1 year | Higher Certificate | NQF Level 5
Start your career in game development, AR, VR and many other industries using game technology for their exciting projects.
What you'll learn?
Duration
1 year
Next course
11 February 2027 – 01 December 2027
Price, starting at
Throughout this course, you will be taught the essential skills, procedures and theory behind the game and interactive media development process and other uses of game technology. We do not train you for one specific job. Our course will teach you the game and interactive media development skills that are in high demand in many industries today: the games industry, advertising, engineering, architecture and many more, giving you a wide variety of career paths to choose from.
Note: Upon completion of this course you will be awarded the Higher Certificate in Game Graphics and Multimedia Entertainment, NQF-level 5 (SAQA ID 93930, HEQSF-aligned, H/PR432/E004CAN, 152 Credits).
Game Design Theory
This module will give you your first look at crafting game content, characters, worlds and narrative in order to add interest and depth to your game or interactive media app. You will look at topics such as game design thinking and what the production of a game looks like.
Game Design Concept Creation
In this module you will learn to take the game concept, characters, world and narrative you developed in the previous module to new heights as you formalise the systems and content into a game design document (GDD), which will then be used as a reference during the development process in future projects.
3D Modelling & Animation
3D modelling and the basics of animation are another crucial aspect for everyone working in the world of game technology and interactive media. Building on these basics, a specialisation at the end of the year can lead to amazing portfolios.
Game Scripting
Understanding even the basics of coding is a great skill to have in any portfolio, and it is easy to learn. In this module you will take the first steps towards creating gameplay features and game logic from scratch. This is a great start towards a specialisation that is highly sought after.
Game Engine Basics
In this module students will be introduced to game engines and what they can be used for. The module will cover how to use game engines for all kinds of games and purposes. Code, 3D models, 2D graphics, animation and sound: here everything comes together.
Interface Layout & Design
This module covers the basics of user interface design and how to import assets into a game engine the correct way. This is the basis for proper work with assets and using them in the right way.
Level Design & Balancing
During this module a game prototype for a real client will be developed. By working in the development team, each student will be part of the production process. This will include a public playtest session. Testing gameplay and level design is essential for a successful product.
Final Exam Project
During the last part of the year you choose the field you want to specialise in. You have eight weeks to research and work on your final portfolio piece. Whether it is coding, game graphics, applied game technology or a game design with a working prototype, this project will be the proof that you are ready to start your career.
Curriculum, entry requirements and 2027 fees in one PDF. Tell us where to send it.
A valid matric (Grade 12) certificate or NQF Level 4 equivalent.
An essay or a video about you, what drives you and why game and interactive media development is your path.
Studying virtually? Add a few lines on how you stay focused and connected online.
Four short questions on games, game technology and the South African games scene.
Portfolio? Optional. We start every topic from scratch. If you have work to show, we would love to see it.
Full submission requirements are in the application portal.
Filter by Installments:
Yearly / upfront (1 installment)
Full payment upfront
R 7 100 per month
Paid annually
Admin fee: R 1 000
Deposit: R 4 000
Price shown above excludes the admin fee and deposit listed here.
Visit our campus and meet us in person. During our Open Days visitors can view our classrooms, chat to lecturers and students and get a sense of why our students love studying with us.
Our application process is fully online. Follow the start my application link to begin your registration process. Create a profile and complete your application at your own pace.
Upload your essay or video and your answers to four short questions. A portfolio is optional. The full submission requirements are waiting for you in the portal.
We may request an interview to get to know you better and shortly after we’ll advise if you’ll be receiving that oh-so important acceptance letter. Get ready to kickstart your creative career and join your tribe at the Academy of Digital Arts!
31 July 2026
Our second Game Production Incubator programme is finished! Our Game and Interactive Media Course Alumni have worked 12 months as a real development team on a real project. Honing their skills, learning more about production and long-term development they have now finished the first playable demo for their fast-paced action sci fi game IKHAYA. Read more!
29 May 2026
Alumni of the Game and Interactive Media Development course founded their own game development studio in September 2025. After working on their first own game title they now went public with their announcement trailer and an interview led by Tom Henderson on the influential website and game development channel Insider Gaming! Read and follow the links to support the team.
23 December 2025
The Steam page for AMANZI is now live, marking an exciting milestone for Loud Rabbits, the Academy of Digital Arts, and the alumni game students who developed the project during the Academy’s Game Production Incubator 2024/25.
Applications for 2027 are open. Apply online at your own pace, or meet our lecturers at Open Day first.