Game Development
for Artists
/ Certificate Program
START DATE
10. AUGUST 2026
DURATION
60 WEEKS
FORMAT
ONLINE
From zero experience
to Game portfolio
in 60 weeks
You start as a beginner and end with work that looks like it belongs in the industry. This Certificate Program is built exactly for that shift. Over 60 weeks you move from learning the basics of 3D to producing work that can be used to apply for junior roles, internships or longer educations in Games, Animation and VFX. You do not need previous experience. You do need the willingness to do the work.
Who this program is for
- You are starting from zero and want a serious, structured way into game development
- You already know a bit of 3D tools, but you feel stuck and do not know how to turn that into a real path.
- You want to specialise in Game Art, 3D Animation for games, Tech Art or Procedural and VFX and you know you will need a portfolio that actually shows that.
- You are changing direction from another field and want something concrete that leads somewhere.
If you want to say “I have a clear specialisation and a portfolio that shows my abilities,” this program is built for you.
What will be different after 60 weeks
- Understand and work through the full basic 3D pipeline from blockout to final render; from idea to finished game experience.
- Produce work that clearly belongs to one of four paths: Game Art, Game Animation, Tech Art or Procedural/VFX.
- Communicate your creative choices confidently, discuss your process, and accept feedback as an opportunity to grow.
- Build and present pieces that are strong enough to use in applications for junior roles, internships or longer educations.
- Plan your next step with clarity, whether that is continuing your studies or aiming for a junior position.
You come away with games you have made, and a portfolio that shows your abilities in their best light.
Program Overview
-
TERM 1 - 20 WEEKS
Basic 3D
This 5 week course teaches the basics of 3D – modelling, UV unwrapping and texturing.
Introduction to Roles
This 5 week course that introduces the specialized tracks.
Students have one week courses on: Tech Art, Animation, scultping and Simulation.
They then have a week to experiment with the discipline they find most interesting.Introduction to Unreal Engine
This is a crash course in the real time engine, Unreal. Students learn how to import assets, light and render in engine.
Project: Walking Simulator
The project for this Term is to create an environment, in Unreal, that a player can walk through.
As they do, a simple narrative is told through the environment. -
TERM 2 - 20 WEEKS
Game Design
Students get 5 weeks of high level game design. This focuses on mechanics, game play and balancing.
Role Classes
Students pick a role. Having been introduced to specialisations in Term 1, they pick one of 4 roles: Animation, Art, Tech art, or Simulation.
This course teaches students fundamental aspects of their chosen role.
Project Based Learning
This runs at the same time as the Role Classes. The Entire class is given a project to complete. How they do so, what they make, how it looks, is all part of the challenge.
Each Role will have a part to play in the final delivery. This allows students to work within their field and understand how it impacts other artists.
Project: A Game Level
In this project students work together to produce a level for a game. This level needs to contain meaningful gameplay and play for a significant amount of time to demonstrate this gameplay.
-
TERM 3 - 20 WEEKS
Master Classes
These are classes presented by industry professionals.
They are targeted to the student Roles.
Role Classes & Project Based Learning
As with Term 2, students are taught basic information, and given a project where they can practice, and expand their understanding of, their chosen role.
Project: A Vertical Slice
The Capstone Project: Students make a Vertical Slice of a game.
“A vertical slice in game development is a small, polished, fully playable cross‑section of your game that shows what the final experience will look and feel like.”
Delivered Online
Learn from anywhere. On-demand lectures, live feedback sessions, community and mentor support delivered online.
Meet our people
Hear from graduates and guest instructors, from the 3D Digital Arts program, through a variety of interview series that provide insight into CADA and the exciting journey towards a career as a Digital Artist.
GRADUATES
Emil Burchard, Effects Artist at Ghost VFX
GUEST INSTRUCTORS
Jean-Christophe Rodier
Senior Character Rigger
Daniele 'Danko' Angelozzi
Lead Sculptor
Thomas Rodeschini
Effects Technical Director
Career Opportunities
3D skills are used across far more fields than most people realise. Games, animation and VFX are well established fields, and continue to grow, but so do industries such as virtual production, advertising, architectural visualisation, simulation, digital twins and interactive experiences. Companies across the globe are hiring artists who understand modern pipelines and can deliver work that fits into real production environments.
Graduates from a 60 weeks program will start by aiming for junior roles, internships or trainee positions. These exist in game studios, animation houses, VFX teams, production companies and fast growing sectors like tech art and real time 3D. The Certificate Program is designed to help you create the kind of focused portfolio that these roles require, and to give you a clear next step whether you plan to continue studying or start applying for entry-level opportunities.
