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Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is a renowned institution in Ireland, forme...
BA Hons (Game Design)
Dublin
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA Hons in Game Design program at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and creativity required to thrive in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of game development. This interdisciplinary program combines elements of art, design, programming, and storytelling to prepare students for careers in the video game industry, one of the most exciting and innovative sectors of the creative economy. Students learn about game theory, mechanics, aesthetics, and production processes as they develop their own original game projects from concept to completion. With access to cutting-edge technology, industry-standard software, and expert faculty guidance, students gain practical experience in game design, development, and production, learning how to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences for diverse audiences across various platforms and genres. The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency, empowering students to become versatile and adaptable game designers, developers, artists, and entrepreneurs in a global market driven by innovation and imagination.
Game Design Fundamentals: The program covers fundamental concepts and principles of game design, including game mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics, and storytelling. Students learn how to analyze and deconstruct existing games, explore different genres and play styles, and apply design principles to create original game concepts and prototypes.
Digital Art and Animation: Students develop their artistic skills in digital art, animation, and visual storytelling, learning how to create characters, environments, props, and animations for games using industry-standard software and techniques. They explore topics such as character design, 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation, gaining hands-on experience in creating assets for games.
Game Development Tools and Technologies: Students gain proficiency in game development tools and technologies, including game engines, programming languages, and development environments. They learn how to use popular game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine to build, test, and iterate on their game projects, as well as how to write code in languages like C#, JavaScript, and Python.
User Experience (UX) and Player Psychology: The program explores the principles of user experience (UX) design and player psychology, teaching students how to create intuitive and immersive gaming experiences that engage and delight players. Students learn about user interface (UI) design, interaction design, usability testing, and player feedback mechanisms, as well as how to apply psychological theories to game design and player engagement.
Game Production and Project Management: Students learn about the game development process from concept to release, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and team management. They gain practical experience in agile development methodologies, collaborative workflow tools, and project management techniques, preparing them to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and meet the demands of the game industry's fast-paced and iterative production cycles.
Portfolio Development and Professional Practice: Throughout the program, students build a professional portfolio showcasing their game projects, artwork, and design documentation. They learn how to present their work effectively to potential employers, collaborators, and clients, as well as how to network, market themselves, and navigate the professional landscape of the game industry.
Location
Dublin
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
€ 13500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, international students need a minimum academic qualification of 75% or above in their previous educational credentials.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall 6.0 or 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each section.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80, with no less than 21 in writing and at least 18 in every other section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 65, with a minimum of 59.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum 120 overall, with at least 110 in each component.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
TU Dublin understands the importance of providing financial support to international students pursuing their education in Ireland. Scholarships are a valuable resource for students looking to alleviate the financial burden of their studies.
International Scholarships: TU Dublin offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. They aim to recognize outstanding academic achievement and support students who demonstrate financial need.
Research Scholarships: For students interested in research-based programs, TU Dublin may offer scholarships and funding opportunities for graduate-level research. These scholarships can provide financial support for research projects and help students focus on their academic and research goals.
External Scholarships: TU Dublin encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities provided by governments, organizations, and foundations in their home countries. These external scholarships can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Sports and Extracurricular Scholarships: In addition to academic scholarships, TU Dublin may provide scholarships for exceptional athletes or students involved in specific extracurricular activities. These scholarships recognize talents and achievements outside the classroom.
Graduates of the BA Hons in Game Design program at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the rapidly expanding and innovative field of game development. With a combination of technical skills, creative talent, and industry experience, graduates have the opportunity to work in various roles across the video game industry and related sectors.
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Game Designer: Graduates may pursue careers as game designers, responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing gameplay mechanics, levels, and systems for video games. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of artists, programmers, and writers to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences for players.
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Game Developer: Graduates may work as game developers, responsible for programming, coding, and scripting the interactive elements and functionalities of video games. They use programming languages such as C++, C#, and Java to bring game designs to life, working closely with designers and artists to integrate gameplay features and assets into the game engine.
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Game Artist: Graduates with strong artistic skills may pursue careers as game artists, specializing in areas such as character design, environment art, concept art, animation, and visual effects. They create visually stunning and compelling artwork for video games, using digital art tools and techniques to design characters, environments, props, and animations.
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Game Writer or Narrative Designer: Graduates with a passion for storytelling may work as game writers or narrative designers, responsible for crafting compelling narratives, dialogues, and storylines for video games. They collaborate with designers, artists, and developers to create immersive and engaging narratives that enhance the player experience and drive gameplay progression.
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Game Producer or Project Manager: Graduates may pursue careers as game producers or project managers, responsible for overseeing the development, production, and release of video games. They manage budgets, schedules, and resources, coordinate team efforts, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget, while meeting quality standards and player expectations.
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Game Tester or Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst: Graduates may work as game testers or quality assurance (QA) analysts, responsible for testing and debugging video games to identify and resolve technical issues, bugs, and gameplay flaws. They playtest games to assess their functionality, usability, and performance, providing feedback and recommendations to developers for improvements.
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Independent Game Developer or Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to start their own game development studios or indie game companies, creating and publishing their own original games independently or in collaboration with other developers. They may develop innovative and experimental games for niche markets or emerging platforms, leveraging crowdfunding, digital distribution, and social media to reach audiences worldwide.
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Educator or Academic Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers in education or academia, teaching game design, development, and theory at schools, colleges, universities, or specialized training programs. They may also engage in academic research and scholarship, exploring topics such as game studies, game culture, and interactive media, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
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Serious Games Developer: Graduates may work in the emerging field of serious games, creating educational, training, healthcare, or simulation games for purposes such as learning, skill development, therapy, or social change. They collaborate with educators, healthcare professionals, and other experts to design and develop games that address real-world challenges and promote positive outcomes.
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Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: Graduates may specialize in the development of augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) experiences and applications, creating immersive and interactive environments for gaming, entertainment, training, visualization, or simulation. They use AR/VR technologies and platforms to design and develop innovative and engaging experiences that push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and player engagement.
