Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Programming

The Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Programming comprises three years of studies where the major subject Game Design is studied in parallel with your profile, and the minor subject area in Computer Science, through both theoretical and practical project courses. All project-based courses are within the main subject area, Game Design. The project courses test and train both programming, game design and graphic production skills as students from all the Game Design programmes collaborate to produce games.

In this way, the programme provides a continuous opportunity to test and utilise your ability in realistic scenarios, since the project courses effectively model the challenges that must be faced when working in a diverse team of creative, artistic, organisational and technical individuals.

Game Design makes up 105 of the total 180 credits in the programme, while the minor subject makes up at least 30 credits. The programme also includes 45 credits where you will get to choose what to study, which can also be used to deepen or broaden your studies in the major or minor subject, or for studies abroad. Like the theoretical courses, these projects train academic writing and presenting, in preparation for the degree project that ends the third year.

The programming courses start from the very basics and lead to a small game development project at the end of the first year, after which the projects increase in complexity and size. Throughout the project courses, commercial game engines are usually used, where the focus is to code game logic, while the programming courses provide a deeper technical understanding of the construction of digital games.

In addition to the first programming and mathematical courses offered during your first year, there are additional courses in programming that you can choose as electives in the fifth semester.

In the final semester, students in all the Game Design Bachelor's programmes will read a course on theories and methods in Game Design before beginning their Degree Project.

Other programmes in game design at the Department:

• Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Project Management
• Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Graphics

Study abroad

The autumn semester of year three is particularly well suited for studies abroad. You can either apply for the central partner universities or the partner universities with which the Department collaborates.

The Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Programming is offered at Campus Gotland in Visby on the island of Gotland. Visby is the best-preserved Medieval town in Scandinavia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Instruction is entirely in English. The main subject, Game Design, is studied together with the students from the other Game Design programmes.

The theoretical courses within Game Design are taught through lectures, workshops and smaller projects. The majority of courses include group work, which means you need to be comfortable with working tightly in a team with other students. The programming courses are lecture-based with continuous practical programming.

The first couple of years include one or two project courses, in which you work with your specific role in groups to produce complete games, as a programmer, graphic artist, or project leader, but also as a game designer. During the work process, each group will receive supervision and guidance.

The Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Programming prepares you, theoretically and practically, for a professional career within business, organisations, government bodies or as a business owner.

Former students have gone on to become both business owners running their own studios, and employees at some of the most successful game studios in the world. Notable examples of companies where graduates have found work include Massive Entertainment, CD Project Red, Starbreeze, Crytek, Fatshark, Frictional Games, Ubisoft, Avalanche, Bohemia Interactive, Funcom, CCP, DICE, Activision Blizzard and Might & Delight, King, Star Stable and Mojang. A number of former students also work within the Swedish higher education sector, teaching and running game design programmes.

One of the programme's strengths is its well-established contact with the game industry. This is why graduates of the programme make up an especially useful network. Through yearly recurring events arranged by the department, notable individuals from the international game industry, former students and academics are invited to judge student projects and share their experiences. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to build your own network of contacts for your future career.

The game industry is the largest and fastest growing business in the entertainment industry. It is in continuous development, which leads to a large demand for a broad spectrum of creative professionals with game development as the common denominator. Games are also increasingly being used in education, training and medicine.

As a graduate of the programme, you will be able to continue your studies at the Master's level in or outside of Sweden.

Find out were our alumni work.

"Visby is a wonderful place to study with a great environment, and where your classmates become family. If you ever lack inspiration you could just take a walk through the charming medieval town and along the harbour to recharge and gather new ideas and thoughts. During my studies, I participated in many game development events where students got to meet developers from the industry. I believe networking today could be as important as having a strong portfolio when it comes to getting a job in the industry today."

- Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström, 3D Artist at Star Stable Entertainment

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.