Games Design course entry help

Liamu2

Hey guys Im 21 and since i have left school iv been looking at this course in carlow, but i dont know how the best way is to try do it :http://www.qualifax.ie/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=15

I only got like 245 points in my leaving cert but i think i need like 320+ to apply through the cao.

Im currently doing this course in dun laoghaire but i dont think i want to do it as a carear, my dream has always been game design http://www.scd.ie/PC_Maintenance__Technical_Support/Default.286.html


To apply through fetac for this game course you need Recognised Award: CITXXhttp://www.fetac.ie/fetac/awardsDirectory.do?method=getMajorAwardDetails&majorAwardId=5424 but i will hopefully have CCNMX award. http://www.fetac.ie/fetac/awardsDirectory.do?method=getMajorAwardDetails&majorAwardId=5401



Can anyone give me advice on what would be the best/ most efficient use of my time, on how to get in to this course?


Or if there is another course that would be good.

One thing is playing on my mind is that if i wait until im 23 to apply as a mature student then i will be 27 when finished the course only graduated

My ultimate goal is to move to america or somewhere nice to be an animator/ moddler or something like that

Thanks so much

Dboy85

Hey, if this is the course you are talking about then I can be of help. I've just finished 3rd year but from your op it sounds like you are looking for a different course. The one I have linked, and as far as I know is the only games course in ITC, is a technical development course.

By that I mean we don't focus on artwork, modelling or overall design but rather the technical side of development. It is an intense physics based programming course. In saying that though we had a module in second year that was an introduction to modelling but that was just so we had an understanding so we could use the models provided by a games designer.

There are numerous courses around that you can also have a look at which might be what you want and might have less of an entry requirement. There is a list here that may be of interest.

With regards to waiting until you are a mature student to apply, that's the road I took to get on the course. I took a good few years out chasing women and having the craic and I wouldn't be put off by being a 27 year old grad. In a way you will be coming out into a sector with high demand of developers and you will be surrounded in opportunities. Games developing in Ireland is only starting to take of now so in a few years when your finished you'll be laughing.

Whatever you decide to do I wish you all the best. Games development is a great career choice and if you are looking for a technical role then Carlow IT games dev is the course for you. Have a look at my thread about software development here. I give a run down of everything I have come across on the course so far it might give you an idea if the course is for you.