Computer Games Programming
Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to understand how computers work and can be used to model the physical behaviour of real world objects. This course in Computer Games Programming enables students to appreciate the programming considerations that arise with different game genres such as adventure, First Person Shooter (FPS), Role Playing Games (RPGs), strategy, fighting and sports 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 Programming( Year 1) meet the entry requirements for a range of level 6 courses offered at Cavan Institute, including Software Development (Year 2), Computer Games Development (Year 2) and Computer and Network Technician (Year 2).
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).
Software Design with Virtual Reality and Gaming - TUS Athlone
Software Development - ATU Donegal
Computer Science - DCU
Computer Science - UCD
Computer Science - ATU Sligo
Computer Science - DKIT
Computing and Games Development - DKIT
Career Opportunities
The games industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and opportunities are plentiful both in Ireland and abroad. Examples of job titles include animator, background artist, games programmer, engine programmer, modeler, designer, script writer and game tester. Current skills shortages in these areas means employment is virtually guaranteed, particularly for degree level graduates.
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.
Students will 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.); write and test their own computer games (2D and 3D), as well as develop important life skills, including effective communication techniques, teamwork and independent learning skills.
Games Analysis and Design
Image Processing
Programming and Design Principles
Fundamentals of Object Oriented Programming
Design Skills
Software Architecture
Computer Systems Hardware
Operating Systems
Maths for Information Technology
Communications
Work Experience
5M0529 - Software Development.
Certification: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development - 5M0529.
Cavan Institute,
Cathedral Road,
Cavan,
Co. Cavan.
H12 E426
email: admin@cavaninstitute.ie
Tel: +353 49 4332633