Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games

This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in a variety of skill areas within the digital and interactive games industry. It provides an opportunity to develop the design, graphic/digital media and programming skills required in the development of digital games briefs, either as a small independent specialist or as part of a larger team. The qualification also provides opportunities to work in new and emerging games genres, such as online game development, mobile device gaming, interactive internet and TV game development.

Job roles

Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:

2-D/3-D artist

animator

designer

games developer

graphic/media designer

interactive digital media developer

PC games programmer

mobile games programmer

web designer.


Subjects

Total number of units = 16

5 core units plus

11 elective units

The elective units consist of:

5 from one of the following specialist groups

Group A Programming

Group B Art

Group C Digital media

of the remaining units:

up to 6 may be from the specialist elective groups below or from Group D general elective units below

up to 3 may be from elsewhere in ICA11 or any other Training Package or accredited course at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level.

The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.

Core units

add topic BSBOHS402B Contribute to the implementation of the OHS consultation process

add topic ICAGAM501A Create design concepts for digital games and 3-D media

add topic ICAGAM503A Create a complex 3-D interactive computer game

add topic ICAGAM523A Collaborate in the design of 3-D game levels and environments

add topic ICAICT419A Work effectively in the digital media industry

Elective units

Specialist elective units

Group A Programming

add topic ICAGAM419A Build a database to support a computer game

add topic ICAGAM506A Create complex code for mobile game devices

add topic ICAGAM507A Develop intermediate 3-D software for games and interactive media

add topic ICAGAM508A Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media

add topic ICAGAM509A Design interactive 3-D applications for scientific and mathematical modelling

add topic ICAGAM510A Prepare games for different platforms and delivery modes

add topic ICAGAM511A Manage testing of games and interactive media

add topic ICAGAM527A Integrate database with online game

add topic ICAPRG425A Use structured query language

add topic ICAPRG501A Apply advanced object-oriented language skills

add topic ICAPRG515A Review developed software

add topic ICAPRG523A Apply advanced programming skills in another language

add topic ICAWEB508A Develop website information architecture

Group B Art

add topic ICAGAM512A Create and implement designs for a 3-D games environment

add topic ICAGAM514A Design and create models for a 3-D and digital effects environment

add topic ICAGAM515A Design and create advanced particles, fluids and bodies for 3-D digital effects

add topic ICAGAM516A Animate a 3-D character for digital games

add topic ICAGAM517A Produce a digital animation sequence

add topic ICAGAM518A Animate physical attributes of models and elements

add topic ICAGAM519A Manage technical art and rigging in 3-D animation

add topic ICAGAM520A Create and combine 3-D digital games and components

add topic ICAGAM526A Create complex 3-D characters for games

Group C Digital media

add topic CUFDIG502A Design web environments

add topic CUFDIG503A Design e-learning resources

add topic CUFDIG507A Design digital simulations

add topic CUSSOU403A Perform advanced sound editing

add topic ICAGAM521A Create interactive 3-D environments for digital games

add topic ICAGAM522A Complete digital editing for the 3-D and digital effects environment

add topic ICAGAM524A Integrate multiple data sources into interactive 3-D environments

add topic ICAGAM525A Apply digital texturing for the 3-D environment in digital games

General elective units

Group D

add topic BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts

add topic BSBSUS501A Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

add topic ICAGAM504A Manage interactive media production

add topic ICAGAM528A Create games for mobile devices

add topic ICAGAM529A Analyse business opportunities in the digital games environment

add topic ICAGAM530A Develop and implement physics in a 3-D digital game

add topic ICAGAM531A Complete compositing to create elements for the 3-D and digital effects environment

add topic ICAICT408A Create technical documentation

add topic ICAICT511A Match IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise

add topic ICAICT514A Identify and manage the implementation of current industry-specific technologies

add topic ICAPMG501A Manage IT projects

add topic ICAWEB411A Produce basic client-side script for dynamic web pages

add topic ICAWEB429A Create a markup language document to specification


Pathways...

    Pathways into the qualification

    Preferred pathways for candidates considering this qualification include:

    after achieving ICA40911 Certificate IV in Digital and Interactive Games, or other relevant qualifications or units equivalent to the core of ICA40911

    OR

    with demonstrated vocational experience in a range of work environments, such as digital media, games development, animation, graphics design or similar roles.

    Pathways from the qualification

    ICA11 Advanced Diploma or Vocational Graduate Certificate qualifications or other higher education sector qualifications.


Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.


Licensing Information

There is no link between this qualification and licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements. However users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority. There may be some alignment with industry standard certification competencies.


Employability Skills

The following table contains a summary of the employability skills required by industry for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.

Employability skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification

Communication

communicating with work team members and clients using a variety of media and techniques

communicating central ideas of a message, such as a game concept presentation, in an informative and engaging manner

establishing rapport with clients

interpreting and clarifying game design documents and creative briefs

writing complex technical briefs and reports

interpreting and applying information in user manuals for software applications

Teamwork

managing project team members and activities

working with team members in an open and collaborative manner

collaborating with colleagues to develop products or services

seeking feedback from team members and clients on work in progress

Initiative and enterprise

contributing creative ideas to projects

suggesting ways to improve products

ensuring there is an intuitive and logical flow to the navigation of game interfaces

generating a range of ideas for game products that meet the needs of target users and audiences

thinking laterally when developing ideas

maintaining design integrity

visualising and interpreting creative concepts

Planning and organising

undertaking background research

preparing and making presentations

managing budgets and projects

planning the development process for and managing the testing of games

Problem-solving

finding solutions to interactivity challenges

finding solutions to game design problems, such as balancing a game

finding ways to minimise the effect of technical constraints

troubleshooting and solving problems as they arise during the development of products

Self-management

working to deadlines

providing appropriate and timely documentation

managing and marketing oneself as a freelancer

ensuring that workplace practices comply with OHS requirements

managing own finances

Learning

developing and participating in industry or community networks

extending own knowledge and skills through experimentation and practice

improving performance/product through self-reflection and revision to incorporate feedback from colleagues or clients

keeping up-to-date with industry developments and trends

seeking expert advice as required

Technology

creating complex games from game design documents and specifications

using a range of software applications