 1 (GAME 2101)
- Modelling 3 (GAME 2102)
- Surfacing 3 (GAME 2103)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- Asset Production Workshop 1 (PJMT 2100)
Semester 4
- Pre-Production 4 (DESG 2200)
- Animating 4 (GAME 2200)
- Environment Art 2 (GAME 2201)
- Modelling 4 (GAME 2202)
- Surfacing 4 (GAME 2203)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- Asset Production Workshop 2 (PJMT 2201)
Semester 5
- Animating 5 (GAME 3100)
- Environment Art 3 (GAME 3101)
- Modelling 5 (GAME 3102)
- Surfacing 5 (GAME 3103)
- Technical Artistry (GAME 3104)
- Game Proposals (GART 3100)
- Asset Production Workshop 3 (PJMT 3100)
Semester 6
- Portfolio Development (GAME 3200)
- Post-Production Studio (GAME 3201)
- Game Design Studio (GART 3200)
- Applied Projects and Research (GART 3201)
- Asset Production Studio (PJMT 3200)
Course Delivery
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Costs
The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.
Game - Art Year 1 Costs
| Semester 1 | Tuition: | $3,410.37 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $300 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $493.77 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430 | ||
| Total: | $4,634.14 |
| Semester 2 | Tuition: | $3,410.37 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $0 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $493.77 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120 | ||
| Total: | $4,024.14 |
Game - Art Year 2 Costs
| Semester 3 | Tuition: | $3,410.37 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $150 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $474.19 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430 | ||
| Total: | $4,464.56 |
| Semester 4 | Tuition: | $3,410.37 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $0 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $474.19 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120 | ||
| Total: | $4,004.56 |
Game - Art Year 3 Costs
| Semester 5 | Tuition: | $3,410.37 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $0 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $474.19 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430 | ||
| Total: | $4,314.56 |
| Semester 6 | Tuition: | $3,410.37 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $0 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $474.19 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120 | ||
| Total: | $4,004.56 |
Career Options
- Environment artist
- Surfacing artist
- Technical artist
- Animator for games
- Motion capture clean-up artist
- Lighting artist
- 3D modeller
- Game developer
- Concept artist
Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials
Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Educational Studies and Digital Technology – Ontario Tech University
- Bachelor of Science - Technology Project Management – Davenport University
- Bachelor of Games Design - Art Direction – Griffith University
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
Program Outline
Outline:
- The program offers a thorough education in all aspects of game development, with an emphasis on training artists for the gaming industry.
- Through project-based learning and instruction, the program aims to develop and refine students' skills by exploring environment and level design while utilizing modeling, surfacing, lighting techniques, and special effects in leading real-time game engines.
- The program emphasizes industry context through the use of production pipelines and studio simulation.
- Graduates will enter the industry equipped with exceptional technical and creative abilities, a practical understanding of game production, and a strong sense of professionalism.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by industry-trained faculty, sharing their knowledge and experience with students.
- Students will learn the skills needed to explore new software and technology confidently, including preproduction design, drawing, digital illustration, game asset creation employing industry-current techniques, and portfolio development for demo reels and online presence.
Careers:
- Graduates of the Game-Art program are prepared for careers as:
- Environment artist
- Surfacing artist
- Technical artist
- Animator for games
- Motion capture clean-up artist
- Lighting artist
- 3D modeler
- Pre-production artist
- Level designer
- Game developer
- Concept artist
- Production manager
- Project manager
- Quality assurance technician
Durham College
Overview:
Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programs, including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships. The college is known for its focus on experiential learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Durham College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) offers tutoring, workshops, and other resources to help students succeed academically.Career Development:
The Career Development Centre assists students with career planning, job searching, and resume writing.Co-operative Education:
Many programs offer co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain practical work experience in their field.Financial Aid:
Durham College offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students finance their education.Health and Wellness:
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre provides a range of services, including counselling, health education, and fitness programs.Housing:
Durham College offers on-campus housing options for students.Library:
The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Student Association:
The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) represents the interests of students and provides a variety of social and recreational activities.Campus Safety:
Durham College has a dedicated Campus Safety department that provides security services and emergency response.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Durham College offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Durham College has a competitive varsity sports program, as well as intramural and extramural sports.Esports:
The college has an Esports Gaming Arena where students can compete in various video games.Student Events:
Durham College hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and guest speakers.Social Media Hub:
The college has a dedicated Social Media Hub where students can connect with each other and stay up-to-date on campus news.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Durham College emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience in their chosen field.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs that are designed to prepare students for specific careers.Strong Industry Connections:
Durham College has strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and welcoming environment for students, with a variety of resources and services available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Durham College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Full-time Programs:
Diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships in a variety of fields, including business, technology, health care, and the arts.Part-time Programs:
Professional and part-time learning opportunities for individuals looking to upgrade their skills or pursue a new career.Online Learning:
A variety of online programs and courses available for students who prefer to learn remotely.Other:
- Durham College has two campuses: Oshawa and Whitby.
- The college is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Durham College is a smoke-free campus.
-
The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact.
-
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages of studying at Durham College, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to choose this institution.Entry Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
- Portfolio of work
Recommended:
- Senior-level visual arts credits
Additional requirements:
- In addition to the academic requirements, admission to this program requires the submission of a portfolio of artwork. The purpose of the portfolio is to allow students to demonstrate their drawing and creative ability.
- For more information on submitting a portfolio, you are welcome to attend one of our Portfolio Information Sessions.
