Overview

Learn game programming basics with an Unreal Engine Academic Partner

This hands-on course is for aspiring programmers who want to learn how to develop video games. Under the guidance of your mentor, learn game programming essentials using C++,  a prominent object-oriented programming language.

Why study game programming with us:

  • We are an Unreal Engine Academic Partner and Authorized Training Center
  • Learn from game experts with real-world experience
  • Learn industry-standard tools and techniques
  • Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)

Navigating Epic's Unreal Engine, you will apply programming concepts used in professional development to start building your own playable game from scratch! 

unreal-authorized-traning-partner
Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

3 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner

Start date

November 4th, 2024

December 2nd, 2024

January 6th, 2025

Delivery Mode

Weekly live online classes
Video lectures
Mentor feedback
Access to vibrant community

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Curriculum

Industry-approved curriculum to support your journey into video game programming

Term 1: 12 weeks

Foundations 1: Essentials of C++

Your introduction to game programming starts with learning the fundamentals focusing on the C++ programming language. We will introduce basic C++ syntax as well as advanced techniques, and by the end of the term, you will have enough knowledge to create your first C++ game.

*This short course is equivalent to the first term of the Game Programming Foundations course. If you continue your learning journey, you'll be eligible to join the Foundations course from Term 2 onwards.

  • How to apply important game programming concepts used in development
  • Master the basic syntax of the C++ programming language
  • Create a simple C++ game from scratch using your acquired knowledge
  1. Game Programming Concepts
  2. Variables and Operators
  3. Conditionals
  4. Loops
  5. Functions
  6. Classes and Objects
  7. Pointers, References & Dynamic Memory
  8. Arrays
  9. Inheritance & Polymorphism
  10. Templates
  11. Game Loop
  12. Putting It All Together
Course Structure

Your pathway to the industry

This short course is equivalent to term one of the Foundations course. On completion of the Essentials course, if you decide to progress further with your studies, you'll enroll straight into term two of the corresponding Foundations course which means you'll already be one-third of the way through your studies! Continue your learning journey towards an exciting career in the industry by enrolling into the Foundations Career Track.

Pathway illustration for Essentials 3 Month Course
Mentors

Get direct access to highly experienced game programmers

All game programming classes are run by experts with years of experience working on games at studios all over the world.

Frequently asked questions

Game Programming Essentials course FAQs

Learn more about the prerequisites for this course and the game dev careers you could explore in the future. For general questions about studying at CG Spectrum, visit the main FAQ page or contact us.

Age Minimum
T
he general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Software:

Visual Studio and Unreal Engine will be used in this course and can be downloaded for free.

Hardware:

Students will need a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Visual Studio 2022 and Unreal Engine. 

This short course will get you started on your creative journey, but in a competitive industry, we advise continuing your studies with the full career track.

The game programming career track includes the Game Programming Foundations and Game Programmer Specialization (available early 2025). It is designed to better prepare you for a job in the industry and help increase your employment opportunities.

The career track ensures you build strong foundational skills before moving on to more complex techniques and workflows. You will also dedicate time to career development and preparing a polished portfolio while you gain invaluable industry insights.

Some of the junior programming jobs you could pursue after completing the full study pathway include:

Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page: