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Power-up your skills and race to the top

Are you ready to make your mark in the video game industry? Gain the skills you need to quickly advance and refine your craft in 2D design and development. Whether you're designing pixel art, hand-drawn assets, or vector-based graphics, this program gives you the tools to create visually stunning, immersive experiences. Imagine it as a power-up, boosting your abilities to bring characters, environments or interfaces to life. Whether you're a game developer or a digital media artist, this is your chance to stay ahead in the industry. 

Start today and take your 2D skills to the next level.

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Program description

This program will provide you with the in-demand skills needed to thrive in the digital media and video gaming industry in BC. Build on your existing understanding of computer science and gain the fundamental skill set required to develop and manipulate advanced, interactive 2D images.

Specifically, the program will augment your understanding of the field with specific skills used across the creative technology sector, such as video design and development, the mathematics behind graphics and animation, and collaborative development tools.

The program will cover four key competencies:

  • familiarity with the principles and core concepts of computer graphics, such as vectors and transformations, parametric and implicit representations (line and circles), and rasterization
  • fundamental skill set in 2D computer graphics including graphics primitives, data structures, coordinate systems, viewing of graphical objects and modelling
  • ability to use relevant software tools, such as Unity, to generate and render interactive computer graphics
  • design and implementation of interactive game mechanics in 2D virtual worlds

The UVic Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, in partnership with DigiBC—the creative technology industry association of British Columbia—is pleased to offer this Micro-certificate in 2D Graphics and Rendering Essentials for Video Games.

Program highlight


Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a Micro-certificate.

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Short-term
This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve your professional goals in just two weeks.

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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.

Program outcomes

After completing the Micro-certificate in 2D Graphics and Rendering Essentials for Video Games, you will be able to:

  • have familiarity with the principles and core concepts of computer graphics, such as vectors and transformations, parametric and implicit representations, and rasterization
  • use relevant software tools, such as Unity, to generate and process computer graphics
  • understand the role and importance of User Interface (UI) in the development and effectiveness of 2D computer graphics and rendering
  • build a fundamental skill set in 2D computer graphics including Fourier analysis, convolution, image filtering, sampling, aliasing, antialiasing and compressing
  • understand the core concepts of digital media rendering and the video game development process

Who is this program for?

This program will appeal to students and professionals who are interested in acquiring in-demand skills in game development and interactive 2D images used across the creative technology sector, including video game and extended reality application design and development.

If you see yourself reflected in any of the following, this program could be a good match:

Career Aspiration: 

  • you desire to advance your career in the digital media and gaming industry
  •  you aim to build a strong portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers or secure a position leading a video game development company or digital media firm
  • you are passionate about creating interactive and visually appealing 2D graphics
  • you want to achieve proficiency with industry-standard software, 2D computer graphics and processing skills
  • you want to stay relevant with new skills to enhance your programming, computer science and engineering base skills

Work Environment:

  • you value innovation, collaboration and teamwork in a dynamic environment
  • you aspire to work on innovative projects and be part of a creative community
  • you enjoy lifelong learning, continuous improvement and gaining practical, hands-on experience with advanced software tools
  • you regularly engage with online gaming and digital media communities
  • you want to balance professional development with current job or school responsibilities

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  1. Video Game Developer
  2. Video Game Designer
  3. UI/UX Designer
  4. Technical Artist
  5. Video Game Artist
  6. Video Game Writer/Narrative Designer
  7. VR/AR Developer

Instructors

Application and fees

How to apply

No application is necessary for this program. Simply register for the one course below, and upon successful completion, you will receive a micro-certificate.

Once you have completed the course, your certificate will be sent to you electronically. Certificates will be sent approximately one month after the completion of your course. All students enrolled in micro-credential programs will automatically be opted-in to receiving a digital credential through Accredible upon completion of their program. Please visit our digital credentials page for more information.

Registration details

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Info you should know:

Continuing Studies statement on use of educational technology

This course will require the use of Zoom and may use other education technology such as internet-based applications, cloud services, or social media. In order to complete this course you will be required to either consent to the disclosure of your personal information outside of Canada to enable use of these technologies, or work with the Division of Continuing Studies to explore other privacy protective options (such as using an alias or nickname).