Computer Games Design
Although the emphasis of the course is on principles of design, the course provides exposure to all aspects of games development from initial concept, to storyboard creation and from design right through to the development stage culminating in the design of fully functioning 2D and 3D games.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
At Cavan Institute:
Students who successfully complete this course in Computer Games Design meet the entry requirements for the level 6 Computer Games Development (Year 2) course or the level 6 Creative Digital Media (Year 2) course at Cavan Institute.
Elsewhere:
Graduates are also eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the particular institution regarding local eligibility requirements).
-Computing in Games Development - DKIT
-Computing - Games Development - ATU Sligo
-Communication Studies - DCU
-Humanities - Creative & Cultural Industries - UCD
-Film & TV - DKIT
Career Opportunities
There is a growing demand for games designers both in Ireland and abroad. Ireland is now host to a number of leading computer games design companies and the career opportunities in this sector are growing.
Further information
Course commences in September 2024.
€200.
*The Post Leaving Certificate Government Levy of €200 is removed since 2022.
1. PLC Maintenance Grant
Means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres, of which Cavan Institute is one.
Applications can be made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie
2. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details.
3. Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
This scheme allows unemployed people aged over 21 to engage in education and training without losing their benefits. It applies to all courses offered at Cavan Institute and applicants must be in receipt of one of a number of social welfare supports for at least six months.
See www.vtos.ie for further details.
4. HEA Fund for Students with Disabilities
The Higher Education Authority’s “Fund for Students with Disabilities” allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities. Applications to the fund are made on behalf of an eligible student by Cavan Institute following an assessment.
How do I Apply?
On-line applications for the 2024/25 academic year are Open.
You can apply for your chosen Cavan Institute course online, by clicking “Apply Online” on our homepage. Please note you may apply to some Cavan Institute courses through the CAO system. (or view Application link above)
June 1st is the closing date for receipt of applications for first round offers. However, applications will be accepted and processed on courses where places are available following this date and second round offers will be made to eligible applicants who apply after that date.
This course will present learners with the opportunity to:
-fully explore each stage of the game design process
-appreciate the design considerations that arise with different game genres such as adventure, First Person Shooter (FPS), Role Playing Games (RPGs), strategy, fighting and sports games
-play and critique a variety of games on a selection of popular platforms (e.g. X-Box, PS3, PC etc)
-use specialised game engine tools to create their own game components (levels, maps, characters, etc.) create their own computer games (2D and 3D)
-develop life skills including effective communication techniques, teamwork and independent learning
Animation
Animation Drawing Studies
Games Analysis Design
Communications
Work Experience
Image Processing
Design Skills
Web Authoring
3D Modelling and Animation
Music Technology
5M5048 - Creative Media.
Certification: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Creative Media - 5M5048.
Cavan Institute,
Cathedral Road,
Cavan,
Co. Cavan.
H12 E426
email: admin@cavaninstitute.ie
Tel: +353 49 4332633