Certificate in Music Production for Games
Course Overview
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Springboard+ courses are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
This programme is supported by the Springboard+ initiative. This means that eligible employed applicants are financially supported 90% of the time and eligible unemployed applicants 100% of the time for programme fees. For more information on Springboard, visit www.springboardcourses.ie/eligibility or contact [email protected]
Learn the skills required to succeed as a modern-day Music Producer with this unique, industry-focused programme.
Our Certificate in Music Production for Games course is run in partnership with Pulse College and has been uniquely designed by the industry, for the industry.
Why Study Music Production for Games at Griffith College?
Our Certificate in Music Production for Games is available part-time over a one-year period. The aim of the course is to equip students with a high level of competence in specific skills for the areas of applications technology, games development, sound design, and much more.
- Delivered by academic leaders and industry professionals to international industry standard
- Gain a deep understanding of how games are created by studying game development and game interactivity learners gain
- Develop creative strategies by underpinning practical and theoretical knowledge of games music production techniques through creative assignments and industry relevant projects.
- Students will have access to state of the art facilities and Technologies.
- Pulse College, Windmill Lane Recording Studios and Griffith College have a strong network of games based companies.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2026
What our students say
The CPMG course at Griffith College in association with Pulse College is a lifeline. It has provided incredible insight into the world of Gaming & Film music & has taught me so much over the last 5 months. Each module has been carefully crafted to go hand in hand with the others and after completing the course I will have acquired the necessary skills to pursue a more exciting and sustainable career in music production.
Certificate in Music Production for Games
This course is an excellent resource for those wishing to embark on new musical endeavours, pursue a new career path, or finetune their craft. It is well structured, and delivered to a high standard; it allows for both creative and practical development through a diverse curriculum. I am grateful to be a participant on this course, it is a truly valuable experience.
Certificate in Music Production for Games
Course Details
Course Modules
The module sets out to enable learners to set up the hardware and software of a music production suite to record, edit and mix. It provides a foundation in audio and music technology. It also provides the requisite understanding of MIDI to facilitate a live performance.
The objectives of the module are to enable the learner to use industry standard DAW software to record and edit audio and MIDI, managing sessions from conception to final mix-down using appropriate effects, automation, corrective techniques and professional workflow.
This module aims to familiarise the learner with the essential processes involved in writing for visual media; for different styles and their associated techniques. It also aims to expand the learner’s musical vocabulary and analytical skills through studying the craft of composing to image. This will be achieved foremost by exposing them to an extremely wide range of study examples from early cartoon scores to current Hollywood scores, international TV series and current games. Learners learn the technical skills for using software to marry images and music, and compose music to two pieces of provided footage using the relevant equipment and software. Throughout the module the emphasis is placed on developing the learner’s practical compositional techniques and their ability to write for both electronic and acoustic instruments.
This module aims to provide learners with detailed knowledge of the technologies and practical skills central to the professional production and postproduction of sound for virtual environments, with a focus on interactive media and gaming. Learners will examine the role of audio and visual effects in the creation of virtual environments in linear, interactive and dynamically-changing applications.
Learners will apply their skills in the creation of sound for interactive media and games. They will investigate various recording techniques and the hardware and software associated with designing and implementing game audio and mobile applications. Learners will also demonstrate the creative potential of the sound studio while creating a sound effects and Foley library.
The module enables learners to explore, through lectures and tutorials the use of main themes, motif use, underscoring and the harmonic languages of soundtracks. Learners develop compositional and technical skills as applied to writing to image, with particular emphasis on techniques and workflows used in the production of music for games. The module explores the audio requirements of various game environments, including adaptive music techniques. The module encourages learners to be imaginative in composing to picture, enabling learners to consider the role of music when used with visual and interactive media.
The module introduces learners to a variety of computer games. Learners are encouraged to explore, experience and evaluate games and their characteristic features. Learners are introduced to how games function, how to construct experiences using rule design, play mechanics, game balancing, and the integration of visual, audio and textual elements into the game. Learners examine the distinct roles performed by the different members of games design teams, and are encouraged to develop defensible views of their own in relation to the increasing role played by games within society.
