Course
Specialisation Course in Games Development
Specialise and programme complete games with logic, structure and innovation.
ETIC_Algarve’s Specialization Course in Games Development is a technical and specialized training programme that takes your video game development skills to an advanced level. Suitable for those who already have a basic grounding in the subject and wish to deepen their knowledge, this course enables you to consolidate your technical thinking, methodology and implementation skills through a British International Certification, recognised and validated by Teesside University, which holds academic and professional value.
On the Games Development Specialisation Course, you will learn:
- Gameplay systems and game mechanics
- Development tools and game engines
- Programming applied to video game development
- Research methodologies and critical analysis in game production.
This specialized training programme in video games combines theory, research and practical experience with real-world projects, preparing you for a successful career in the video games industry, both nationally and internationally.
The Games Development Specialisation Course leads to a British international qualification, recognised and accredited by Teesside University, which provides an internationally recognised academic pathway.
Upon completing this Specialisation Course, you will have the opportunity to participate in an ERASMUS+ European mobility project, enjoying an enriching international experience through an internship.
Requirements
- Completion of the 2-year Technical Course in Video Games at ETIC_Algarve, or a 120-credit certificate for those who have completed the course and for whom credit equivalencies can be awarded.
- Portfolio in the specific area of the course
- Level of proficiency in English with the scores required in the application process.
Trainee Support
Concern for the well-being of students is a constant priority, which is why ETIC_Algarve has been providing its community with various services that contribute to their personal and human growth.
Whether it is support for entering the labour market, support for personal development, or financial support granted through the recent Training Grant, there are several ways in which we facilitate and promote the growth of our trainees.
Training Grant
JUMP Internships
Personal development
Specialised Training
1 year
Classes from September to June
Evenings, three times a week, from 7pm to 10pm via B-Learning
Number of Trainees
Maximum 16
And after the course?
Erasmus+
Upon completion of this training, you will have the opportunity to participate in our ERASMUS+ European mobility project.
Career opportunities
- Video Game Developer
- Video Game Programmer
- Gameplay Software
- Technical artist
- Level Designer
- Visual Effects Designer
Contents
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Advanced Development Techniques
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This module is designed to expand students’ knowledge of the modern development techniques and principles most commonly used in the video game industry.
It is aimed at students with some programming knowledge and offers them the opportunity to specialise in gameplay programming, tool creation, VFX and level design.
Trainees will conduct research on modern design principles and, based on this research, create a proof of concept to support their development work.
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Beta Arcade
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This module is designed to provide you with work experience as a member of a Game Development team, closely reflecting industry practices.
You will collaborate in teams to develop and present a game demo.
Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.
Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.
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Games Projetct
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This module functions as a kind of thesis, where you will carry out a large-scale study under supervision.
The project involves the creation of a significant artefact related to your course, culminating in a written report and a live version, which includes the presentation, demonstration and discussion of your work.
You will receive guidance on developing appropriate work discipline, combined with a professional mindset. You will be expected to take responsibility for planning and executing an extensive project, taking into account legal, social, ethical and professional issues.
This project allows you to explore in depth an area of interest of your choice, potentially one in which you wish to specialise.
It will demonstrate your ability to analyse, synthesise and creatively apply the knowledge acquired throughout the programme, while highlighting your critical thinking and professional awareness.
Trainees will be assessed individually through two components: a research report on the chosen design and a proof of concept based on their research.
Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.Assessment will be done as a group, and each trainee will also be assessed by their peers based on their individual participation. As part of this process, you will be required to create a “Making of” Design/Art Book in electronic format.
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Masterclasses
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Throughout the course, masterclasses with international professionals are planned to bring added value to the trainees’ projects.
Trainers
Resources and Equipament
- Room equipped with one computer per trainee, with Windows environment
- Huion Kamvas and Wacom drawing tablets;
- Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset;
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, Audition, After Effects, etc.; Spriter; Blender, Unity; Reaper; FM Mod, Unreal Engine, among others.
Portflio
Prices
Monthly fees:
12 x 404,17€
100€ Application fee + 250€ Registration fee
16 x 303,13€
100€ Application fee + 250€ Registration fee
Special discounts (cannot be combined):
-10%
– Save 485,00€ Immediate Payment Former students
-5%
save 242,50€
- Immediate Payment
- Monthly fees for former students
Other Conditions
Citizens without tax residence in Portugal:
450€ registration fee + 1st instalment – 1560,00€ (30% of the course fee)
Payable upon registration + 11 monthly instalments of 330,91€
Application Process
Enrolment takes place between April and the start of classes in the second half of September, while places are still available on the courses.
Enrolment can be completed once the admission requirements have been verified and upon payment of the enrolment fee and presentation of:
- 1 passport-style photograph in digital format
- Portfolio appropriate to the specific area of the course
- Certificate of Qualifications
- Certificate of Completion of the 2-year course in Video Games/Completion of the 2-year course in Video Games at ETIC_Algarve or a Certificate of 120 credits that the Candidate has completed. In both cases, the average must be equal to or greater than 13 points.
- Applicant’s documents (ID document + tax registration card + proof of address: water, electricity or telephone bill, or driving licence)
- Letter of Recommendation in English
- English proficiency level with scores from one of the following tests is required: DUOLINGO, minimum 115 (95 in all components); IELTS, minimum 6.0 (5.5 in all components); TOEFL IBT, minimum 80 (20 in all components)
- Filling out and signing the registration form and training contract.
Are you interested?
Make a non-binding pre-registration.