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This art-based diploma program begins with the basics of art production for video games. Traditional drawing skills are taught alongside the latest software techniques.

You will examine the industry's history and look behind the scenes to see what goes into video game production. Develop the core skills needed to generate artwork using industry-standard software, and the technical aspects required to integrate your work into the production pipeline.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible so that the program can be adjusted to suit trends in the video game industry.

This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre. 

  • September 2026

    Prince of Wales Campus

    Program Length

    2 Years

    Credential

    Diploma, Video Game Art and Animation

    Canadian Tuition

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    International Tuition

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    Canadian Applicants

    Accepting Applications

    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

    Accepting Applications

    Other International Applicants

    Accepting Applications

  • Admissions Requirements

    • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
    • Submission of a portfolio. This portfolio will be a significant factor in determining admission to the program. Review our portfolio requirements.
    • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.

     

    Notes:

    • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your high school equivalency credential through Adult Education. It’s free!
    • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.
    • This program accepts Mature Student applications.

  • Degree Pathways

    This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

    Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
    University of New Brunswick - Saint John Bachelor of Applied Management Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree.

  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values

    Course Code:SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

    Credit Value:0

    Course Code:VGAA-1101

    3D Graphics 101

    Artists working in the video games and visual FX industries need a good understanding of 3D modeling techiques and strategies. In this course, students will be introduced to the core features of 3D software, using it to create a range of assets that would be found in typical video games and/or other media.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1102

    Surfacing 101

    Game engines render 3D models with an infinite number of materials and shaders. In this course, students will use 2D and 3D software to create some basic maps and materials for their models.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1103

    Animation 101

    In the video games industry, it is not just animators who need to know about animation. Anything that moves needs careful consideration during its design, development and creation. In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of some animation principles and use 3D software to bring their models to life.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1104

    Creativity 101

    Video Game Artists must possess the ability to conceive ideas and solve problems creatively. In this course students will use a sketchbook to plant the seeds of ideas and grow them into finished pieces of digital Concept Art. There will also be Figure Drawing sessions with professional models.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1105

    Career 101

    It's never too early to start planning your career as a commercial artist! In this course, students will look at the past and present of the games industry and be introduced to some basic themes of game development and design. Students will also begin to collect examples of their work, and prepare them for display.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1201

    3D Graphics 201

    In this course, students will expand their knowledge of 3D modeling, tackling complex forms and creating highly detailed game assets.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1202

    Surfacing 201

    The Surfacing 201 course develops and expands the skills covered in the previous semester. Students' knowledge of image creation and editing tools will allow them to make full sets of maps for their own library of Physically Based Rendering (PBR) shaders.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1203

    Animation 201

    Animation requires a strong foundation in methods and basic principles of animation. In this course, students hone their observational skills for general bipedal movement and manipulation within 3D space over time.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1204

    Creativity 201

    In Creativity 201, students will expand and refine their inventiveness, drawing, and digital art skills. Figure Drawing sessions will have a focus on the human face and the use of colour to represent the human form.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-1205

    Career 201

    In this course, students will begin to develop a professional online presence and an awareness of how long tasks take to complete so that accurate plans can be made. There are opportunities to practice teamwork while contributing to large group projects. By the end of the semester, students will have a professional online presence with examples of work hosted on various websites.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2301

    3D Graphics 301

    Building on to skills developed in the previous courses, 301 arms students with distribution for defined features like animation, lighting, and more complex UV's. A 3D modeler must understand the difference and demonstrate how high poly models and game ready models differ in purpose and result.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2302

    Surfacing 301

    Maps for characters often have different stylistic choices, this course will focus on pursuing a variety of methods that help achieve different looks.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2303

    Animation 301

    Creating believable animations involve breaking down complex action into movements the viewer will recognize immediately. For an animation to be interpreted correctly, it requires a proper hierarchied rigged body that students will create.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2304

    Creativity 301

    Creativity grows with influence and study, through critique and review of artist styles and human anatomy, students will boost their concept art with inspiration and color.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2305

    Career 301

    Professionalism in a team setting requires good communication and interpersonal skills, project management strategies, and personal development. Students will prepare for a job working in a studio by assessing team work strategies and developing self awareness of areas to improve and how to access useful resources.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2401

    3D Graphics 401

    A 3D modeler creates geometry that accurately depicts the design and they must know how their decisions affect later stages in development. This course continues with modeling for animation and examines how choices made early on can impact the efficiency of the geometry.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2402

    Surfacing 401

    Surfacing is a speciality that takes time and this course will work with techniques that can be used to create appealing maps efficiently and effectively for games and rendering. Students will spend time building maps and examining them on different rendering platforms.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2403

    Animation 401

    In the final animation course, students will apply and expand their rigging knowledge to 2D and 3D characters. Continuing to refine the animation principles, facial expression and body language will be animated for readability and timing.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2404

    Creativity 401

    Concept art and design are building blocks for the entertainment industry and this course will expand into some scene and story telling illustration.

    Credit Value:3

    Course Code:VGAA-2405

    Career 401

    In this course, students will prepare themselves for employment as a commercial artist. By the time they graduate students will have a professional online presence and a strategy for applying for their first job. Opportunities are provided to continue to develop teamwork skills. Time is also available for specializing in areas of expertise and developing a personal style.

    Credit Value:3

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Design, create, and animate characters and objects using fundamental principles of animation and have a clear understanding of the animations usage in the final product.
  • Use fundamental principles of art, design, and composition in all aspects of art and animation.
  • Create 3D environments, objects, and characters using the most current and appropriate high-end 3D animation software.
  • Animate characters while working within common industry restraints in game animation, and while using the most current and appropriate high-end 3D animation software.
  • Light and texture objects, characters, and sets effectively in a variety of game styles using relevant tools and techniques.
  • Model and rig objects, characters, and background elements.
  • Import game elements such as characters, assets and levels into game engines using the most current and appropriate high-end 3D animation software.
  • Develop, assemble, and present a portfolio that meets current industry expectations, and highlights one's creativity, skills, and proficiency with relevant animation software and related technologies.
  • Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
  • Collaborate on creative projects and employ best practices in the video game and animation profession within a multidisciplinary work environment.
  • Object modelers
  • Vehicle modelers
  • Character modelers and riggers
  • World builders
  • Texture mappers
  • Environment artists
  • Concept artists
  • Level designers
  • Storyboard artists
  • Animators
  • Character and prop designers

The Videogame Art & Animation program is designed to build upon your artistic foundation to prepare you for a career as a commercial artist. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their best work when they apply to the program. Review our Portfolio Requirements.

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