Testimonials
Read about our students' experiences from our 3D Digital Arts program.
My experience at CADA has been very fulfilling. I’ve met a lot of amazing people through the school and the projects we have done, which have opened gateways into the industry. But CADA has also helped me go from a basic skill set within 3D to a very advanced level. They helped me find my passion and supported me in pursuing it. For me, CADA is about the people you get to know, work with, and connect with.
Freya Tuwel Rasmussen
The amount of knowledge I have learned about the principles and work methods within the world of 3D here at Copenhagen Academy of Digital Arts is immeasurable.
Especially the teachers at the school who's previously worked in the industry has given me invaluable insight and know-how and what to expect when we enter the industry in the future."
Christian Just Skjøt
Attending CADA has been a transformative experience. I discovered that going to school doesn't have to be draining, it can be revitalizing and fun! Along the way, I made lifelong friends and valuable industry connections.
Marie Alsing
Mathias Gregersen
Signe Harremoës Feldstein
Studying at CADA has allowed me to explore a side of myself I’ve always wanted to know. Learning the many kinds of creativity that 3D has to offer, alongside like-minded people has been exactly what I needed to find my passion. Everything from the competitions to the collaborations has made me a better artist and team player.
Simon Kaarfast
At CADA, I was provided with a class full of like-minded people that I could learn and grow with. Being part of a community is very helpful when you're first starting out, as it also facilitates a lot of feedback.
Gregers Berth
When I started out at CADA I knew nothing about 3D or animation. They taught me everything I know within the field. Today I am an educated 3D Digital Artist, working in the games industry. At CADA I was part of various film and game productions, and I was taught by leading professionals from around the world. I worked with like-minded, passionate, and creative students and teachers, and some have become lifelong friends of mine. Attending CADA was a dream come true. I found an unending passion and newfound creativity within 3D arts.
Oliver Lundt
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Application Process
STEP 1: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out the application form and include a short motivational letter of up to one page. This helps us understand your background and goals.
STEP 2: BOOK YOUR ADMISSIONS MEETING
After your application submission, you will be redirected to schedule a meeting with our admissions team. This is an opportunity to ask questions and confirm that the program is the right fit.
STEP 3: COMPLETE YOUR ENROLLMENT
Complete enrollment, pay the registration fee of EUR 335 and secure your spot in the next cohort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program self-paced?
The online program combines on-demand content with live Q&A sessions.
At launch, parts of the program will already be available on demand. Other sessions will be recorded as they are delivered live and then added to the on-demand library. This allows you to work either independently at your own pace, or by following the schedule laid out by CADA.
If you follow the CADA schedule, it is more likely that you will be able to collaborate with other students on group projects, as you will be progressing through the program at similar times. Mentoring hours will be assigned to online students within specific time frames.
Group work can be approached in several ways.
Students who follow the CADA schedule can participate in group projects with classmates at the same stage of the program, with the expectation that they match the agreed pace and are available for coordination and meetings.
Alternatively, students working at their own pace may coordinate group work with other online students who happen to be at a similar stage. While we support this and encourage a strong online community, CADA cannot guarantee that suitable group partners will always be available.
Finally, all projects can also be completed individually. Group projects are designed to give insight into specific roles within a 3D production, but students who prefer to work alone can take a generalist approach, cover all roles themselves, and complete the assignments independently and on their own schedule.
Is the program conducted in English?
Yes, the program is conducted in English, so it is a requirement that you have an acceptable level of fluency in the language.
Does this program require an admissions portfolio?
No. You don’t need to submit a portfolio when you apply for this program.
Are classes delivered live, on-demand or a mix of both for the online format?
Classes will be delivered through a combination of live Q&A and feedback sessions, and on-demand lectures that you can rewatch. Flexibility is a core element on the online study format.
How do I reserve my spot in the education?
Upon successful submission of your application and acceptance into the education program, a non-refundable registration fee of EUR 335 is required to secure your place. This fee will guarantee your spot and ensure your enrollment.
Is there an application deadline for the education?
We have a rolling admissions policy for our programme, without a fixed application deadline. We advise submitting your application promptly once you decide to join, as enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified candidates.
Are there any age limits for students wishing to enrol in CADA's programmes?
Our programmes have no age restrictions. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or looking to enhance your skills later in life, we welcome students of all ages who are passionate about CGI, Digital Arts, and 3D.
Contact our Admissions Counsellor
Phone: +45 70 27 77 87
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 15:00 CET