Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Game Development

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: AED 315

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 50% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) offers various scholarship opportunities for international students to support their academic journey and alleviate financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, helping them pursue their educational goals in a world-class institution. 

Merit-Based Scholarships: ADU provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. These scholarships are awarded based on the student's academic achievements, and the eligibility criteria vary depending on the program of study. International students with a strong academic record may qualify for financial support to reduce tuition fees.

Undergraduate Scholarships: For international students applying for undergraduate programs, ADU offers a range of scholarships designed to recognize excellence in various fields of study. These scholarships help make education more accessible to talented students by offering partial tuition fee reductions. Students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for these prestigious awards.

Special Talent Scholarships: International students with exceptional talent in areas such as sports, arts, or leadership may be eligible for special talent scholarships. ADU recognizes that diverse talents contribute to a vibrant campus life, and these scholarships are designed to support students who bring unique skills and experiences to the university community.

Government and External Scholarships: ADU also collaborates with various governments and external organizations that offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships are typically based on agreements or partnerships between ADU and foreign governments, helping to provide financial support to students from specific countries.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Game Development program at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) are prepared to enter a rapidly growing and dynamic industry. The skills developed during the program in computer programming, game design, graphics, and interactive media open up a wide range of career opportunities across the global gaming, technology, and entertainment sectors. 

Game Developer/Programmer: Game developers or programmers are responsible for writing the code that powers video games. They develop the core game mechanics, ensure that the game runs smoothly across different platforms, and fix bugs that may arise during development. Graduates can work with various gaming studios, technology companies, or as independent developers to create everything from mobile apps to complex console games.

Game Designer: Game designers work on the creative side of game development. They develop concepts, storylines, game mechanics, and user experiences. By creating engaging and interactive gameplay, they ensure that players have an enjoyable and immersive experience. Game designers often work in collaboration with artists and programmers to bring their vision to life.

3D Artist/Animator: 3D artists and animators are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game. This includes designing characters, environments, objects, and animations. They work with game development tools to create visually stunning 3D models and animations that contribute to the game’s overall aesthetic. Graduates can work in both the gaming industry and in sectors like film production and virtual reality.

Game Tester/Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer: Game testers and QA engineers are tasked with testing the game to ensure that it functions properly and is free from bugs or glitches. They play the game to identify issues and provide feedback to developers for improvements. Graduates interested in this role need to have a keen eye for detail and an understanding of game mechanics and functionality.

UI/UX Designer: User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) designers focus on creating user-friendly interfaces and optimizing the overall experience of players. They work to ensure that the game is easy to navigate and that the interaction with the game is smooth and enjoyable. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles, user behavior, and technical feasibility.

Game Producer: Game producers oversee the production process of a video game. They manage timelines, resources, budgets, and coordinate between various teams to ensure that the game is developed on schedule and within budget. A producer's role is essential in bringing together the efforts of designers, developers, and artists into a cohesive project.

Sound Designer/Composer: Sound designers and composers are responsible for creating the audio elements of a video game, including sound effects, voice acting, and background music. They work closely with the development team to ensure that the audio enhances the overall gaming experience, making the gameplay more immersive.

Game Programmer (Artificial Intelligence): Game programmers with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) develop the behaviors and decision-making systems that control non-playable characters (NPCs) in the game. They work on AI algorithms to create lifelike interactions within the game, ensuring that NPCs react intelligently to player actions and contribute to the overall game dynamics.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Developer: VR and AR developers specialize in creating immersive virtual environments and experiences that allow players to interact with the game in innovative ways. This role is especially relevant in the gaming industry as more games are integrating VR and AR technologies. Graduates can also explore opportunities in other sectors like education, healthcare, and training simulations.

Game Marketing Specialist: Game marketing specialists are responsible for promoting games to the target audience. They work on developing marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and promotional materials. Their goal is to generate interest and sales for a game by identifying the right audience and crafting appealing marketing messages.

Game Project Manager: Game project managers oversee the planning and execution of game development projects. They ensure that the project stays on schedule and within scope, coordinating with different teams to meet deadlines. Project managers need excellent organizational skills and the ability to lead diverse teams to success.

Esports Manager: Esports managers focus on organizing and managing competitive gaming events and tournaments. They coordinate logistics, marketing, and sponsorships for esports teams and tournaments. Graduates interested in esports can work in managing esports organizations, event planning, or broadcasting.

Interactive Media Developer: Interactive media developers work on creating engaging and interactive content, which includes digital games, interactive learning modules, and media experiences. They apply game development skills in fields outside traditional gaming, such as education, marketing, and digital storytelling.

Web and Mobile Game Developer: Web and mobile game developers focus on creating games for online platforms and mobile devices. This involves working with programming languages, game engines, and platforms like HTML5, JavaScript, and Unity to create lightweight games that run seamlessly across web browsers and smartphones.

Independent Game Developer: For graduates who want more creative freedom, becoming an independent game developer is a rewarding career path. Independent developers can create their own games and release them on platforms like Steam, Google Play, or the App Store. This path allows for greater creative control and the potential for entrepreneurship.

Game Localization Specialist: Game localization specialists focus on adapting video games for different regions and cultures. They ensure that the game's content, dialogue, and visuals resonate with diverse international audiences by translating and culturally adapting them.

Blockchain Game Developer: Blockchain technology is increasingly being integrated into gaming for creating unique in-game assets, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized game economies. Blockchain game developers focus on implementing secure and transparent blockchain solutions within games to enhance gameplay experiences.