Games and Virtual Reality Design Programme code: 13-S2PG14.2014

Field of study: Games and Virtual Reality Design
Programme code: 13-S2PG14.2014
Programme code (USOS): 13-S2PG14
Faculty: Faculty of Fine Arts and Educational Science
Language of study: Polish
Academic year of entry: winter semester 2014/2015
Level of qualifications/degree: second-cycle studies
Mode of study: full-time
Degree profile: practical
Number of semesters: 4
Degree: magister (Master's Degree)
Access to further studies: the possibility of applying for post graduate and doctoral studies
Specializations:
  • Computer Game Graphics
  • Sound in Games
Semester from which the specializations starts: (no information given)
Areas, fields and disciplines of art or science to which the programme is assigned: (no information given)
ISCED code: (no information given)
The number and date of the Senate’s resolution: 133/2012 (29/05/2012)
General description of the programme:
The general aim of education at the Design of Games and Virtual Space major is to educate a graduate to a Master's degree and to prepare them to conduct independent activity in the area of game and virtual space design. The education acquired will enable the graduate to continue education at the level of second cycle studies and to develop their individuality. Thanks to the acquisition of knowledge and skills highly demanded in the labour market, the graduate will be able to gain employment in the rapidly developing market of games and interactive entertainment, as well as in advertising agencies and cultural institutions. The wide range of competences acquired by the graduate will allow them to benefit from the a wide scope of future professional activity opportunities.
Organization of the process of obtaining a degree:
After the second semester, a student of the second-cycle study programme chooses a master’s thesis advisor and an art diploma supervisor. The defense of the master’s thesis takes place before a commitee appointed by the Institute of Fine Arts and consists of a chairperson and four members (thesis advisor, art diploma project supervisor, thesis reviewer, art diploma project reviewer) who are Faculty of Fine Arts and Music academics. The defense of the master’s thesis is concerned with issues discussed in the paper and with related issues associated with the education effects of the Design of Games and Virtual Space programme. The defense of the art diploma project consists of a visual presentation and the student‘s analysis of his/her own work. The student should demonstrate practical skills in the field of fine arts relevant for video games design. Although the theoretical thesis and the practical project defense take place on the same occasion, the student receives two seperate grades for each of these elements. In addition, the student’s self presentation and answers to questions are evaluated.
Connection between the field of study and university development strategy, including the university mission:
The Interactive Entertainment Production Studies (Polish acronym - SPRINT) constitute a common initiative of several faculties of the University of Silesia in Katowice, cooperating with enterprises from the computer game industry in order to enrich the didactic offer of the university with majors aimed at educating specialists demanded in the labour market. Two study majors and one field of study operating under the SPRINT project common name will educate IT specialists (SPRINT-CODE), computer game graphic designers (SPRINT-ART) and narrative writers (SPRINT-WRITE). The computer game industry, which has been dynamically developing in Poland, has suffered from staffing shortages since its very beginning. The economic importance of the industry may be emphasized by the fact that budgets of Polish computer game productions often substantially exceed budgets of Polish film productions, and the dynamic yearly growth of the sector is not followed by the labour market, in which the demand for specialists rendering services in the field of interactive entertainment pre-production, production and post-production increases proportionally to the industry development. The practice of employment in the computer game industry so far has indicated system deficiencies of the personnel's education, for which the Polish educational institutions are responsible. The industry enterprises look for employees mainly among computer game enthusiasts, whose professional education does not always meet the specific needs of the industry, thus forcing the employers to organize intense and costly trainings of the staff. The idea of studies offering professional specialist education addresses these needs. Taking into consideration the circumstances mentioned above, the Design of Games and Virtual Space (SPRINT-ART) field of study together with its majors, i.e. Computer Game Graphics and Sound in Games, as well as its curricular contents, fits in perfectly with the development strategy of the University of Silesia because: - by educating required specialists, it directly responds to the expectations of the labour market (Operational Objectives 2, OO3.2), - direct cooperation with enterprises from the computer game industry will be established to enable placement opportunities (Operational Objectives 3, OO3.1.), - during the educational process special attention will be paid to enabling students to use the latest technologies and to constantly implement current technical solutions (Operational Objective OO3.3), - even now it is possible to observe considerable interest in this innovative interdisciplinary field, both among potential candidates and external stakeholders, which, in the long term, ought to lead to further image strengthening of the University of Silesia as a higher education institution keeping pace with the times (Operational Objectives 3, OO3.6).
