Distance learning program Game Design (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 You study storytelling, UX/UI and level/world design plus game development and AR/AI applications in a Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS). The programme is delivered as a flexible online distance learning course with a standard duration of 6 semesters and time models from 36 to 72 months. Teaching language: German. State-recognised and ZFU-registered (ZFU: 1117221c), you can start anytime and sit many exams online.

Game Design (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters, Study effort 20 hours weekly
💶 Fees
from 259 € monthly
from 15063 € total
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Media SciencesMedia Design
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Design of Interactive Media, Introduction to Academic Research Methods, Storytelling, Introduction to Game Design, General Psychology, Game Studies, Game Art, Collaborative Work, Seminar: Game Analysis, Project: Game Art, User Experience, Project: Analog Game, Game Development and Level Design, IT Project Management, Design and Ergonomics of User Interfaces, Advanced Game Design, Project: Game Development and Game Engine, Project: Digital Game, World Design, Fundamentals of Audio-Visual Media, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Mixed and Virtual Reality, Project: Professional Fields of the Gaming Industry, Project: Game Prototype, Seminar: Experimental Game Design, Statistics, Data Analytics and Big Data, Project: Experimental Game Design, Elective Module A, Elective Module B, Elective Module C, Bachelor Thesis
📚 Electives Concept Game Designer, Core Game Designer, Analytic Game Designer
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Game Design under the number 1117221c.
📅 Enrollment Anytime
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who this online Game Design B.A. suits – and what you need to get in

This programme is a fit if you want to study Game Design fully online from abroad and build a portfolio while working. Typical profiles include: recent secondary-school graduates aiming for a recognised European bachelor’s degree; junior creatives or QA/testers in studios who want to step up into concept, level or UX roles alongside a job; and career changers from IT, design or media looking to formalise skills in user-centred game design and analytics without relocating.

Admission requirements

Entry is possible with different previous education backgrounds. The programme is taught in German.

  • University entrance qualification: German Allgemeine Hochschulreife or Fachhochschulreife, or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.
  • International school diplomas: admission with foreign qualifications after an equivalence check (Anabin). This applies, for example, to the IB Diploma or other national school-leaving certificates that qualify for university study.
  • Admission without Abitur: possible via a German Meister qualification, an advanced professional training (e.g. IHK Fachwirt/in), or a recognised at least two-year vocational training plus at least three years of full-time experience. For vocational qualifications completed within the EU (outside Germany), equivalence at DQR level 4 is required.
  • Language for German-taught study: B2–C1 German proven by one of these certificates (not older than five years, to be provided before the start): TestDaF (at least level 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. Other B2 certificates may be accepted case by case.
  • No numerus clausus (NC): there is no grade-based admission cap.

Mode of study and location: 100% online distance learning with online assessments; no on-campus attendance required. Start dates are flexible throughout the year.

Personal requirements

Success in an online degree depends on your ability to plan and follow through. Expect a weekly workload of roughly 40 hours (full-time), about 30 hours (part-time I) or about 20 hours (part-time II). You should be comfortable reading and writing in German at B2 level, collaborating remotely, and iterating on design and UX work based on feedback.

  • Self-organisation and persistence: you will manage modules, projects and deadlines independently.
  • Realistic time planning: portfolio projects (analogue and digital games, prototypes, experimental design) require consistent weekly study blocks.
  • Communication skills: clear documentation and presentation of concepts, UX flows and test results in German.
  • Digital study readiness: reliable internet access and the discipline to use the online campus, materials and 24/7 exams effectively.

If you prefer hands-on studio facilities or a programming-heavy curriculum, this design-centred, online format may not match your learning style. If you seek flexibility, clear structure and recognised 180 ECTS credits, it works well for studying from anywhere.

What will you study in the Game Design (B.A.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?

This programme is taught in German. You need proven German at roughly B2 level before you start – accepted certificates include TestDaF (TND3, at least 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Over six semesters (180 ECTS), you build a portfolio through projects and conclude with a Bachelor’s thesis. IU is a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) in Germany; the programme is accredited to 28/02/2029 and ZFU-approved (No. 1117221c) for distance learning.

You start with human-centred design and the psychology behind player behaviour. Typical modules include User Experience and the design and ergonomics of user interfaces, plus General Psychology and Game Studies. You will analyse games critically and learn academic working methods to ground your design decisions.

You then move into the craft of game design. You study core design principles and advanced game design, work on storytelling and world building, and explore Game Art to translate concepts into visual form. Parallel, you tackle game development and level design and get hands-on with a game engine.

Technology and media topics extend your toolkit. You cover artificial intelligence in games and Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality. Fundamentals of audio-visual media help you design feedback and atmosphere. Data literacy enters via Statistics and Data Analytics & Big Data, informing iteration and live-ops decisions.

Professional practice is embedded through structured projects: analog game design, digital game production, a game prototype, experimental game design and a project on professional fields in the games industry. You also learn IT project management and collaborative work methods to function effectively in teams. The programme ends with your Bachelor’s thesis, often practice- or project-based.

