Advanced Diploma in Game Development

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The two-year Journalism Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to report on all news delivery platforms, and helps you develop the online skills that have become vital in the industry.
Acquire leading-edge, relevant knowledge and skills in multi-platform and traditional journalism. Gain hands-on experience and expand your portfolio almost immediately upon starting the program, working for the award-winning Algonquin Times - named Canada`s top campus newspaper in 2015 and 2017 - as well as Glue, Ottawa`s student magazine.

Learn the core journalism skills to succeed in the industry. Study how to write factually, conduct interviews and filter information. Examine aspects of photo journalism, page layout, web and e-publishing, and online reporting/editing.
Your learning is expanded with workshops, guest speakers and field trips, offering exposure to a diversity of information and skills necessary for the modern journalist. To ensure you are comfortable with all journalistic platforms, you create photo and video journalism and produce newscasts for CKDJ 107.9 FM, Algonquin College`s radio station.

Expand your real-world experience with a six-week internship at a media outlet and learn to operate as a freelance journalist. You have the choice to work at a local company or agency, or complete the placement out of the region or country.

After you graduate, if you wish to further your education, you can apply to the University of Ottawa`s Honours Bachelor Degree in Digital Journalism program, in which you may be eligible for advanced standing.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Report on stories in an accurate, detailed, balanced, professional and timely manner.
• Apply computer and technical skills to designated production and research functions in journalism.
• Function both independently and as a member of editorial and/or production teams.
• Analyze knowledge from communities, current events and public affairs, and history to interpret and express the context for designated journalism publications and/or productions.
• Develop strategies for personal and professional development.
• Comply with relevant Canadian legislation, standards and the principles and practices of journalism.
• Write and edit content for the designated media platforms.
• Publish and/or broadcast content for the designated media platforms.
• Apply production skills and use production equipment in the preparation and distribution of content for the designated media platforms.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Accredited by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), Computer Systems Technician is a two year Ontario College Diploma program that prepares the students for a career in either the public or the private sector in Information technology. 

The program focuses on the technical aspects of widely used troubleshooting techniques and components for networking technologies, system administration, computer hardware, operating systems, and a suite of related support and application software packages along with developing the communication skills, IT workplace ethics, technical report writing skills, customer support/interpersonal skills, workplace health and safety knowledge. 

The requirements and subject matter found in certifications, such as Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+,  Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Cisco Academy CCENT/CCNA are explored, and the students are encouraged to write relevant industry certifications once they have met the requirements.

The college provides the students with access to the most modern computing facilities running Windows and GNU/Linux/UNIX-based operating system (O/S) platforms, hardware labs, Aruba and Cisco, specialized networking, network-based O/S servers, licensed versions of selected Microsoft O/S, VMWare and supporting a wide variety of pre-installed software applications offering them great exposure to real-world technologies. 

In the two-year Horticultural Industries Ontario College Diploma program you learn how to create landscapes from design to implementation. By offering a condensed format over 16 months, the Horticultural Industries program allows you to fast track your career.

Learn the key aspects of this dynamic industry, including:

• Urban and rural landscape design, installation and maintenance
• Nursery production and management
• Sustainable urban agriculture
• Green roof and living wall technology

The program offers a hands-on learning experience during the industry`s prime production period in the spring/summer/fall. Practice skills in Algonquin College`s extensive campus gardens surrounding the Horticulture Centre and within the attached greenhouse complex.

The various plant collections and the vegetable garden provide you with the perfect opportunity to study plant identification, plant selection and ideal growing conditions. You take active part in further developing and maintaining the grounds in smaller work-groups, simulating the industry.

To further your skills and make connections in the industry, you complete a 12-week co-op placement as part of the program. The landscape industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, with a high-demand for skilled horticultural specialists and landscape designers.

