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Level Designer Specialization

Advanced online game design course focusing on level design led by industry experts

Overview

Become a level designer for video games

Take your skills as a game designer to the next level with our advanced specialization course in level design. Gain speed and confidence in a game engine to create immersive game levels that you can add to your portfolio.

Why study game design with us:

  • We are an Unreal Academic Partner and Authorized Training Center
  • Receive mentorship from game design professionals
  • Learn to use industry-standard tools and techniques
  • Choose private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)

With guidance from experts, you'll build on your foundational game design skills to build engaging and appealing game levels that balance aesthetics, gameplay, and functionality.

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Our Difference

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our career-focused game design courses help you build practical job skills that are required in the industry.

badge_mentor_bronze Industry Mentors Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.  
badge_mastery_bronze Outcomes Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.  
badge_community_bronze Community Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.  
Course Information

Everything You Need To Know

Quick Overview
Course Structure
What You'll Learn
Tuition & Payment
certificate-bronze-03 Qualification Industry certificate  
trimesters-bronze-02 Study Load

20hrs/week

 
calendar-bronze Program Length

9 months

 
online-bronze-01 Delivery Mode Online live classes
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
 
tuition-bronze-01 Skill Level

Advanced

 
start-date-bronze-02 Start Dates
January 6, 2025 February 3, 2025 March 3, 2025
 

Your pathway to the film and games industry

The 9-month Specialization Course is the second half of our Career Track, preparing you for your first day in the industry. Your future awaits!

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Want to take your education higher?

Did you know that the subjects you complete in the career track courses can be used to apply for credit toward our accredited degrees and diplomas in the same discipline? 

The skills and knowledge you build in any industry-certificate course can be transferred into academic credits through our Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer process. So, if you decide to take your studies to the next level, know that your prior learning will be recognized.

Compare your options and find out which course is right for you.

Term 1: 12 weeks

Designing & Creating Landscape Terrains

Learn how to build immersive and realistic landscapes that enhance the overall gameplay experience, including the entire process of creating terrains, from initial concept and planning to sculpting, texturing, and optimizing. You will learn to design natural environments that fit various biomes, use heightmaps and procedural generation tools, and integrate terrains seamlessly with gameplay mechanics. By the end, you'll be equipped with the skills needed to create landscapes that are both visually compelling and functional within the game world.

What You'll Learn
  • Gain a deep understanding of biome types and effective design strategies
  • Develop technical skills in terrain creation and environmental effects
  • Learn to optimize large-scale environments without sacrificing quality
  • Enhance ability to tell stories through environmental design
Weekly Breakdown
  1. Idea Assembly
  2. Designing Levels
  3. Worldbuilding Levels
  4. Genre Differences
  5. Level Navigation
  6. Landscapes
  7. Architecture
  8. Habitats
  9. Nature Biomes
  10. Natural Interiors & Dungeons
  11. Structural Interiors
Term 2: 12 weeks

Level Creation

This term takes you through the complete process of level creation, from gameplay mechanics to final polish. You’ll design interactive elements, hazards, and objectives to craft engaging player experiences. Learn 2D and 3D visualization techniques to enhance level aesthetics, then assemble and light your world for realism and functionality. Add animation, props, and atmospheric effects to bring your level to life. On completion, you’ll have a fully realized game environment.

What You'll Learn
  • Craft levels with traversal mechanics, interactive objects, puzzles, and hazards that enhance player experience
  • Develop 2D and 3D art skills, assemble high-quality assets
  • How to add movement, physics-based interactions, and environmental animations
  • Refine levels with decoration, sound, and finishing touches
Weekly Breakdown
  1. Gameplay
  2. Hazards
  3. Activities
  4. Goals
  5. 2D Art Skills
  6. 3D Visual Design
  7. Assembly
  8. Lighting
  9. Animation
  10. Decoration
  11. Atmosphere
  12. Finishing
Term 3: 12 weeks

Mentored Studio: Level Design

This final term is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your mentor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best work for your portfolio and learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers. You'll also receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Coach.

