Game Development – Programming at Red River College Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-20

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Game Development – Programming program at Red River College Polytechnic is designed for those who aspire to transition from gaming enthusiasts to skilled programmers. This advanced diploma program equips students with essential skills in applied mathematics and coding, enabling them to create and support interactive gaming experiences. Students will learn to implement game mechanics, optimize production processes, and manage the development of independent games. The program emphasizes collaboration, allowing students to work alongside peers in the Game Development – Art program, fostering teamwork and enhancing their portfolios with real-world projects.

Program Structure

The Game Development – Programming program spans a duration of 2 years and is delivered primarily in-person, with some online components. The program is structured as follows:

Full-time delivery: Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that evolves each term.
Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for co-op placements, internships, and industry projects are included to provide hands-on experience.
Collaborative Environment: Students will work in teams, particularly with those from the Game Development – Art program, to develop game prototypes.
Intake: The program begins in the Fall.

Throughout the program, students will develop crucial skills in coding, mathematics, narrative design, and business management, preparing them for a successful career in the gaming industry.

Featured Experiences

The Game Development – Programming program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and skill development:

Hands-on Learning: Students will engage in practical projects that meet industry standards.
Collaboration with Artists: Opportunities to work with Game Development – Art students to create fully functional games.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to advanced game development labs and tools used by industry professionals.
Real-World Challenges: Students will tackle actual production challenges during their co-op placements or industry projects.
Portfolio Development: Students will build a professional portfolio showcasing their programming and collaboration skills.

Career Options

Graduates of the Game Development – Programming program can pursue a variety of exciting career paths in the gaming industry, including:

Generalist Programmer: Develops various aspects of games, ensuring functionality and performance.
Gameplay Programmer: Focuses on implementing game mechanics and enhancing player experience.
UI Programmer: Designs and develops user interfaces for games, ensuring usability and aesthetics.
AI Programmer: Creates intelligent behaviors for non-player characters, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
C++ Developer: Utilizes C++ programming language to develop game engines and tools.
Quality Assurance Programmer: Tests games for bugs and ensures quality standards are met.
Back-end Developer: Works on server-side logic and database management for online games.
Graphics Programmer: Specializes in rendering graphics and visual effects in games.

With the gaming industry continuously evolving, graduates will be well-prepared to adapt and thrive in various roles, contributing to innovative game development projects.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Red River College Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-06-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Your Academic History

If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.

The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of Academic Requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's Academic Requirements.

This is a competitive admission program. Your portfolio will be evaluated and assigned a score that reflects your potential for success in the program. If your portfolio score does not fall within the acceptable range, your application will be cancelled.

Offers of admittance will be made to qualified applicants based on portfolio scores in descending order until all available seats are filled. This means not all applicants whose portfolios scores fall within acceptable range will be offered a seat.

Applicants not offered a seat may reapply for a future intake by submitting a new application, application fee, and new portfolio based on the portfolio specifications for that application year.

Admission priority for this program is:

Red River College students currently enrolled in the Application Development and Delivery, Data Science and Machine Learning or IT Operations program.
Manitoba residents who are Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants
All others

Regular Academic Requirements

Grade 12
- Submit proof of:
Portfolio
- Submit a portfolio
- This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date.

If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular Academic Requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student Academic Requirements:

Portfolio
- Submit a portfolio
- This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

At Red River College Polytechnic, we have established specific English language requirements to ensure that you possess the necessary communication skills for success in your academic program. For the Game Development – Programming program, which is an Advanced Diploma at the undergraduate level, the following English language assessments are accepted:

CAEL Online or In-Person: Overall band score of 60
IELTS Academic Level: Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5
Password Skills: Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5
LINC Certificate: 7
Duolingo Language Test: 115 and above with a minimum of 95 in each section
New English for Academic and Professional Purposes: Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%)
PTE: 54 overall, Minimum 50 in each skill
TOEFL-ibt Academic Level: 80 (20L, 20S, 19R, 21W)
Academic English Program for University and College Entrance Program (AEPUCE): Successful Completion

For the Advanced Diploma level, the minimum scores required are as follows:

IELTS Academic Level: Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5
TOEFL-ibt Academic Level: 80 (20L, 20S, 19R, 21W)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!