Game Design, Bachelor of Arts

Who is suited for the Game Design degree programme at the Mediadesign University?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Game Design is aimed at people who want to engage intensively with the conception, design and technical implementation of computer games. The target group includes not only passionate gamers but also creative minds who enjoy drawing, modelling or storytelling, as well as technically interested individuals with a fondness for computer science and programming. The programme particularly appeals to applicants who wish to view digital games from different perspectives: from creative game art to narrative design to technical realisation in game engineering. Career changers who find a traditional computer science degree too dry will also find a practical, interdisciplinary environment here.

Admission requirements – Who is allowed to study Game Design?

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
• A degree recognised as equivalent
• Studying without Abitur is possible with a subject-specific entrance qualification according to § 11 BerlHG
• Applicants from abroad must prove their eligibility to study with recognised certificates or an equivalent (e.g. via uni-assist)

The following documents are required for the application:

• Motivation letter (approx. 1 page)
• Work samples that demonstrate engagement with the medium of computer games (e.g. sketches, concepts, storyboards, small programming projects, images etc.)
• Relevant certificates (Abitur certificate can be submitted later)
• Curriculum vitae with photo

An application is also possible in the final year of school (before Abitur or Fachabitur). Personal advice and information events are offered regularly.

Personal requirements – What qualities and skills should you bring with you?

• Strong analytical and logical thinking skills
• Initial experience with computer games, gaming culture or own game projects (e.g. modding, game jams, community projects)
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to collaborate on projects
• Openness to creative design and technical tinkering
• Motivation to actively participate in projects, discussions and workshops

More important than perfect school grades is enthusiasm for the medium of games, ideas for applications and the willingness to learn new things. The university values individual talents as well as personality and supports applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds – whether artistic, technical or narrative. Those who enjoy working in a team, solving complex tasks and designing digitally interactive worlds have excellent prospects here.

Course Content: What You Learn in the Game Design Degree

The Game Design degree at the Mediadesign University of Design and Computer Science teaches you the fundamentals and methods for developing digital games. The teaching is practice-oriented and covers three main areas: Game Design, Game Art, as well as Computer Science and Programming. During your studies, you will engage with the conception, design, and realisation of games:

• Game Design (30 %): Here you focus on planning and conceptualising game mechanics, the structure of levels, rule sets, and narrative forms. Example topics include game conception, interaction design, level design, and player guidance.
• Game Art (25 %): You learn to create characters and worlds as a concept artist, design graphics and 3D assets, and implement animations. A central theme is the integration of assets into game engines.
• Computer Science & Programming (25 %): The course teaches you programming basics, software architecture, implementation of artificial intelligence, and graphics programming – for example, by creating your own shaders or post-FX.
• Projects & Research (20 %): Practical projects, applied and experimental research constitute a large part of your studies. You will work on your own game prototypes and gain experience with production and teamwork.

From the second semester onwards, you specialise in one area: “Game Art” or “Game Engineering”. You apply your skills in regularly held practical projects. The course covers all relevant fields of game development: from academic work through media management to the bachelor’s thesis.

• Academic Work
• Mathematics for Game Development
• Fundamentals of Programming
• Narrative Design, Audiovisual Presentation
• Practical Semester and Research Projects

Course Structure: Organisation and Progression of the Game Design Degree

The Game Design degree lasts 7 semesters (standard period of study) and concludes with the “Bachelor of Arts” degree. A total of 210 ECTS credits are awarded. The course is organised as a full-time on-campus programme starting each summer or winter semester.

• The first semesters establish the theoretical and practical foundations in design, art, and programming.
• From the second semester onwards, you choose your specialisation (Game Art or Game Engineering).
• Intensive practical phases and research projects are as much part of the course as a practical semester.
• Final phase with development of a bachelor’s thesis and presentation of your own final projects.

A continuous link to professional practice is established through lecturers from the industry and diverse project work. Projects include, for example, the conception, implementation, and presentation of your own games in the areas of 2D, 3D, virtual reality, and serious games.

Career Prospects and Employment Opportunities in the Field of Game Design

Graduates of the Game Design degree at the Mediadesign University are in demand in the games industry and adjacent sectors. Possible fields of employment arise not only in the entertainment sector but also in education, marketing, industry, and technology:

• Game Designer in game development studios
• UI/UX Designer for apps, software, and web applications
• 3D Artist, Animator
• AR/VR Experience Designer
• Game Developer or Game Programmer
• Narrative Design (storytelling and creation of interactive worlds)
• Simulation Designer or Serious Games Designer
• Marketing Experience Design, Branding
• Product and Service Design also outside the games industry (e.g. medical technology, education)

Typical companies where alumni of the Mediadesign University work include national and international studios such as Ubisoft Blue Byte, Yager, SAP, BMW, Siemens, and self-founded start-ups like Chimera Entertainment or Mimimi Games. The degree also qualifies for further master’s programmes in design, game engineering, management, or digital leadership.

Study Locations and Languages: Where You Can Study Game Design

The Bachelor’s degree in Game Design is offered as an on-campus programme at several locations of the Mediadesign University:

• Berlin: International campus with English-language study options
• Düsseldorf: German-language on-campus programme
• Munich: Currently listed as a location (please check availability)

At all locations, you learn in modern, well-equipped, creative environments together with an international community. The Berlin campus offers a strong practical focus through networking with studios and events in the games industry. Students in Düsseldorf also benefit from direct exchanges with companies in the digital industry.

Costs and Financing: What You Should Budget for the Degree

The tuition fees for the Bachelor’s in Game Design vary depending on location and nationality. As a guideline, the following fees apply for EU citizens:

• Monthly tuition fee: from €685 (depending on location)
• Total cost according to the course profile: approx. €32,970 for the entire degree (7 semesters)
• One-time enrolment fee: €490
• One-time examination fee: €1,050

Higher fees apply for non-EU citizens (e.g. from €1,050 monthly, examination fee already included). The university offers various options for fee reduction, such as a discount of up to 5 % for advance payment. Funding options like BAföG, scholarships, or education loans can be used according to personal eligibility. Additionally, there are regular promotions such as the "Creative Summer Special". You can enquire directly with the university about the exact amount of fees and discounts.