Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Graphics

The programme consists of three years of full-time studies where the main subject area of ​​game design is studied in parallel with graphics/expression in convergent media. The courses within ​​game design are studied together with students from the other programmes in game design at Campus Gotland.

Year 1

The starting courses in game design train you in using game design to create entertaining, simple games, as well as working in a team, both in theory and in practice. You will also train to use game design to engage with game design research and explore more within the academic field. All of these are important skills to develop for the final degree project in year three.

The graphic courses start from the basics by studying perspective drawing, character drawing, computer graphics, colour theory, composition, and animation. The graphic courses in the first year focus on 2D-graphics for games.

The year ends with an experimental game project where students develop games with experimental controls that are exhibited at the annual conference organized by the department.

Year 2

During the second year you will study more complex game systems and partake in larger game productions with a higher technical level. The year ends with a larger game project that will test all of your previously accumulated skills.

Your studies and the projects then increase in complexity and size In the second year, and you begin exploring 3D-modelling, moving onto 3D-environmental graphics and 3D-character building for games.

Year 3

During semester five you have the opportunity to apply for an on-site internship, given that you find a game design company that the department approves of. You can also choose to study abroad or select from various elective courses on-campus. A wide range of elective courses are offered from the department; motion-capture technology, 2D animation or even continuing courses within 3D-environmental graphics and characters.

The last semester of the programme is common to all the bachelor's programs in game design with a theory and methods course in game design, before you begin your final degree project.

Courses within the programme

For all the courses within the programme, see the programme outline.

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. Because Uppsala University has exchange agreements with many foreign universities, students are offered good opportunities for exchange studies and/or other international opportunities.

Other programmes in game design

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

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 businesses, organisations, government bodies or as a business owner.

The game industry in Sweden

The game industry in Sweden and in other parts of the world, 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.

Former students: alumni

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-Games, DICE, Activision Blizzard and Might & Delight, King, Star Stable and Mojang. A number of former students also work within the education sector, teaching and running game design educations at various levels.

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.

Find out where 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.