Higher Certificate Course
Start your career in game development, AR, VR and many other industries using game technology for their exciting projects.
What you'll learn?
Game & Interactive Media Development
Duration
1 year
Next course
16 February 2026 – 15 February 2027
Price, starting from
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 by now: the games industry, advertising, engineering, architectuere 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 the first look in crafting game content, characters, world and narrative in order to create interest & depth to your game or interactive media app. You will be looking 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 your game concept, characters, world and narrative developed in the previous module to all new heights as you formalize the systems and content into a game design document (GDD) which will then be used as a reference during development process in future projects.
3D Modelling & Animation
3D modelling and the basics of animation is another crucial aspect for everyone working in the world of game technology and interactive media. Based on these basics a specialization 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 into a specialization that is highly sought after.
Game Engine Basics
In this module students well 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, 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 dev 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 specialize in. You have 8 weeks to research for and work on your final portfolio piece. Bei it 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.
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.
03 October 2025
Built in just 10 weeks as a collaboration between the District Six Museum, the Academy of Digital Arts and their in-house agency, Loud Rabbits, 'The District Six VR Experience: A Walk Through Time' has become more than a successful VR app. With the help of the media, like News24, The Expresso Show, and podcasts, we were able to spread the word of what young, well-trained South Africans are capable of.