What You'll Learn
  • How to polish your portfolio to impress employers
  • Interview and negotiation strategies
  • Effective networking and self-promotion
  • Accessing the hidden job market 
Weekly Breakdown
  1. Career Pathways
  2. Industry Overview
  3. Portfolio Upgrade
  4. Networking and Online Presence
  5. Resume and Cover Letter
  6. Job Hunting
  7. Freelance Work
  8. Interviews and Pitching
  9. Personal Projects and Challenges
  10. Working in a Studio
  11. Contracts and Negotiations
  12. Personal Roadblocks

Download the Course Guide

Your creative journey begins here! Download our comprehensive course guide and discover the exciting educational opportunities that await you.
Monthly
Upfront
SAVE 10%

Group Class

$1,222 USD/mo
$9,999 USD
CG Spectrum’s small group classes provide an ideal learning environment for aspiring artists to grow their skills and connect with peers. With a maximum of 4 students per class, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention from experienced industry mentors.

  4 students max class size

  Students are assigned mentor

  Group interaction & collaboration

Private 1:1

$1,711 USD/mo
$13,999 USD
Learning 1-on-1 with CG Spectrum provides personalized guidance from industry experts, tailored feedback, and flexible scheduling. This focused approach helps students master skills, build competitive portfolios, and prepare for careers in games, film, and animation.

  Private dedicated mentor

  Students choose their mentor


  More dedicated time per week

Don't Put Your Future On Hold

Financing shouldn't stand in the way of pursuing your dream career. No matter where you are in your creative learning journey, our financing options have been designed with you in mind.
Mentors

Learn Directly From Video Game Mentors

To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All game design classes are taught by professional game and level designers with years of industry experience.

Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

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"One of the best decisions I've ever made for my career.

I've learned and grown so much throughout this program and I loved the resources in the CG Spectrum community, such as finding new job opportunities and meeting other students and mentors. I took advantage of everything CG Spectrum had to offer and as a result, I landed my dream job at my dream company (Dreamworks). Thank you CG Spectrum!"

 

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Tiffany L  |  3D Animation

 
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"The career program was invaluable!

I knew changing careers would have included things such as resumes, applications, networking, etc. The biggest thing I needed to understand was the nuances of the animation industry, etiquette for approaching recruiters, and what type of roles there were. These sessions really helped guide me, and explained how to approach my showreel and the subsequent application processes."

 

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James B  |  3D Animation

 
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"I’d take the course again if I could!

I can’t praise CG Spectrum enough for the quality of teaching and dedication to their students. Mark was by far the best mentor I’ve ever had. He really took the time to help design the course around what it is that I wanted to get out of it. I’ve studied other animation courses in the past, but none even come close to the depth and speed of development as CG Spectrum."

 

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Ned C  |  3D Animation

 
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"To better understand the industry, I enrolled at CG Spectrum.

There I was able to create a demo reel and build connections with professionals that ultimately led me to my first opportunity as an animator at Sony Imageworks. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to CG Spectrum’s Career Development Manager. She was the person who guided me through the entire application process. I honestly believe I would not have gotten this opportunity without her help."

 

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Jasmeet S  |  3D Animation

 
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"CG Spectrum has been an instrumental part of my growth.

CG Spectrum has helped me sharpen my skills, acquire new ones and strengthen my character animation abilities. This is an invaluable experience for anyone looking to take their skills to the next level."

 

phil-minter 
Phil M |  3D Animation

 
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"It's been extremely helpful for my portfolio and my confidence as an artist!

I've learned so much about not only animation, but the thought process an artist goes through when creating a piece."

 

shravani-kulkarni 
Shravani K |  3D Animation

 
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"Getting access to industry mentors is huge.

There's a world of information out there, but nothing compared to talking to someone in the know. CG Spectrum was one of those places. I really liked the 1-on-1 format. It was the first time I had an experienced animator open my scene file. It was what I needed to get over some technical hurdles."

 

Kyle Dahl 
Kyle D  |  3D Animation

 
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"I learned more in 9 months than other students do in 2 years.

The level of education I have received is unlike any other school I've come across. What separates CG Spectrum from other schools is that the mentors are not only talented professionals in their own right, but they also care about your success as an artist both in school and after you graduate. CG Spectrum is incredible, I cannot recommend it enough."

 

David-Jon-Nelson 
David N |  3D Animation

 
Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

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"Having someone that is part of the industry personalizing your training, and providing honest feedback backed up by years of experience is something very valuable you won't get in other Game Programming Courses.