This module explores the difference between traditional linear narrative in storytelling and the challenges of interactive narrative. The learners will be given a solid understanding of traditional narrative theory, character development, plot, back-story and dialogue. Non-technology based experimental approaches will be introduced briefly and the opportunities that technology provides for experimentation in non-linear forms will be examined.
Course Contact
- Dublin Main Campus
CAO
Certificate in Music Production for Games
CAO Course code: GC460
The Certificate in Music Production for Games is run in partnership with Pulse College and has been uniquely designed by the industry, for the industry. On this course, you will have an unrivalled opportunity to rapidly advance your academic training at Griffith College, while gaining hands-on experience in the leading commercial environment of Pulse College and its recording studio campus partner, Windmill Lane Recording Studios.
The programme will run part-time over two years and will embrace learners from a variety of musical backgrounds. The focus will be on developing creative strategies by underpinning practical and theoretical knowledge of game music production techniques through creative assignments and industry-relevant projects. By studying game development and game interactivity, learners gain a deep understanding of how games are created and the crucial role music plays in modern-day games.
A key part of the course involves producing a portfolio of work that will help you gain access to the exciting and rapidly developing games industry.
How to Apply:
- Go to cao.ie
- Log in to your account
- Enter the course code GC460
- Add or re-rank your preferences
- Save changes
Click below to see the important dates, such as: CAO Application Opens; CAO Application Closes; Change of Mind Dates
CAO Important Dates
Entry Requirements (CAO Applicants):
Please visit Pulse College for entry requirements and more information.
Schools Events:
We also host a range of school events throughout the academic year. To view the schedule or register, please click the link below.
Fees:
Please refer to the Fees tab for detailed information on fees at Griffith College.
Contact:
If you’d like to learn more about this course or have any questions about studying at Griffith, contact us at [email protected], and our team will be on hand to help.
You can also book a campus tour to see our facilities, meet our staff, and get a feel for student life.
Timetables
Timetables will be made available closer to the starting date.
How to Apply
Springboard+
For 2026/27, Springboard+ funding is available for this course. If you wish to avail of Springboard+ funding for this course, please apply through Springboard's website below.
How to Apply
All applicants must complete an interview with Pulse College.
Applicants under 23 years of age:
- Photo ID (passport/driving licence)
- GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit if applicable
- Leaving Certificate/High School diploma results
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
- Photo ID (passport/driving licence)
- GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit if applicable
All Certificate in Music Production for Games applicants are required to present for an interview, and are expected to demonstrate the following:
. A proven interest in music creation and music production (e.g. through recordings, portfolio, performance, etc.)
. A basic understanding of musical keys, tempi and rhythmic notation
. Knowledge of the basic use of computers at approximately ECDL level
. Musical open-mindedness and a willingness to explore new musical ideas
. A positive attitude and enthusiasm for the programme and the gaming field
. Commitment to learning, both directed and independent
. Self-organisation skills.
All candidates applying for the CMPG programme are required to have prior music ability, experience, or training. This may be evidenced in a variety of forms: evidence of music production experience, recordings of performances, manuscripts of compositions, membership of orchestras/ ensembles, music creation for image, etc.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Springboard+
For 2026/27, Springboard+ funding is available for this course. Visit Springboard+ for more details.
100% Funding for Level 6:
- Springboard+ funding covers all Level 6 courses in their entirety.
If you are not eligible for Springboard+, you can apply directly to Griffith here.
If you have any questions about fees, please contact Pulse College directly.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of the Certificate in Music Production for Games programme are eligible for entry into level 7 and level 8 programmes nationally, with advanced standing where appropriate in respect of the modules they have completed.
Career Progression
Graduates of the Certificate in Music Production for Games programme may find employment within Ireland's rapidly growing games design and games development sector. Roles will centre on their specialist contribution to the music and sound aspects of games. Both Windmill Lane Recording Studios and Griffith College have a strong network of games based companies. Both institutions work closely with employers on a regular basis in sourcing and placing graduates on their behalf. In return these companies continue to inform the design and development of our programmes.