Specialization: Computer Game Graphics
General description of the specialization:
The curriculum of the Computer game graphics major is part of a highly practical field of study, preparing the graduate to work as a graphic designer in the computer games industry. The Computer games graphics major incorporates competences both in the field of artistic graphics and graphic design with emphasis on knowledge of computer graphics techniques, with particular focus on the latest technologies of game design (2D computer animation, 3D computer animation, game engine design, design of game levels, special effects, lighting or textures, frame operation, 3D object modelling, character and object mechanics or game world design). The ability to work in a team with co-authors of computer games and interactive space (script writers, game producers, programmers, etc.) is also extremely important.
Internships (hours and conditions):
The hours, rules and forms of placement for students of the Design of Games and Virtual Space programme in the Institute of Fine Arts in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music in Cieszyn. The goals of placement: improving practical skills and expanding the knowledge of the techniques, technologies and procedures applied in the production of games and other interactive entertainment; practical application and verification of the skills acquired during the studies; introduction to the technological processes used by the companies in the video games and interactive entertainment industry; preparing students to be self-reliant and responsible for the tasks assigned; creating advantageous conditions for students‘ activation in the labour market. GENERAL COMMENTS Students on placement are provided with accident insurance as stipulated by the Act of 30 October 2002 on benefits in case of occupational accident or disease occurring in particular circumstances. The benefits described in this act are financed from the state budget funds. The placement is compulsory and lasts for a total of 6 weeks during the second-cycle studies. To receive credit for placement, the following documents must be submitted: agreement on the organization of placement for students of the University of Silesia; placement referral; student’s declaration to comply with the work discipline and OHS rules; Completed placement report. All required documents should be downloaded from the website of the Institute of Fine Arts of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music in Cieszyn. The documents should be completed and then submitted to the placement supervisor. After finishing the placement, a completed application form for placement credit should be submitted to the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. The placements are not financed by the university – students, regardless of the form of studies, need to arrange placement on their own. Placements may be started in the first semester of the studies. Credit for placement will be granted after the second year of the studies. The placement in the second-cycle studies may be be done both during the summer holidays and the academic year. The credit for placement is confirmed by the supervisor’s signature in the student’s record book after finishing the placement, fulfilling the set conditions and submitting the required documents. In order to obtain the credit, the student has to complete the placement in the period as specified in the studies curriculum and demonstrate skills and knowledge for gaining which the placement was organized. For placement which forms a part of the studies curriculum, 7 ECTS points are assigned. For organizational and formal reasons, the established procedures of placements should be followed.
Graduation requirements:
(no information given)
Number of ECTS credits required to achieve the qualification equivalent to the level of study: 120
Professional qualifications:
(no information given)
Percentage of the ECTS credits for each of the areas to which the learning outcomes are related to the total number of ECTS credits: art : 100%
Specialization: Sound in Games
General description of the specialization:
The Sound in games major is addressed to persons with a wide range of interests in music and sound creation and processing. The studies will prepare specialists in composition and arrangement, methods of digital audio recording, digital processing, surround sound, voice recording and processing, the MIDI equipment and software, as well as post-production of sound in games. Additionally, there will be classes of a theoretical nature providing thorough knowledge regarding music history and theory, music, classical harmony or applied music, as well as connections of music with other media. The graduate of this major will be able to use the acquired knowledge and skills to work as a game sound layer author
Internships (hours and conditions):
The hours, rules and forms of placement for students of the Design of Games and Virtual Space programme in the Institute of Fine Arts in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music in Cieszyn. The goals of placement: improving practical skills and expanding the knowledge of the techniques, technologies and procedures applied in the production of games and other interactive entertainment; practical application and verification of the skills acquired during the studies; introduction to the technological processes used by the companies in the video games and interactive entertainment industry; preparing students to be self-reliant and responsible for the tasks assigned; creating advantageous conditions for students‘ activation in the labour market. GENERAL COMMENTS Students on placement are provided with accident insurance as stipulated by the Act of 30 October 2002 on benefits in case of occupational accident or disease occurring in particular circumstances. The benefits described in this act are financed from the state budget funds. The placement is compulsory and lasts for a total of 6 weeks during the second-cycle studies. To receive credit for placement, the following documents must be submitted: agreement on the organization of placement for students of the University of Silesia; placement referral; student’s declaration to comply with the work discipline and OHS rules; Completed placement report. All required documents should be downloaded from the website of the Institute of Fine Arts of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music in Cieszyn. The documents should be completed and then submitted to the placement supervisor. After finishing the placement, a completed application form for placement credit should be submitted to the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. The placements are not financed by the university – students, regardless of the form of studies, need to arrange placement on their own. Placements may be started in the first semester of the studies. Credit for placement will be granted after the second year of the studies. The placement in the second-cycle studies may be be done both during the summer holidays and the academic year. The credit for placement is confirmed by the supervisor’s signature in the student’s record book after finishing the placement, fulfilling the set conditions and submitting the required documents. In order to obtain the credit, the student has to complete the placement in the period as specified in the studies curriculum and demonstrate skills and knowledge for gaining which the placement was organized. For placement which forms a part of the studies curriculum, 7 ECTS points are assigned. For organizational and formal reasons, the established procedures of placements should be followed.
