Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Programming

The Bachelor's Programme in Game Design and Programming spans three years, during which you will study Game Design as your major alongside Software Engineering as your minor. This programme integrates theoretical knowledge with practical project courses, all centered around Game Design. The project courses test and refine your skills in programming, game design, and graphic production as you collaborate with peers from other Game Design programmes to create games.

These project courses simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to apply your skills in diverse, creative, and technical teams. Game Design constitutes 105 of the total 180 credits in the program, with the minor subject comprising at least 30 credits. Additionally, you have 45 elective credits, which you can use to deepen your major or minor studies, explore other interests, or study abroad. Both theoretical courses and projects emphasise academic writing and presentation skills, preparing you for the culminating degree project in your third year.

The programming courses start with the basics and culminate in a game development project at the end of the first year. As you progress, these projects become increasingly complex and large in scope. The programming courses are designed to give you a deep technical understanding of how digital games are constructed. In contrast, the project courses within the major focus more on establishing gameplay and enhancing the player experience. These game design courses often have students use commercial and open-source game engines to facilitate quicker iterations of game logic and assets.

In the fifth semester, you can choose additional programming courses as electives. In the final semester, all students in the Game Design Bachelor's programmes will take a course on research theories and methods in Game Design before starting their Degree Project. Many of these degree projects are practical in nature, using Research Through Design to create games that address specific research problems.

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 working tightly in a team with other students. The programming courses are lecture-based with continuous practical programming.

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 programmer 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 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.