Digital Design – Game Design Program (Milan/Toronto) (for International Students) (G205)
Apply Now:
International Students
Program Description
Program Overview
The Digital Design – Game Design program is offered in partnership with MEET's Digital Culture Centre in Milan. Video games have become one of the leading forms of artistic expression in the twenty-first century. The Digital Design – Game Design one-year graduate certificate is a rigorous program of study that focuses on the principles and techniques of video game design and production required to break into the industry.
Full Description
The Digital Design – Game Design program develops the production and design abilities of students in management scenarios through courses in design documentation, milestone and pipeline scheduling, game design theory and psychology. Taught by international faculty with industry experience and mentored by game industry leaders, you will learn how to design and develop games, not only for the entertainment market, but also for serious gaming applications in health, education, construction, marketing and other sectors.
You will have the unique opportunity to develop commercial quality games in a simulated video game studio environment, at times working with industry partners, game artists and programmers. The program offers a unique and intensive delivery structure in which the first semester is held in Milan, and the final two semesters are held in Toronto.
It is anticipated that graduates of this program will find employment in the game industry. Prior to graduation, you will have the opportunity to assemble a portfolio/demo of your creative work demonstrating your ability in game design and highlighting your chosen area of specialization.
Your Field Education Options
Students with approved portfolios are eligible for non-mandatory external field placements in semester 3.
Note: External field placements in Toronto are contingent on successful visa applications.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
Graduates may go on to careers designing and managing design in the game and digital media sector or in their own business. Graduates of this program will have acquired the necessary skills to be employed as:
- game designers
- creative directors
- level designers
- producers
- project managers
Educational Pathways
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1 (in Milan, Italy)
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
DESN 1101 | Game Design Theory I |
DESN 1122 | Game Production Thesis I |
DESN 1140 | Narrative Design I |
DESN 1141 | Game Psychology I |
DESN 1143 | Advanced Level Design I |
DESN 1145 | Game Management I |
DESN 1147 | Design Documentation |
SEMESTER 2 (in Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
DESN 1111 | Game Design Theory II |
DESN 1123 | Game Production Thesis II |
DESN 1142 | Game Psychology II |
DESN 1144 | Advanced Level Design II |
DESN 1146 | Game Management II |
DESN 1148 | Game Business |
DESN 1149 | Narrative Design II |
SEMESTER 3 (in Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
DESN 1072 | Game Experiential Project |
DESN 1088 | Studio Entrepreneurship |
Articulation Agreement
George Brown College’s Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology is the official academic partner of MEET – a new centre in Milan that aims to cultivate digital culture through events, exhibitions and academic programming.
MEET, Milan’s Digital Centre, is a social enterprise and forum that anticipates and brings international trends to the public – a place where digital culture’s innovative practices and languages are fully experienced. MEET’s vibrant and varied programming includes international events, workshops and courses for individuals of all ages and postgraduate programs offered in partnership with George Brown College.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Design environment and characters using the principles of game design.
- Read, analyze and create game design documents for effective game creation and management.
- Create environments, objects and characters for integration within a video game.
- Import game assets and levels into game engines to create appropriate high-end 3D game applications or engines.
- Produce a 3D game using appropriate tools and game-management techniques.
- Create and produce digital components, games and documentation using a variety of computer platforms.
- Prepare a variety of industry standard documents and prototypes in a skilled manner and demonstrate professional presentation and organizational skills.
- Develop and present a working game design document for a marketable game.
- Use an existing game engine to create a prototype game.
- Evaluate different types of games and platforms and select the appropriate ones for a particular game strategy.
- Present the game design prototype and document using innovative techniques as well as digital, verbal and written skills.
- Manage the design and production process of a game prototype.
Articulation Agreement
George Brown College’s Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology is the official academic partner of MEET Digital Culture Centre– a new centre in Milan that aims to cultivate digital culture through events, exhibitions and academic programming.
MEET Digital Culture Centre, is a social enterprise and forum that anticipates and brings international trends to the public – a place where digital culture’s innovative practices and languages are fully experienced. MEET’s vibrant and varied programming includes international events, workshops and courses for individuals of all ages and postgraduate programs offered in partnership with George Brown College.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of the program starting in the Fall (Sept.) 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs/semester starting in Fall 2022 and later dates.
