The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi announced today that it will build a new École NAD-UQAC educational facility in downtown Sherbrooke. The new space will offer a certificate program in technical game art. Ubisoft will invest $1 million over five years to help get the new initiative off the ground. The facility will welcome approximately 40 students in September 2023.
“Ever since we came to Saguenay, we’ve wanted to contribute to and support the video game ecosystem. The new NAD School facility and program will enrich the existing program offering, broaden the talent pool in our field, and, most importantly, let folks live, study, and work in video games without ever having to leave the area,” said Ubisoft Saguenay managing director Jimmy Boulianne.
“Thanks to our NAD-UQAC professors and the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, our institution plays a prominent role in shaping the digital ecosystem in Quebec. Our partnership with Ubisoft allows us to combine industry, teaching, and research to offer innovative programs in 3D animation, design, and computer science. Our institution is excited to bring this offering,” said UQAC rector Ghislain Samson.
Developed in collaboration with the NAD-UQAC team and the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, the certificate in technical art in video games will provide a solid foundation in 3D creation. Students will harness their creative potential to explore fundamental concepts in modelling, animation, and game engines. They will also get an introduction to the development of computer tools by learning important concepts related to programming and mathematics. The program will cover 3D creation and computer science. Students will learn to apply their creative vision amid the technical, technological, organizational, and ethical constraints of game development and to work with a multidisciplinary team to identify and solve problems. Furthermore, a variety of continuing education initiatives will be launched in January 2023.
The new full-time certificate will offer daytime, evening, and remote learning sessions. The certificate program will be offered at the other UQAC educational facilities, including Saguenay.
