Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design program at Niagara College and Brock University is a unique dual-credit program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to become innovative game designers. Through hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and creative exploration, students gain experience in all aspects of game development, preparing them for a variety of roles in the industry. The program fosters collaboration between students from both institutions, providing a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is a unique dual-credit program between Niagara College and Brock University, leading to a four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Game Design from Brock University and a three-year Advanced Diploma in Game Development from Niagara College.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become innovative game designers in the digital game and interactive media industry.
Program Description:
- Hands-on Learning: Students engage in hundreds of hours of practical, applied learning in state-of-the-art game development labs.
- Collaborative Projects: Students gain experience in individual and collaborative game development, including team projects where they conceive, design, and develop original game titles.
- Creative Exploration: The program explores the creative and cultural context of games, including gaming history, platforms, design and production paradigms, game design, art creation techniques, and game creation and production.
- Brock & NC Collaboration: Students attend both Brock and Niagara College concurrently, collaborating with Game Programming students in development teams.
Careers:
The program prepares students for a variety of roles in the game development industry, including:
- 2D and 3D animation
- Concept art and design
- Environment and character modelling
- Game level layout and design
- Game software production and development
- Game graphics development
- Graphical user interface design
- Computer Specifications: The program provides minimum and recommended computer specifications for students.
- Software Requirements: Software versions and installation instructions will be communicated closer to the beginning of the Fall 2023 term.
- Program Costs: All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- Application Process: Students must apply to the program through Brock University.
- Testimonial: A program graduate, Mohammed, highlights the positive experience and knowledge gained from the program.
Niagara College Canada
Overview:
Niagara College is a public college located in the Niagara Region of Canada. It is known for its focus on experiential learning and offers over 130 full-time postsecondary programs across 14 schools of study. The college is recognized as a leader in applied research and innovation, having been named Canada's top research college twice in recent years.
Services Offered:
Niagara College provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Student Services:
Offers support in areas such as health, wellness, accessibility, career and co-op services, and Indigenous education.Libraries and Learning Commons:
Provides access to resources and support for academic success.Athletics and Student Engagement:
Offers opportunities for students to participate in varsity athletics, intramurals, recreation activities, and various student clubs and organizations.Campus Services:
Includes dining options, parking and transit information, residence and housing options, and safety and community resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Niagara College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to connect with their peers, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop their skills through hands-on learning. The college has two campuses, Welland and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, both offering a range of amenities and facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Niagara College is known for its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience and valuable skills.Applied Research and Innovation:
The college is a leader in applied research, offering students opportunities to work alongside faculty and staff researchers on projects with real businesses.Strong Industry Connections:
Niagara College has strong ties to local industries, providing students with access to internships, co-op placements, and career opportunities.Vibrant Campus Community:
The college fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for students, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events to engage in.Academic Programs:
Niagara College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Diploma Programs:
Provide students with specialized skills and knowledge in a particular field.Graduate Certificate Programs:
Offer advanced training and professional development opportunities.Bachelor's Degree Programs:
Provide students with a comprehensive education in a chosen field.Other:
Learning Enterprises:
Niagara College operates a number of learning enterprises, such as restaurants, a dental clinic, a hair salon, a spa, a winery, a brewery, a distillery, and a greenhouse. These enterprises provide students with real-world experience and generate revenue to support student learning.Land Acknowledgement:
Niagara College acknowledges the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples and is committed to promoting reconciliation and Indigenous rights.Entry Requirements:
- Minimum overall average in six 4U or 4M courses, including prerequisites, of 70%* plus the OSSD
- Required Subjects: English (ENG4U)
- Recommended Subjects: One from 4U history, 4U philosophy, 4U classical studies, or 4U international language.
- Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Interest.
- Admission is not guaranteed by attainment of the minimum requirements as some programs require higher averages.
