Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Graphics

The Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Graphics comprises three years of full-time studies, where the major subject Game Design is studied in parallel with the minor subject, Expression in Convergent Media, through both theoretical and practical production courses. All production courses are taken together with students from the other Bachelor's programmes in game design.

The graphics courses start from the basics by studying perspective drawing, character drawing, computer graphics, colour theory, composition, and animation. This leads to a game development project at the end of the first year. Your studies and the projects then increase in complexity and size. In addition to the first graphics courses, a wide range of elective courses are offered during the fifth semester in, for example, motion-capture technology, digital sculpting or 2D animation.

Game design makes up 105 out of the total 180 credits of the programme, while the minor subject in graphics/expression in convergent media makes up at least 30 credits. The programme also includes 45 credits where you can select courses to broaden your field of study or deepen your knowledge in the major or minor subject.

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.

For courses within the programme, see the programme outline.

Other programmes in game design at the Department:

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

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 Graphics is offered at Campus Gotland in Visby on the island of Gotland, Sweden. Visby is the best-preserved Medieval town in Scandinavia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The language of instruction is exclusively 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 the courses include group work, which means you need to feel comfortable working together with others. The graphics courses have continuous practical training in drawing, computer graphics and modelling.

During the first couple of years, you will carry out one or two project courses, in which you work with your specific role in groups to produce complete games, as a graphic artist 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 Graphics prepares you, theoretically and practically, for a professional career within business, organisations, government bodies or as a business owner. As a graduate of the programme, you will also be able to continue your studies at the Master's level in or outside of Sweden.

Former students have gone on to become both business owners running their 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. Several 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 the programme's former students 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 contact network 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.

Find out were our alumni work

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.