For over five years now Ballyfermot Senior College of Further Education (BCFE) has pioneered the way in terms of post-leaving certificate training in games design in Ireland. Their one year Training in Computer Games and Interactive Entertainment Development Certificate offered twenty students a year an introduction to the process of designing and developing computer games. Now in 2003 they are set to offer a new two-year higher national diploma in Computer Games Design which will take in 20 students a year.
The new course will offer modules in 3D modelling using 3DSMax, C++ programming, sound design, game analysis and business theory. The course was designed in collaboration with Torc Interactive, a games company from Derry in Northern Ireland, and this relationship will allow students to use Torc’s advanced game engine in their project work.
Graduates are encouraged to go on to further education or go into industry and later set up their own company, according to Diarmuid O’Brien, Deputy Principal of BCFE.
Entry requirements for the course are 2 honours in the Leaving Certificate and an interview – a good standard of mathematics is also recommended.
For those who are most interested in the animation side of computer games design they might take a look at Ballyfermot’s Higher National Diploma in Animation and 3D Modelling or Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology’s BA degree in Animation.
More info on all these courses can be found in the Resources section of this website under Courses and at http:///www.bcfe.ie/animult/animat.html