Graduation requirements:
(no information given)
Number of ECTS credits required to achieve the qualification equivalent to the level of study: 120
Professional qualifications:
(no information given)
Percentage of the ECTS credits for each of the areas to which the learning outcomes are related to the total number of ECTS credits: art : 100%
KNOWLEDGE
The graduate:
Has detailed knowledge concerning the artistic rendition of games [K_W01]
Has knowledge about the means of artistic expression and technical skills used in related art disciplines [K_W02]
Possesses extensive knowledge regarding the historical and cultural contexts of art and its connections with other areas of contemporary life [K_W03]
Independently develops knowledge relevant to the field of design of games and virtual space [K_W04]
Is able to create highly original artistic works on the basis of the knowledge of art styles and artistic traditions connected with them [K_W05]
Understands interrelations between the theoretical and practical aspects of the design of games and virtual space [K_W06]
Uses the acquired knowledge for further artistic development [K_W07]
Knows and understands models constituting the grounds for artistic creation, which allow independence and freedom of artistic expression [K_W08]

SKILLS
The graduate:
Has developed his artistic personality allowing him to create, realize and express his own concepts in computer games [K_U01]
Is able to realize his own art projects in the field of game design [K_U02]
Is able to make independent decisions concerning art work design and realization [K_U03]
Is able to design the effects of art works in terms of the aesthetic, social and legal aspects [K_U04]
Is prepared to cooperate with other people as a team member and is able to take on the leading role in such a team [K_U05]
Further develops technical skills allowing him to realize his own artistic realizations up to a level sufficient to maintain and broaden the abilities to create, realize and express his own concepts , which are relevant to the field of design of games and virtual space [K_U06]
Is able to use models constituting the grounds for the artistic creation of games, which allow freedom and independence of artistic expression [K_U07]
Is able to prepare elaborate written works and speeches regarding specific issues connected with the design of games and virtual space, using basic theoretical notions and other sources [K_U08]
Has language skills regarding fields of art and artistic disciplines applicable to the design of games and virtual space and compliant with the requirements determined for the B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages [K_U09]
Has a responsible approach to public speeches connected with artistic presentations [K_U10]

SOCIAL COMPETENCES
The graduate:
Is a completely competent and independent artist able to consciously integrate the knowledge acquired within the framework of the major and other broad cultural activities [K_K01]
Initiates artistic activities in the field of broad culture (undertakes projects of interdisciplinary nature or requiring cooperation with representatives of other fields of art and science) [K_K02]
Consciously and responsibly leads various team activities [K_K03]
Uses psychological mechanisms, is able to function in society performing his own artistic activities and is able to adapt to the contemporary labour market [K_K04]
Can consciously plan the path of his professional career on the basis of the skills and knowledge acquired during the studies and the knowledge gained within the process of lifelong self-education [K_K05]
Is able to critically evaluate his own and other people’s creative and artistic activities concerning culture, art and other fields of artistic activity [K_K06]
Conducts negotiations and effectively coordinates the organization of artistic projects [K_K07]
Presents complicated and specialist tasks and designs in an accessible form and in a way clear to persons not experienced in work on [K_K08]
Knows and understands the basic notions and principles regarding the protection of industrial property and copyright, as well as the necessity to manage intellectual property resources [K_K09]
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Contemporary art part 1 [13-PG2P-SW1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Creative workshop part 1 [13-PG2P-PK1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Digital graphics, part 1 [13-PG2P-GC1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Elective artistic workshop (A), part 1 [13-PG2P-PDWA1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Game engines part 1 [13-PG2P-SG1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
History and culture of games [13-PG2P-HKG] Polish exam practical classes: 30 3
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Multimedia part 1 [13-PG2P-MU1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Team project, part 1 [13-PG2P-PZ1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Workshops, part 1 [13-PG2P-WA1] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Foreign language [13-PG2P-JO] Polish exam practical classes: 30 2
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Contemporary art part 1 [13-PG2P-SW1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Creative workshop part 1 [13-PG2P-PK1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Elective artistic workshop (A), part 1 [13-PG2P-PMA1] Polish course work practical classes: 45 3