Electives: You shape your profile across three areas – Concept Game Designer, Core Game Designer or Analytic Game Designer. Depending on your choice, you can deepen topics such as game mechanics and metagames, user research and monetisation, leadership and design thinking, digital business models, HCI & UX prototyping, or a practice project in Game Design.

How does studying in the Game Design at IU International University of Applied Sciences work?

You study fully online via IU’s digital campus. You can start any time, choose between full-time or two part-time models, and take many exams online 24/7 or at optional test centres. Learning is self-paced with multimedia materials, coaching and access to an online library and tools.

Teaching language and proof of language skills

The teaching language is German. For admission to the German-taught track you submit a recognised German certificate before you start: TestDaF (TND3, min. 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Certificates are typically accepted if issued within the last five years.

Study model: 100% distance learning

This is an online distance-learning bachelor’s degree. There is no scheduled on-campus teaching. You study from wherever you live via IU’s online campus. Start “from today” or at your preferred date. Optional exam centres complement the online option; a semester abroad can be integrated if desired.

Learning format, guidance and resources

Courses combine digital study scripts, videos, exercises and interactive elements. You collaborate with peers online and can contact teaching staff through the campus systems. Support services include study and career coaching, an online library with tens of thousands of e-books and access to LinkedIn Learning. IU’s study assistant (Syntea) helps you keep track of content and progress.

Assessments and how you are examined

Many examinations are available as online proctored exams around the clock. In design modules, performance is also assessed through projects, prototypes, portfolios, presentations and written assignments. The programme features multiple project modules leading up to the final Bachelor’s thesis.

Time models and workload

You choose between three models: full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months) or part-time II (72 months). As a rule of thumb, plan about 40/30/20 hours per week respectively. You can extend your studies by up to 12 months at no extra tuition, offering a buffer for work or family.

What does the Game Design cost?

Tuition depends on the time model you choose. As a guide to the regular, undiscounted fees: in the full-time model you pay €399 per month for 36 months (about €14,364 in total). Part-time I is €344 per month for 48 months (about €16,512 in total). Part-time II is €259 per month for 72 months (about €18,648 in total). In addition, there's a one-time graduation fee of €699. A free extension of up to 12 months is included.

International payment: tuition is typically paid monthly; in distance learning this spreads the cost evenly over your study time. If you have prior learning that IU recognises formally, you can reduce costs – for each recognised ECTS credit, the fee is reduced by €30. Exams can be taken online; using external test centres is optional and may incur separate costs depending on location.

Additional expenses: depending on your projects, you may need software licences or assets (e.g. for prototyping or Game Art). Because this is a fully online degree, there are no relocation or campus housing costs. Your living costs remain those of your current place of residence.

What careers and recognition does the Game Design offer?

The degree awards 180 ECTS under the Bologna system, making credits and qualification internationally comparable. IU is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) as a German university of applied sciences, and this programme is accredited until 28/02/2029. For distance learning, the ZFU (German state authority for distance education) has approved the course under No. 1117221c. These signals matter for employers and for admission to master’s programmes across the EU.

Career paths span the games industry and adjacent fields such as serious games and gamified products. Typical roles include:

  • Game Designer (Concept/Core): ideation, systems, balancing, prototyping and iteration
  • Level or World Designer: mission design, encounter flow, spatial storytelling and pacing
  • UI/UX Designer for games: HUDs, accessibility, usability testing and information architecture
  • Analytic Game Designer or Games Data Analyst: telemetry, KPIs, A/B tests, monetisation
  • Product Manager (Live-Ops): feature roadmaps, events, in-game economy and retention

In Germany and across the EU, entry salaries vary by location, studio size and role. Designer and level designer positions typically start in the upper 30s to low 50s (thousand euros) annually, with progression to higher ranges through experience, portfolio strength and responsibility. The applied, project-heavy profile of this degree helps you build artefacts that demonstrate skills to employers.

Who is the Game Design right for – and who not?

This degree suits you if you want to design engaging player experiences end-to-end, build a strong project portfolio and study flexibly online in German. The mix of design, UX, technology and analytics prepares you for both indie paths and studio roles.

  • You want to study 100% online with flexible exams (including 24/7 online exams) and modular planning.
  • You aim to build a portfolio through multiple projects (analog game, digital game, prototype, experimental design).
  • You are interested in game systems, UX/UI, world building and data-informed iteration rather than pure programming.
  • You value a state-recognised, accredited European bachelor’s degree with 180 ECTS for later master’s options.
  • You prefer time models (36/48/72 months) that balance studies with work or other commitments.

Equally important: there are cases where this programme is not a good match. Read the points below carefully before you decide.

  • You need an English-taught programme. Teaching and exams here are in German and require B2-level proof (e.g. TestDaF, DSH-1, telc B2, ÖSD B2).
  • You want a strongly technical degree focused on deep programming/engine development (e.g. C++ internals). This curriculum centres on design, UX, prototyping and analytics.
  • You are looking for a traditional on-campus experience with daily studio or workshop access. This is a distance-learning programme without regular on-site classes.
  • Your budget is limited to the very low semester contributions of German public universities. As a private provider, IU’s tuition is higher, albeit with more flexibility.

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