DL147 - Certificate Games Design
This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.
What is Games Design?
This course demystifies the world of game design, focusing on the powerful Unreal Engine 5 and Blueprint scripting. Whether you are starting your journey in game design or looking to sharpen your skills, this course is designed to guide you through the intricacies of crafting immersive game environments and engaging gameplay using Unreal Engine.
No previous programming experience required!
The course will empower learners with practical skills and knowledge in Game Design using Unreal Engine 5. You will explore the bedrock of game design, delve into the nuances of Blueprint scripting, and experience the thrill of bringing a game project to life, right from its conceptual stages to a polished prototype.
The course will allow learners to apply the skills they develop in a variety of ways to suit their interests, including the design of traditional games, interactive narratives, and more abstract digital experiences. This course is ideal for animators and technical artists interested in upskilling in Unreal Engine for their creative pursuits alongside future game designers and hobbyists interested in broadening their skillset.
Students may come from a range of backgrounds, with varying levels of prior design experience (e.g., computing, engineering, technology, business, marketing, design, creative arts, psychology, etc. graduates) for whom game design is a key area of interest.
Students who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate in Professional Skills (Games Design) – (Level 9 Award, 10 ECTS).
What will I study?
Technical Skills
Introduction to Unreal Engine 5 – game engine + interface
Blueprints Scripting
Game logic + mechanics
Creative + Design Skills
Creating + using assets
UI + UX design for games
Explore lighting, animation + environmental design
Crafting engaging levels
Developing gameplay mechanics
Techniques in Rapid Prototyping
Advanced Features
Creating Game Design Documentation
Saving + Loading Systems
Exploring Chaos Physics + Terrain Systems
Utilizing Source Control
AI Scripting
Capstone Project
From concept to completion: A real-world project to showcase your skills.
How will I be assessed?
Your skills will be showcased through a hands-on project. You’ll create design documentation for a game idea and then bring it to life through Alpha and Beta design cycles, culminating in a final presentation.
Are there any Equipment / Software Requirements?
A computer capable of running UE5 is essential.
Unreal Engine 5 minimum requirements on Windows:
• Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD 2.5 GHz or superior
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Graphics Card: Any DirectX 11 or 12 compatible card
Unreal Engine 5 minimum requirements on Mac:
• Operating system: macOS Monterrey
• Processor: Quad-core Intel 2.5 GHz or superior
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Graphics Card: Any Metal 1.2 compatible card
Unreal Engine 5 minimum requirements on Linux:
• Operating system: Linux distributions starting with CentOS 7.x
• Linux kernel: kernel 3.x or newer
• Extras: glibc 2.17 or newer
Dates + Times
Classes take place online (MS Teams) twice a week for 6 weeks on Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm.
There will be a 1:30 lecture, followed by a half hour lab where students can complete weekly exercises and get feedback on their work.
The exact dates are as follows:
8th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 25th, 29th April
2nd, 7th (Tuesday), 9th, 13th, 16th May
Fees + Scholarships
Fees for this course in 2024 are €550, subsidised by the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative. Check your eligibility HERE
Once offered a place on the course, you will be asked to complete a declaration form to confirm your eligibility.
Fees for those who do not meet the eligibility criteria above are €1,100.
CFA Scholarship:
A CFA scholarship encourages the participation of learners from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education by offering one free place on all of our CFA short courses.
Find out if you are eligible to apply HERE
Fill in the CFA@IADT scholarship application form HERE
Meet our Lecturers
My name is Naoise Collins. I have years of experience with game design and game engines. I’m really interested in using game engines for different creative purposes. This course would be great for all kinds of backgrounds and is designed specifically to nurture your creative potential with games and to pick up some technical basics on the way!