BA (Hons) Game Design
This three-year or four-year international route Bachelor of Arts in Game Design will introduce you to the fundamentals of the creative industry and provide you with the opportunity to refine a career path in game design.
Start Online ApplicationOverview
The 21st century has witnessed the explosive growth of the games industry, outpacing even the film sector in global revenue. Interactive digital experiences are now woven into our daily lives, spanning consoles, virtual reality, Smart TVs, and mobile devices.
This programme prepares students for success in this dynamic landscape, not just as digital game developers but also within the broader creative careers. It nurtures user-centered design skills across diverse media, from board games to mobile apps. Students will gain hands-on experience in production methodologies, working collaboratively to create a robust portfolio.
Berlin School of Business and Innovation is in partnership with University for the Creative Arts (UCA). As a result of this partnership, BSBI is able to offer the BA (Hons) Game Design programme. UCA is an acclaimed creative institution in the UK that ranks highly in all three of the major UK league tables. The university has also been ranked 13th out of all UK universities in the Guardian League Table 2020; and ranked no.7 in the 2021 Guardian League Tables for Business, Management & Marketing.
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What will the student experience?
Balancing creative innovation with technical prowess, the curriculum fosters a deep understanding of the global games industry. The goal is to produce designers capable of crafting meaningful and enjoyable interactive experiences.
Throughout the programme, an emphasis on creativity and design is complemented by theoretical underpinnings, practice-based research, and the application of design heuristics to address challenges and make informed decisions for building a comprehensive games portfolio.
Year 1: Exploration and experimentation.
Year 2: Refining personal and career goals.
Year 3: Developing a major portfolio to a professional level.
Why study this programme?
In partnership with the highest-ranking creative education institutions, we aim to attract the most creative minds to generate expert professionals who will be equipped with the creative and practical solutions required in the professional graphic design landscape. You will earn a bachelor’s degree with 120 UK credits per year (equivalent to 60 ECTS per year). This helps student mobility in the EU when it comes to transferring credits from one higher education institution to another.
Who should take this programme?
The BA (Hons) Game Design programme at BSBI Hamburg Campus is tailored for individuals who aspire to excel in the dynamic field of visual communication and design. This programme is ideal for:
Creative enthusiasts: If you have a passion for creativity and a keen interest in visual arts, this programme provides the perfect platform to channel your artistic energy into a professional skill set.
Aspiring graphic designers: Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest in graphic design or someone looking to enhance existing skills, our programme accommodates learners at various proficiency levels.
Digital design enthusiasts: If you’re fascinated by the digital world and want to create impactful visuals for websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms, our curriculum is designed to equip you with the latest digital design tools and techniques.
Programme price
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Location: Hamburg
2024 October: International students Price: €11,000/year | EU students Price: €8,450/year
Special offer effective until 31 July 2024: Up to 40% savings for International Students | 10% savings for EU Students
Terms and conditions apply. Find out more here.
The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement.
Portfolio Scholarship Competition
Students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and the chance to receive a scholarship on tuition! This competition is valid on the Faculty of Creative Industries programmes being offered at the Hamburg campus.
Best Portfolio (Study for Free!)
1 Student | 100% Scholarship on Tuition
Second Best Portfolio
10 Students | 50% Scholarship on Tuition
Third Best Portfolio
20 Students | 40% Scholarship on Tuition
Find out more about how to apply here.
Programme Structure
The majority of your work will be completed in groups and on-going support will be provided through the use of structured, targeted individual tutorials and online tutorials.
The learning and teaching will consist of a variety of elements such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, animated/non-animated video, practical work, seminars and trips. The assessment strategy will include individual/group reports and/or presentations, case studies, essays, portfolio development, reflective journals and experiential work-based activities.
The modules of this programme are offered and delivered 100% on campus. Students will also have additional access to course and reading materials via the UNINETTUNO platform.
Teaching takes place Monday to Saturdays, during morning, afternoon, or evening sessions.
Please note: each year is divided into three terms.
YEAR 1
- Fundamentals of Game Design
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion
- Board Game Design
- Introduction to Game Production
- Client Brief
- Interactive Narratives
- Personalised Learning Experience: Digital Portfolio or Online Showcase
YEAR 2
- Rapid Game Prototyping
- The Conscious Practitioner
- Environmental Storytelling
- Game Studio
- Industry Brief
- Creature Animation
- Personalised Learning Experience: Digital Portfolio or Online Showcase
YEAR 3
- Final Major Project: Pre-production
- Final Major Project: Critical & Conceptual Influences
- Professional Practise
- Final Major Project Production
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:
Knowledge
- Apply good knowledge of English to communicate relevant international, cultural, contemporary knowledge and historical, theoretical and professional contexts.
- Research and analytical skills to examine and interpret various aspects of game design, including historical influences, emerging technologies, and core design principles.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the contexts, concepts, and technologies within the field of game design.
Application to the industry
- Apply autonomy to deliver primary and secondary research involving the identification and use of relevant resources.
- Apply knowledge of game design through critical thinking, practice, experimentation, problem-solving, analysis, and reflection.
- Combine practical training with independent study, to reach full design potential and respond effectively to changing briefs and client’s needs
Skills
- Demonstrate professional skills through project management presentation and communication of ideas.
- Develop a special focus on their chosen and specified field of animation results.
- Develop an in-depth technical skillset to demonstrate their broad level of authorship and agency in their creative practice.
- Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical debates relevant to game design in its wider cultural context.
- Develop and implement creative solutions by critically evaluating game design concepts, experimenting with innovative approaches, and reflecting on the outcomes to refine and improve designs.
- Demonstrate the application of technical and professional communication skills in building and presenting game design artefacts.
- Evaluate forms of ‘othering and belonging’ in relation to normative attitudes within creative practice. Develop an awareness of the impact of EDI on game design, considering diverse perspectives and experiences.
Career Progression
With the gaming market ranking as the fifth largest globally and experiencing unprecedented growth, pursuing a BA (Hons) Game Design opens up abundant career opportunities in the thriving computer games industry. Graduates can explore various roles within the field, including:
Level Designer
Character Designer
Virtual Reality (VR) Games Designer
AI Designer
Cinema Game Designer
Games Design and Development
Rendering Programmer
Hamburg shows it is at the heart of the creative industries within Europe.
Designers can benefit from digitization and the positive economic situation in Germany, did you know the industry has had an average growth of 4.1% until 2014-2019 in the communication design industry?
Source: Ibisworld.com
Established Creative Agencies:
Study in Hamburg, close to creative agencies like Jung von Matt, Blynk, Serious, Paperlux Studio, Sum.Cumo. Better yet, be near to start ups featuring client portfolios reaching from BMW, Google, Airbus to Mercedes Benz and Mc’ Donalds.
BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service helps graphic design students and alumni reach their career goals and realise their potential. The Service offers specialised support and aims to build long-lasting relationships with local and national employers. To find out more about the support available, visit the Careers Service website.
The Virtual Student Lounge
You’ll also be able to discover more about living and studying in Europe’s start-up capital, Berlin and find out more about the services on offer at BSBI.