Bachelor of Interactive Entertainment (Major in Games Programming)
Qantm College Bachelor of Interactive Entertainment (with a Major in Games Programming) focuses on specific areas are critical to developing knowledge and skills in games programming for interactive entertainment. Students of the Major in Games Programming learn C++ programming, work with mathematical functions and artificial intelligence to design and program games for a variety of devices. To broaden students' perspectives on the games development pipeline, the major includes specialised courses in script writing, character development, games design, agent systems and 2D and 3D animation.
This course is designed to prepare graduates to undertake operational, development and managerial roles within the Interactive Entertainment industries. To ensure graduates success in a highly competitive commercial environment, students undertake studies in communications design, project management, business and copyright law.
Through Qantm College's strong industry links, our Games Programming students are able to apply for an internship in their second year of study; supplementing their practical skill with real-world experience. The demonstrated success of our Games Programming graduates lies in the accolades received by a recent cohort in winning the "Best Unsigned Title" from the GDAA (Game Developers Association of Australia) for their major game coursework.
Qualification
- Bachelor of Interactive Entertainment (with a Major in Games Programming)
Sector
- Higher Education (Australian government accredited)
Duration
- 24 months, full-time program
Entry Requirements
- Completion of the Australian year 12 high school certificate (HSC) or its equivalent
and - Pass in Senior English
and - Maths A, B, C (any combination) – QLD
Advanced Maths, Ext One or Ext Two – NSW
Maths Methods - VIC
Available at
- Brisbane - QLD
- Sydney - NSW
- Melbourne - VIC
Career Options:
As the cornerstone of any games production team, games programmers are well remunerated for their challenging role. Possible employment opportunities in the games programming industry include:
- Games Programmer
- Effects Programmer
- Engine Programmer
- Tools Programmer
- Audio Programmer
- Multiplayer Networking Programmer
- Games Producer
- Games Project Manager
Course Content
1st Year Bachelor of Interactive Entertainment (Major in Games Programming)
Trimester 1
DES101: Principles of Design
A foundation course in the application of design principles and elements that is fundamental to all design activities. Students will enhance their knowledge and skills to effectively apply these principles and elements as well as critically evaluate their design processes.
DES102: Communication Design
This course introduces the key elements of communication that facilitate effective communication on a personal and professional basis. Students will examine communication theories and apply these practically for effective communication particularly within the multimedia and interactive entertainment environments.
DEV103: Object Orientated Programming
In this course, students are introduced to programming fundamentals for computer applications. Students will study the basic skills in the development of computer applications, as well as applying object-oriented concepts and modular programming techniques.
Trimester 2
INT201: Narrative & Character Development
A course focused on the development of character and narrative flow for films and games. Students will study how narrative is structured in many media and explore the basic principles of character development and the strategies to implement characters into an entertainment narrative.
DES104: Design for Interactive Entertainment
Students are introduced to key theories, concepts and methodologies in design for interactive entertainment. They will critically analyse and evaluate a range of games and digital entertainment artifacts to develop an understanding of how to design interactive applications that are engaging, entertaining and targeted.
GAM201: Games Programming I
This is a foundation course in the application development of computer games. Students will study the core development processes involved in the creation of computer games and learn programming techniques used to develop 2D computer games using current game development techniques.
GAM202: Games Systems Design
Games Systems Design covers a range of industry-standard design techniques, which can be applied throughout a software development project at varying levels of abstraction.
Trimester 3
INT202: Scripting & Storyboarding
This course will introduce students to the concepts and practices of developing and actualising scripts and storyboards for projects in many media. The use of scripts, storyboards and animatics for different purposes and outcomes will also be examined and applied.
DES202: Game Level Design
Students are introduced to key theories, concepts, and methodologies of designing effective levels for a variety of different game types. Students examine the processes and issues involved. Students will undertake and report on research they have done, as well as produce examples of level design.
GAM203: Games Programming II
This course builds on and extends the student’s games programming skill set by focusing on the development of 3D rendering techniques and games engines.
GAM204: Mathematics of Games Programming
A foundation course in the application of mathematics for the development of game environments. Students will study the essentials of trigonometry, matrices, physics simulations and collision detection systems in the context of games and player actions.
2nd Year Bachelor of Interactive Entertainment (Major in Games Programming)
Trimester 4
NEM201: Managing New Media Projects
Examines a range of theories, concepts and methodologies for the effective project management of large-scale New Media projects. Students will be exposed to a range of industry standard tools available for the planning, tracking and overall management of such projects.
NEM204: New Media Business Compliance
With increasing global and local competition, new media businesses are required to meet various and complex standards of compliance. This course will inform students in the strategic areas of legal compliance and quality compliance. This course gives students the skills needed to:
- Understand the wide range of legal issues affecting the New Media industry including information security, copyright, intellectual property and application development.
- Critically review and evaluate New Media projects to ensure a quality product and a quality process. Testing and the implementation of standards will be addressed as well as quality assurance models.
GAM301: Games Programming III
Students will study in the field of network programming, to aid in the development of multi-user environments. Students will be introduced to the basics of electronic communications, such as packets and communication protocols, and also the role entity management plays in a Multi-user game.
GAM302: AI & Agent Systems
Focuses on the concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and its specific use in relation to agents and agent systems within the computer games environment. Students will study several techniques in the field of AI and its application to the design and development of computer games.
Trimester 5
IEP301: Interactive Entertainment Project Design & Pre-Production
Requires students to complete the design of a client-driven project in the field of entertainment. Incorporating the key elements of their field of study. Students are to maintain a record of their work and produce a report on and presentation of their design activities.
GAM305: Rapid Applications Development
Focuses on the role of tools development in the production of a commercial grade interactive product. Student will be introduced to the relative benefits of an efficient production pipeline that is supported by reusable toolsets.
MED103: Principles of 3D Animation
MED 103 is an introductory course in 3D modelling. In this course, students will be exposed to a wide range of tools used in 3D modelling, and will develop skills in the construction and manipulation of 3D models.
Elective Unit - Students can choose 1 Elective.
Trimester 6
Choice from Group A or Group B:
Group A
Elective Study - Students can choose 1 Elective.
IEP302: Interactive Entertainment Project
Requires students to complete the production of a client-driven entertainment project, incorporating the key elements from their field of study. Students are to maintain a record of their work and produce a report and presentation of their production outcomes.
NEM302: The Business of New Media
Ensures students gain an understanding of the concepts that underlie successful business and marketing strategies, with particular emphasis placed on professional practice and the financial and logistical requirements for establishing a small business in the new media industry.
Group B
IEP302: Interactive Entertainment Project
Requires students to complete the production of a client-driven entertainment project, incorporating the key elements from their field of study. Students are to maintain a record of their work and produce a report and presentation of their production outcomes.
NEM305: New Media Internship
Enables students to examine and analyse first-hand the business methodologies, communication models, production work-flows and design strategies used specifically in the New Media industry. Students will also gain an understanding of the concepts that underlie successful business and marketing strategies, with a particular emphasis placed on professional practice.
Note: entry into NEM305: New Media Internship is dependent upon industry placements and will be based on overall student performance.