Graduates may find work, either as employees or self-employed, in:

• Construction and maintenance firms
• Landscape design
• Nurseries and garden centres
• Urban food production
• Tree care industry
• Park systems
• Consulting or teaching

Graduates from the Food and Nutrition Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program take their careers in the food services industry to the next level. This one-year program builds on your culinary/hospitality skills and gives you the knowledge and real-world experience needed to succeed in the lucrative health care sectory of the food services industry.

The program combines in-class learning with online projects. You learn about a variety of topics, including:

• Advanced normal nutrition
• Clinical nutrition
• Physiology
• Food modification
• Quality management of sanitation and safety procedures
• Facilities design
• Labour relations
• Food service management of healthcare standards, and
• Financial and business management.

Expand your skills to work in many areas of the industry, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and retirement homes.

The program has earned a five-year Accreditation from the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management. This provides the highest level of certification in the field of nutrition management, giving you the competitive edge you need to be successful.

Gain real-world experience during 175 hours of field placement. Most of the placements are in a long-term care facility, where you participate in the supervision of food and nutrition services. Make valuable connections with the opportunity to leave a lasting impression.

After graduation, you may find employment in the management of various areas of nutritional care and food preparation and food service in:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Retirement homes
• Contract food service management companies, and
• Commercial/retail settings

Some expected responsibilities may include planning, managing and supervising a food service department within a healthcare facility. Duties may include diet calculations, diet and nutrition counselling, nutrition promotion, employee training and supervision, food production, financial forecasting and quality assurance.

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) is a one- year certificate program that allows the students to enhance their skills and knowledge and practice in ethical and professional dental settings. The students have a provision of client care in Algonquin College’s onsite dental clinic and participate in a two- week (60 hours) placement in a dental office and thus develop expertise in intra-oral care, oral health education and promotion, radiography, clinical chair side and laboratory skills. 

The graduates of this college are eligible to give the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) examination which is a requirement to practice as a Level II Dental Assistant in Ontario and are also eligible to apply for certification with the Ontario Denal Assistants Association (ODAA).

The Practical Nursing Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for work in the healthcare system. You learn the necessary skills and techniques for the workforce - the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation tools required to provide nursing care to those of all ages. Throughout the program, your education includes theory, lab techniques, applied experiences and independent study.

As a student, you have the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in a variety of healthcare facilities, as well as to participate in clinical placements. An added benefit of this program is the Simulation Lab and other Nursing labs on campus, where you experience realistic simulation scenarios. These help you to build confidence in your skills and techniques before working with patients in clinical placements in the community. Placements are in real-world settings such as retirement homes, long-term care homes and hospitals.

In order for you to practice in Ontario, you are required to be licensed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This program gives you the necessary knowledge and skills to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination in Ontario.

Registered Practical Nurses work in close collaboration with healthcare teams. You may find employment on a team in a variety of

• Community clinics
• Private homes
• Nursing homes
• Homes for the aged/geriatric
• Rehabilitative, medical, surgical, and obstetrical units

The one-year Scriptwriting Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, writing experience and hands-on skills necessary to become a writer in the ever-expanding fields of film, television, theatre, video and digital media content.

Discover your style and voice, as well as how to develop characters and write stories for any audience. By the end of the program, you possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio of work.

By analyzing issues and trends in film and media, you learn how to market your skills effectively and work professionally in our industries . Faculty are up-to-date, experienced professionals who help guide your projects. Guest speakers are regular visitors to your class and provide tips and advice on your potential career path.

At the end of the program, you have the opportunity to travel to Toronto and pitch your film or TV series ideas at major broadcasting and production companies. You also meet agents, distributors and accomplished screenwriters, and attend industry events during your three-day stay. It is a great opportunity to connect with important players in the industry and get their feedback on your projects.

You also expand your real-world experience with a 40-hour work placement. These placements are generally non-writing positions that allow you to learn more about how the production process works, make industry contacts and broaden your skill set.

Another opportunity that you may choose to participate in is the Hothouse Reading Series, which showcases short excerpts from students` plays read by professional actors. You receive feedback from the audience that provides you with invaluable insight to strengthen your writing.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conceive, write, edit, revise and rewrite scripts using industry standard formats and technology.
• Function effectively as part of a writing and/or production team in the delivery of scripts.
• Apply production and business management skills to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines in the workplace.
• Critically evaluate the quality of product being presented for production.
• Develop strategies for personal and professional development by analyzing issues and trends in target industries.
• Ensure that all work is completed in compliance with applicable laws, statutory obligations, regulations, and industry principles and practices.
• Apply creative techniques for writing for a variety of media and styles.
• Work in a professional and ethical manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors and others.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The two-year Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, is approved by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and is taught in Algonquin`s state-of-the-art Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building. By studying in the ACCE building, you have the opportunity to work in a fully-outfitted facility where you learn both traditional and advanced technologies used in the industry.

Start the program by learning electrical and heating essentials – all courses have a strong hands-on component. To better prepare you for a career in the industry, vocational subjects are enriched with courses in:

• Communications
• Mathematics
• Related sciences
• Computer applications

Continue to enhance your knowledge and skills throughout the remainder of the program, and learn about controls, forced air gas/oil heating systems, hydronics and refrigeration concepts.

Algonquin College`s program also includes an approved curriculum for:

• Gas Technician 3 (G3) and 2 (G2)
• Oil Burner Technician 3 (OBT3) and 2 (OBT2).

This means that you have an opportunity to prepare for and write your TSSA exams, in order to become licensed as a Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician during the program. At the end of your second term, you may be eligible to apply to write your G3 and OBT3 certificates of qualification. At the end of your final term, you may be eligible to apply for your G2 and OBT2 certificates of qualification, making you more employable in the field.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
• Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
• Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.
• Identify and apply discipline specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Start your music industry career sooner by learning the world of audio production and the business of music.

With a condensed format of 42 weeks, the Music Industry Arts Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to start your music industry career sooner. You learn how to work as a producer, engineer or music professional in today`s music industry.

As a student, you produce multi-track recordings in a real studio environment where you learn the full range of audio engineering and music production skills.

Although the primary focus is on audio production, the program also has a significant focus on the business side of the music industry. Explore:

• Legal contracts
• Copyright issues
• Royalties
• Music publishing

Discover the inner workings of recording and the business of music, which could help you further your music career. Experienced, industry-connected faculty prepare you to budget, schedule and prepare a business plan for a recording project.

During the program, you work in small studio lab classes to gain hands-on experience in the recording studio with guidance from an instructor. Individual time in the studio lets you experience what it is like to control your own recording session. You can use this time for your own projects, mastering the equipment or applying techniques learned in class.

There are many different career paths in the industry after graduation. You may find employment as:

• A performing artist or songwriter
• An audio engineer
• A producer
• A personal manager
• A music publisher
• A concert promoter

Interactive Media Design is a two year Ontario College Diploma program designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in the digital media industry. Web-design and programming, as well as video and motion graphic skills, are in demand in all employment sectors. You explore the primary elements of media project planning and development with equal importance given to the creative and the technical aspects. This balanced learning experience prepares graduates to be generalists in the media industry, meaning you can jump into a wide variety of roles as you begin your careers.

Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on media production through courses in computer-based web design and programming, as well as video and motion graphics. Through a number of program-specific elective courses, you can focus your path towards specializing as a video producer or a web developer, or you can choose to remain as a generalist, depending on your interests. You plan and execute individual and team-based projects under the guidance of a faculty, industry experts in the media field. You gain practical experience working with live clients through applied projects. You navigate these learning opportunities with the operating system of your choice, such as Apple OS X, Windows or other platforms.

This industry-driven program provides you with the diverse skillset that makes you adaptable in today`s dynamic job market across all sectors. Graduates may find employment in a wide variety of fields utilizing their skills in dynamic media development, web design and programming, photography, videography, motion graphics, project management, UX design, graphic design and content management. Other opportunities involve start-up businesses and a wide variety of alternate professional fields.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.