The Diploma in Animation and Gaming (DAG) is a programme that provides a foundation in Information Technology. Students will gain the knowledge and practical skills required in the Information Technology industry as well as essential skills in animation and games development.

The Diploma introduces students to the fundamentals of games development including the different game platforms, the production life cycle, the designing and developing of game strategies and story boarding. It also introduces students to the concepts of animation, storytelling using animation, and the production of an animated short using various methods of production.

The Diploma also provides an ideal stepping stone for students who wish to further their education in Games Development and Design.

Cambridge International Examinations validate the programme, providing quality assurance for the course structure, content, and assessment.

The Diploma consists of a total of 6 modules:

• Business Communication
  Business Communication is increasingly becoming an important aspect of a business organisation today. The need to communicate effectively has already become more of a necessity rather than a choice for almost any type of business. This module introduces the student to the increasing need to improve communication in business. It explores what the implications of effective communication is for the business environment and is examined by a series questions related to businesses. This module enables students to improve their skills in interpersonal communication; such as in oral and written communication. It also enables individuals to review and understand their own behaviour and performance, with a view to improve their future learning abilities. It provides a good foundation for individuals to acknowledge their own strength and weaknesses in communication.
  
  Assessment: 100% (Coursework)
  
• Programming with Java
  The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the core principles of Java programming and to produce well-designed, effective applications using some of the more advanced features of the language. Students will also learn how to code Java technology applications and applets that perform exception handling; and access data with Java technology file input-output (I/O) features.
  
  Assessment: 100% (Coursework)
  
• Fundamentals of Game Development
  The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of games development including different game platforms, the production life cycle, designing and developing game strategies and story boarding. Students will understand the differences between the PC, console as well as portable game platforms. They will understand the social, cultural and legal implications of digital game technology and have the necessary skills to develop a simple game prototype using Flash.
  
  Assessment: 100% (Coursework)
  
• Database Systems
  The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the principles, theory, concerns and applications of database systems using Microsoft Access. Microsoft Access is a relational database management system software that uses a graphical user interface. It is widely used by small businesses, within departments of large corporations, and programmers to create ad hoc customized desktop systems for handling the creation and manipulation of data. Access can also be used as the database for basic web-based applications.
  
  Assessment: 100% (Coursework)
  
• Computer Systems Essentials
  This module provides students with a detailed and essential foundation in various computer technologies that are considered critical in today’s business world. It aims to enable students to gain knowledge on computer applications and their components, and recognise the different types of number systems, Boolean logic, processing, data storage devices and characteristics of different types of input and output devices. Students will also learn and understand the basic operating system concepts, different methods for data storage and retrieval, basic network fundamentals and concepts, the use of the Internet and E-commerce, as well as multimedia in business, education and entertainment.
  
  Assessment: 100% (Coursework)
  
• Concepts of Animation
  The purpose of this module is to enable students to gain essential knowledge on the concepts of animation. This module is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of the methods used to produce an animated short clip, including the historical, theoretical and production aspects. Different methods of animation production will be explored. This module also provides the student with an understanding of the concepts of storytelling in animation.
  
  Assessment: 100% (Coursework)