PELITALO: Study programme for game development in Outokumpu

Facts of the Game Development Study Programme

• 120 credits
• vocational upper secondary education, qualification title: Media Assistant
• includes 20 credits of practical training
• qualifying previous studies can be credited
• full-time day-time studies
• high school studies or a matriculation examination can be combined with the vocational studies

North Karelia College Outokumpu started a 120 credit study programme targeted for game level designers and 3D-animators in the fall of 2005. The Game Development Study Programme is one of the orientation lines of the Audiovisual Communication Basic Studies -program in North Karelia College Outokumpu.

The study programme is available by applying through the joint application system in February. Completion of the program takes about 3 years.

17 students, with good visualization skills, strong consumer level knowledge of games, and a working knowledge of English, will be accepted to the study programme yearly.

The programme's main focus is on the process of transforming different game concepts into playable levels and fully working environments (job descriptions: level designer, 3D artist), as well as the process of character and environmental animation (character animator).

The study programme also includes general subjects and separately selected optional subjects from alternate orientation lines of the Audiovisual Communication Basic Studies -program, such as TV- and radio broadcasting, animation, sculpting, audio production, and theatre and staging techniques.

The main focus of the study programme will be in creating game levels and environments using 3D tools and image processing applications.

The content and extent of this study programme is currently unique in Finland.

he game development study programme in Outokumpu is known by the PELITALO brand name.