Total tuition for the program is $23,656.00 and it can be paid in 3 instalments as follows:
(due date for fall semester fees) – 3,911.00 - Semester 1
(due date for winter semester fees) – 9,800.00 - Semester 2
(due date for spring semester fees) – 9,945.00 - Semester 3
Note that this program is international— all enrolled students are subject to international fees, regardless of country of origin.
To accept your offer and confirm your seat in the program you will be required to pay a minimum of your first semester fee of approximately 5,500 Euros or equivalent.
You may choose to pay your fees in Canadian dollars or other currency. You may make payments using the CIBC payment platform on our Online Application for International Students page.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- college diploma or bachelor's degree, or demonstrated competence through related work experience (resume required)
- interview*
- application questionnaire*
- portfolio* (digital portfolio accepted)
- resumé*
* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire and submit a portfolio and resume electronically. Details on these supplementary requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process. Qualified applicants may also be invited for an interview.
To be admitted into the post-secondary program (postgraduate) you must:
- Have graduated from senior secondary school and university or college.
- Be 17 years of age or older at the time of program start.
- Pay the non-refundable $95 application fee. This can be paid by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, AMEX), or electronic bank transfer as specified on the online application.
- Provide proof of English proficiency. If English is not the official first language in your country, you must have one of the following (upload a copy of the Test Report):
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band |
---|---|
TOEFL | 88 overall, minimum 22 in each skill band |
PTE (Academic) | 60 overall, minimum 55 in each skill band |
George Brown English for Academic Purposes Program | Not available for this program |
George Brown Admissions Test (only offered in Toronto) | Only Offered in Toronto. For more information, please visit our Admission Assessment page. |
ESL from other Ontario colleges | Not available |
You may also be able to meet our English proficiency requirements by completing the appropriate ESL level at one of our language school partners (in Toronto only). For more information, please see our International Partners page.
- Copy of your passport page containing your photo and personal information.
- Translated and attested copies of university/college transcript & degree/diploma.
Special Notes
- For most countries, copies of originals should be attested as “true copies” by the educational institution or by a notary.
- If you are under 17 at program start, you must submit custodianship documents.
Please attach all documents required in support of your application but do not send any extra documents that are not required.
George Brown College Admissions Officers reserve the right to request original documents if there are any doubts or questions with regard to authenticity or legibility of documents submitted electronically.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants will be required to provide proof of English proficiency at the college level.
Please see our English Proficiency page for further information regarding requirements.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Important Immigration Information
APPLYING FOR A STUDY PERMIT TO CANADA
Please note: Students will require a study permit and “co-op” work permit for the in-Canada portion starting in January 2023 and finishing at the end of August 2023.
The processing time for Canadian study permits in Italy is approximately four weeks, but this could change without notice.
Students should apply for their study permits and co-op work permits and be aware of any entry requirements such as Temporary Resident Visa or ETA dependent on country of citizenship well in advance of arriving in Canada.
In addition, they will need to request the appropriate George Brown supporting documentation (i.e., an enrollment letter and a co-op work permit support letter) to be able to apply for their study permit and their co-op work permit.
Please note that students of this program are eligible to apply for a postgraduate work permit upon completion of the program, for the consideration of the time spent in Canada studying.
Please see our Study Permit for International Students page for further information.
Students are solely responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations at all times during their studies and while in Canada, including any medical or study and work permit-related requirements.
Applicants and students of George Brown College are encouraged to consult the CIC website or consult the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to confirm or clarify immigration-related information and requirements.
How to Apply
Please go to this link for how to apply for international students information.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3129
Email: game@georgebrown.ca
Game Development Program Co-ordinator: Jean-Paul Amore, ext. 3427 or jamore@georgebrown.ca.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
MEET's Digital Culture Centre is located in the former Spazio Oberdan cultural centre in Milan, Italy. The building has been renovated by Carlo Ratti Associati to make it suitable for traditional and non-traditional program delivery, including the creation of classrooms, meeting areas, an auditorium and exhibition space. The first two semesters of the program will be delivered in this new space, situated in the heart of Milan in a district that represents the city's dynamism and vibrant history.
The third semester of the program is offered through George Brown's School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces