Game Design, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Game Design degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree in Game Design is aimed at anyone passionate about the development and design of digital games. If you are fascinated by creative processes, the interplay of technology and design, as well as gaming culture, and you are pursuing a career in the games industry, this is the right place for you. The degree is particularly suitable for school leavers with the Abitur or an equivalent higher education entrance qualification who wish to receive a solid academic education in the fields of Game Design, Game Art, or Game Programming. Career changers with strong personal motivation and a creative portfolio can also be admitted.

Admission requirements for the Game Design degree

• Fully completed online application: The application is submitted online directly to the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.
• Higher education entrance qualification: Generally required is the (subject-specific) Abitur or an equivalent qualification according to German higher education entrance regulations.
• Language skills: Since the language of instruction is English, adequate English skills (e.g. proven by a recognised language certificate) must be demonstrated. Detailed requirements can be found on the university website.
• School certificate: Proof of the highest completed school qualification must be submitted.
• Curriculum vitae and passport copy: A current tabular CV as well as a copy of the passport are part of the application.
• Portfolio/folder: An artistically creative work sample (e.g. sketches, graphics, visualisations, small game prototypes) is required for the application. Detailed requirements are offered by the university upon request or on its website.

What personal requirements and skills should you bring?

• Creativity and interest in games: You should have a strong interest in computer games, game mechanics, and interactive media.
• Artistic and design talent: A flair for visual design, storytelling, as well as initial experience with drawings or digital drafts is helpful.
• Basic technical understanding: An affinity for software, interest in programming code, and the desire to practically implement games (e.g. in Unity, Unreal Engine, or Java) are useful.
• Teamwork skills: Since many projects in the degree programme are carried out in groups, the ability to collaborate is important.
• Initiative and commitment: Motivation to start projects independently and persevere is expected in creative courses of study.
• Openness to new things: Willingness to engage with different design and technical approaches is an advantage.

The degree is especially suitable for people who want to realise innovative game ideas and are willing to actively engage with current developments in the games industry.

How does the Game Design degree programme work?

The Bachelor’s degree in Game Design at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences typically lasts seven semesters and concludes with the academic degree Bachelor of Arts. Classes take place on campus in Berlin or Hamburg. The courses are taught in English.

• Standard period of study: 7 semesters
• Scope of study: 210 ECTS credits
• Language of instruction: English
• Locations: Berlin or Hamburg
• Start: Winter and summer semester

What content can you expect in the Game Design degree programme?

During your studies, you will engage comprehensively with artistic, technical and cultural aspects of game development. The content connects theory, practice and economic fundamentals. You will learn to develop ideas, design game mechanics and create digital worlds. Early on, you will work project-based in teams on your own games.

• Art, design and cultural studies
• General Design Foundations
• Code & Algorithm
• Game & Play
• Technological design methods
• Theories and discourses in media & culture
• Essentials (basic modules)
• Art for Games and Game Development
• Digital and analogue workflows
• Aesthetic and ethical discourses
• Games as research, narration and expression
• Start-up modules
• Semester abroad or internship
• Presentation methods
• Final thesis (BA Thesis and BA Proposal)

In the 5th semester you can choose: either you complete an internship in the industry or you gain experience abroad.

What can you do after graduation?

A successfully completed Game Design degree opens up diverse career paths in the games industry. You can work both in large development studios and with indie publishers, or independently. Project work and interdisciplinary skills are in focus.

• Game designer
• Game programming
• System design
• Game writing
• Narrative design
• Game art
• Level design
• Game development
• Game production

According to myStipendium, starting salaries for game designers in Germany range between 3,200 and 4,200 euros gross per month. Salaries may vary depending on employer, experience and position.

What distinguishes the study location?

Berlin and Hamburg are centres of the German games industry. In Berlin, you benefit from a vibrant indie scene, established development studios and numerous industry events such as Gamesweek Berlin. Both cities offer a creative environment, contacts with top companies and cultural diversity.

• Indie studios, AAA developers
• Events, industry meetings and e-sports
• International opportunities through collaborations

At the University of Europe for Applied Sciences campus you learn practically and can network with experts and industry partners.

What costs will you incur?

The total cost for the seven-semester Game Design degree is 25,488 euros (EU applicants, status 2024). Tuition fees for EU applicants are payable in monthly instalments of 708 euros. For exact information on fees for non-EU applicants, please consult the current price lists of the university.

• Monthly tuition fee (EU): 708 euros
• Total costs (EU): 25,488 euros
• Financing options: Scholarships, educational loans and further programmes are available.

An internship or a stay abroad is planned for the 5th semester, which may incur additional costs. The university supports you in finding financial aid.