On-campus program Game Design and Interactive Media (B.A.) – MU

👉 The Bachelor's degree programme in Game Design and Interactive Media (B.A.) at the Media University in Cologne is aimed at creative individuals interested in gaming, storytelling, and digital media. This full-time course, lasting seven semesters, imparts skills in 2D and 3D animation, game engines, level design, visual scripting, and interactive storytelling. These are complemented by general education subjects such as media studies, business, and AI applications. A six-month practical internship is integrated; in the dual study programme, practical work is carried out parallel to the studies within a partner company. The degree is officially recognised and accredited, qualifying graduates for professions such as game designer, concept artist, or animator.

At a Glance

🏫 University Media University of Applied Sciences , UAS based in Berlin (Germany)
The MU Media University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences with locations in Berlin, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main. It offers practice-oriented and interdisciplinary bachelor's and master's programmes with a focus on media in the fields of design, communication, management, psychology, and humanities. All programmes are FIBAA-accredited or undergoing accreditation. The university is part of the Erasmus+ programme and the PROMOS funding programme and maintains worldwide university partnerships. Small study groups, close practical networking, a pronounced internationalisation approach, as well as sustainability and equal opportunities shape the study concept.
📋 Study Format On-campus program
🎓 Field of Study Media SciencesMedia Design
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Scientific Propaedeutics, Economics, Media and Communication Studies, Interculturality, Empirical Methodology, Personal and Social Competences, Generative AI and Prompt Engineering, Media Law, Social Sciences, Social Psychology, Media Technology, Digital Economy, Business English, Second Foreign Language, Interactive and Visual Storytelling, Modelling and Texturing, Fundamentals of Game Development, Game Mechanics, Fundamentals of Interface and Interaction Design, Lighting and Shading, Game Engines and Project Management, Sound Design, 2D Character Animation, Rigging and 3D Animation, Programming and Visual Scripting, Interactive Media, Concept Art, Simulation and FX, Level Design, Motion Design, Principles of Composition and Design, Art/Design History and Theory, Revision Course, Game and Interactive Labs
📍 Location Berlin or Cologne
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 750 € monthly
from 31500 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design and Interactive Media suitable for?

The Bachelor’s degree in Game Design and Interactive Media at the Media University of Applied Sciences is aimed at creatively and technically interested individuals who have a passion for games, interactive media, and digital worlds. It particularly addresses prospective students who already engage with computer games, storytelling, design, or digital art in their free time and would like to deepen this hobby professionally. Target groups are school graduates with university entrance qualifications who demonstrate creative talent and have an enthusiasm for digital conception, animation, game design, and the use of new technologies such as VR and AI. Career changers from related creative or technical fields will also find a suitable course here.

What formal requirements do you need to apply?

To apply for the Bachelor’s degree in Game Design and Interactive Media, you must meet the following formal criteria:

  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), technical college entrance qualification, or a university entrance qualification recognised as equivalent
  • Alternatively: Professionally qualified applicants with a related profile and appropriate professional experience subject to examination by the university
  • The application documents usually include a CV, certificates, and a meaningful letter of motivation
  • In some cases, a creative portfolio or participation in an aptitude test may be required

Personally, you should bring curiosity about digital design, analytical understanding of game mechanics as well as a willingness to work actively and project-oriented. Important qualities are creativity, enjoyment of experimenting, teamwork skills, and communication strength, as many projects are conceived and implemented in groups. Experience with graphic software, game development, or drawing is an advantage but not a mandatory requirement. A basic interest in technology, digital media production, and narrative processes will help you successfully grasp the content of the course.

What Awaits You in the Game Design and Interactive Media Degree Programme?

The bachelor's degree programme Game Design and Interactive Media at the Media University of Applied Sciences provides you with a broad spectrum of creative, technical, and analytical skills for the development of digital games and interactive applications. The focus is on:

  • Conceptualisation and design of digital games, from the idea to market release
  • 2D and 3D animation techniques, including concept art, modelling, texturing, lighting, shading, rigging, and motion design
  • Game engines and development environments for implementing game mechanics, interface and interaction design
  • Visual scripting and programming fundamentals for interactive media
  • Interactive and visual storytelling, game psychology and user experience design
  • Sound design for games and interactive applications
  • Simulation, FX and level design as core elements of digital games
  • Game and interactive labs for practical project experience

The specialised studies are supplemented by general education modules such as media and communication studies, empirical methods, media law, digital economy, and foreign languages (e.g. business English, Spanish or Chinese). You will learn to use artificial intelligence purposefully and evaluate it critically in order to help shape future-oriented gaming worlds.

How Is the Bachelor's Degree Programme Game Design and Interactive Media Structured?

The programme is offered as a classic full-time on-campus course with a standard period of seven semesters. Alternatively, you have the option to obtain the degree in the dual practice-integrated model within eight semesters. In the dual programme, you work alongside your studies in a cooperating company and link practical projects in business with the course content.

  • Start: Each April (summer semester) and October (winter semester)
  • Teaching formats: Practice-oriented seminars, lectures, project work and game/interactive labs
  • Practical phase: Six-month mandatory internship in the classic course of study; practical experience at a company in the dual model
  • Projects: Development of your own games and interactions – also in collaboration with real practical partners
  • Individual support thanks to small learning groups and close practical networking

Career Prospects: Where Can You Work with This Degree?

Graduates of the Game Design and Interactive Media degree programme are broadly qualified for positions in the games and creative industries. Typical job profiles include:

  • Game designer and level/content designer
  • Writer/storyteller and concept developer for game narratives
  • 3D artist, animator and VR game artist
  • Media designer in the gaming or advertising industry
  • Concept designer, motion designer and specialist for simulation/FX

The practice-oriented programme also opens career paths in related fields such as eSports, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification applications in education, HR or marketing, as well as in the digital media economy.

Where Do You Study Game Design and Interactive Media?

The Media University of Applied Sciences offers the course at the Berlin and Cologne locations. You have access to modern studios, game labs and creative spaces – optimally equipped for collaborative development, testing and presentations. Small, individually supported learning groups and exchange with experienced industry professionals foster your creativity and employability.

What Does the Game Design Degree Cost – and What Financing Options Are Available?

The monthly tuition fees are regularly €750. Completing all seven semesters results in a total sum of €31,500. With the media scholarship, the monthly burden is reduced to €680. Various financing models are available to you, including scholarships, instalment payments and funding opportunities such as Erasmus+ and PROMOS for study abroad phases. The university provides individual advice on options such as BAföG, educational loans and tax deductibility of study costs.

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