My mentor assisted me in realizing a game prototype I had in mind for quite a long time, and that was amazing. I highly recommend anyone interested in the course to spend that extra money and go for the 1-to-1 formula, because that's where you'll see the biggest difference with other online resources."

 

luca-perdelli 
Luca Piedrelli  |  Game Development

 
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"CG Spectrum has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality of learning, support, and continued guidance from mentors and peers.

Also, the community at CG Spectrum is amazing! People are passionate about what they study and do. It's a great study and work environment."

 

AlexiosVasilakis-square 
Alexios V |  Game Development

 
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"Having a mentor definitely helped! It was awesome to have someone I could reach out to when I was stuck.

Getting the weekly feedback also helped in terms of what to improve and what to focus on next. In Term 3, we learned Unreal Engine; I implemented the knowledge I gained in that course to my Advanced 3D Modeling Course to create some additional renders that demonstrated my understanding of using and integrating game-ready assets into an actual game engine.

 

benjamin oman 
Benjamin O  | Game Art & Animation

 
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"My experience at CG Spectrum was second to none, and taught me so much more than I initially anticipated.

My mentor took me from being barely computer literate to an animator working at a studio in only a year and a half. The information and level of teaching at CG Spectrum will absolutely not be found anywhere else."

 

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Kieran L  |  Game Art & Animation

 
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"CG Spectrum prepares you to work as a professional game designer from day one.

The most impressive quality CG Spectrum offers is a course that makes study as if you were on your first job. If you are willing to put the energy into studying and do the assignments as if you were on the job, and if you are ready to hear your mentor's suggestions and challenge yourself to push your limits, you will get an experience very similar to the workplace. "

 

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Loris C  |  Game Development

 
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"I chose CG Spectrum because I wanted to take my learning to the next level & ensure I was working on the most efficient way to get into the industry.

Chris Swain was the guiding force that kept me headed in the right direction with his sage advice. He was also a calming presence that kept me relaxed during what was often an overwhelming experience.

Thank you Chris for being a friend, a motivator, and a teammate during my time at CG Spectrum and beyond."

 

luke-williford Luke Williford  |  Game Development

 
mlb-the-show-poster

"CG Spectrum is the perfect place to gain focus, understanding, an encouragement for your journey.

If you are looking for a supportive place to gain or hone skills in game design or other verticals, CGS is a fantastic and worthy place to dive in."

 

shaulhagen-headshot 
Shaul H  |  Game Design

 
ollie-world

"I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!

I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!"

 

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Kasia P  |  3D Modeling

 
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"A cornerstone for your career.

I can honestly say that even by having experience in the field, I've gained a mind-blowing volume of understanding, even when considering the most basic of aspects behind Game Design and Development! Concepts I thought I knew now look so different in a new light. Lessons are challenging, and assignments and classes engaging. A must for any professional looking to up their game a notch or 73."

 

fritz-m 
Fritz M  |  Game Development

 
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"CG Spectrum's training got me hired in the industry.

CG Spectrum helped me build the skills and connections that directly resulted in getting hired as a Gameplay Programmer at New World Interactive."

 

jeff-giron-headshot-zoom 
Jeff G  |  Game Development

 
Request Information

Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios

Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career.  Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.

FAQ's

Questions? We Have Answers

What are the prerequisites for the Level Designer Specialization?

This course requires the successful completion of the Game Design Foundations Career Track or a portfolio submission demonstrating professional experience and an accompanying reel/resume.


Age Minimum
T
he general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enroll. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

What are the software and hardware requirements?

Software:

This course requires you to purchase/download the following software:

  • Unreal Engine (free)

Optional additional software:

  • Photoshop (Krita is a free alternative)
  • Blender (free), Maya, or 3ds Max 

 

Hardware:

We recommend a minimum of 32GB RAM. See below for more info on hardware specifications.

Please note: as the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enroling.

What careers can I explore post-graduation?

On completion of the Game Design Career Track (Foundations of Game Design + Level Designer Specialization), you will have greater confidence in your abilities and a portfolio to show employers. 

You will also have personalized career services with our career development team, which can help when applying for junior game design jobs such as:

Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:

How do I apply?

Ready to take the next step toward your future? Head to our application page to get started. Whether you're looking to learn something new, build on your existing skillset, or nurture your creative side, begin your application today to start your creative journey with us!

  APPLY NOW 

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