Game engines part 1 [13-PG2P-SG1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
History and culture of games [13-PG2P-HKG] Polish exam practical classes: 30 3
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Multimedia part 1 [13-PG2P-MU1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Musical composition, 1 [13-PG2P-KO1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Team project, part 1 [13-PG2P-PZ1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Workshops, part 1 [13-PG2P-WA1] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Foreign language [13-PG2P-JO] Polish exam practical classes: 30 2
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Contemporary art part 2 [13-PG2P-SZW2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Creative workshop part 2 [13-PG2P-PK2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Digital graphics, part 2 [13-PG2P-GC2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Elective artistic workshop (A), part 2 [13-PG2P-PDWA2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Game engines part 2 [13-PG2P-SG2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Multimedia part 2 [13-PG2P-MU2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Theory of narrative and plot [13-PG2P-TN] Polish exam lecture: 15
practical classes: 15 		2
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Team project, part 2 [13-PG2P-PZ2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
Workshops, part 2 [13-PG2P-WA2] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical education [13-PG2P-WF] Polish course work practical classes: 30 1
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Contemporary art part 2 [13-PG2P-SZW2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Creative workshop part 2 [13-PG2P-PK2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Elective artistic workshop (A), part 2 [13-PG2P-PMA2] Polish course work practical classes: 45 3
Game engines part 2 [13-PG2P-SG2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Multimedia part 2 [13-PG2P-MU2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Musical composition, 2 [13-PG2P-KO2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Theory of narrative and plot [13-PG2P-TN] Polish exam lecture: 15
practical classes: 15 		2
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Team project, part 2 [13-PG2P-PZ2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
Workshops, part 2 [13-PG2P-WA2] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical education [13-PG2P-WF] Polish course work practical classes: 30 1
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Contemporary art part 3 [13-PG2P-SW3] Polish exam practical classes: 30 2
Digital graphics, part 1 [13-PG2P-GC1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Diploma workshop part 1 [13-PG2P-PDY1] Polish course work practical classes: 45 6
Elective artistic workshop (B), part 1 [13-PG2P-PDWB1] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Game mechanics and documentation [13-PG2P-PMD] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
Master thesis seminar part 1 [13-PG2P-SM1] Polish course work seminar: 30 4
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Procesy produkcji gier [13-PG2P-PPG] Polish course work lecture: 15 1
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Workshops, part 3 [13-PG2P-WA3] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Contemporary art part 3 [13-PG2P-SW3] Polish exam practical classes: 30 2
Diploma workshop part 1 [13-PG2P-PDY1] Polish course work practical classes: 45 6
Elective artistic workshop (B), part 1 [13-PG2P-PMB1] Polish course work practical classes: 45 3
Game mechanics and documentation [13-PG2P-PMD] Polish course work practical classes: 30 3
Master thesis seminar part 1 [13-PG2P-SM1] Polish course work seminar: 30 4
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Musical composition, 3 [13-PG2P-KO3] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Procesy produkcji gier [13-PG2P-PPG] Polish course work lecture: 15 1
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Workshops, part 3 [13-PG2P-WA3] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Digital graphics, part 4 [13-PG2P-GC4] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Diploma workshop part 2 [13-PG2P-PDY2] Polish course work practical classes: 45 6
Elective artistic workshop (B), part 2 [13-PG2P-PDWB2] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
Master thesis seminar part 2 [13-PG2P-SM2] Polish course work seminar: 30 4
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Placement [13-PG2P-PR] Polish course work practical classes: 255 6
Workshops, part 4 [13-PG2P-WA4] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
A
Diploma workshop part 2 [13-PG2P-PDY2] Polish course work practical classes: 45 6
Elective artistic workshop (B), part 2 [13-PG2P-PMB2] Polish course work practical classes: 45 3
Master thesis seminar part 2 [13-PG2P-SM2] Polish course work seminar: 30 4
Moduły fakultatywne depending on the choice
Musical composition, 4 [13-PG2P-KO4] Polish course work practical classes: 30 4
INTERNSHIPS AND FIELD WORK
Placement [13-PG2P-PR] Polish course work practical classes: 255 6
Workshops, part 4 [13-PG2P-WA4] Polish course work practical classes: 15 1