Bachelor of Culture and Arts - Game Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: €100

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 60 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) offers various scholarship opportunities for international students to support their studies and help ease financial burdens.

XAMK Scholarship for Tuition Fee Waivers: XAMK provides a scholarship program for international students from non-EU/EEA countries who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarship covers up to 50% or 100% of the tuition fee depending on the student’s academic performance. The scholarship is awarded based on the student’s performance during their first academic year. Students can apply for this scholarship after successfully completing the first year of studies, and the scholarship can be renewed for subsequent years based on academic achievements.

Academic Excellence Scholarship: XAMK offers an Academic Excellence Scholarship for students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance during their studies. This scholarship is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. To be eligible, students must maintain a high GPA and demonstrate a commitment to their studies. The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of achievement but aims to support students who are excelling academically.

Partner University Scholarships: XAMK has partnerships with several universities around the world, and students from these partner institutions may be eligible for special scholarships or tuition fee reductions. These scholarships are part of XAMK’s ongoing efforts to promote global collaboration and facilitate exchange programs. Students from partner universities are encouraged to inquire about the specific scholarships available to them when applying.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are available based on the student's country of origin. These scholarships are typically awarded to students from countries with strategic partnerships or educational agreements with Finland. These scholarships can be partial or full tuition fee waivers and are designed to foster closer ties between Finland and specific countries.

External Scholarships and Funding Opportunities: In addition to the scholarships provided directly by XAMK, international students are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities from external organizations. These include Finnish government scholarships, private scholarships, and international funding bodies that support education in Finland. XAMK’s international office provides guidance and assistance to students in finding and applying for external scholarships.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Culture and Arts - Game Design program at XAMK are equipped with a diverse skill set that opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the growing gaming and interactive media industries. The program provides both the artistic and technical expertise necessary to pursue various roles in game development, design, and related fields. 

Game Designer: As a core career path, game designers are responsible for creating the overall concept, mechanics, and rules of a game. Graduates can design gameplay elements, level designs, and player experiences, using creativity and technical knowledge to bring ideas to life.

Game Developer/Programmer: Game developers or programmers work on the technical aspects of game creation, including coding, developing algorithms, and integrating systems into games. Graduates can work with industry-standard tools like Unity or Unreal Engine to bring interactive experiences to life.

3D Artist/Modeler: This role focuses on the creation of 3D models, textures, and visual assets used in video games. Graduates can work in designing characters, environments, and other assets, utilizing their artistic skills combined with technical knowledge to create visually immersive games.

Game Animator: Game animators create the movement of characters, objects, and environments within the game world. Graduates can work on bringing life to digital assets, ensuring smooth, realistic animations that enhance player immersion.

User Interface (UI) Designer: UI designers focus on designing intuitive interfaces that enhance the player's experience within a game. Graduates can work on menus, buttons, and overall interaction designs that help players navigate the game with ease.

Game Producer/Project Manager: As a producer or project manager, graduates can oversee the development of games from conception to release. This role requires a strong understanding of game design, project management skills, and the ability to lead teams and coordinate different aspects of production.

Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: QA testers are responsible for identifying and reporting bugs, glitches, and other issues within games. Graduates can work closely with developers to ensure the final product is polished and free of technical errors.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Developer: With the growing use of immersive technologies, graduates can specialize in creating VR and AR experiences. They can develop games or interactive applications that utilize these technologies, offering a new level of immersion for users.

Game Writer/Narrative Designer: Narrative designers are responsible for creating the storylines, dialogue, and character development within a game. Graduates with strong writing and storytelling skills can shape the narrative aspects of games, helping create compelling stories that engage players.

Entrepreneur/Indie Game Developer: Armed with the knowledge gained in the program, graduates may choose to start their own game development studios, creating and publishing their own indie games. This entrepreneurial route offers the freedom to innovate and bring unique gaming experiences to market.

Sound Designer/Composer: Graduates can specialize in creating and integrating sound effects, voice acting, and music into games. As a sound designer or composer, they play a key role in enhancing the overall gaming experience through audio.

Interactive Media Designer: Beyond traditional games, graduates can also explore careers in designing interactive media for other industries such as education, healthcare, and marketing. These roles involve creating engaging, interactive digital experiences that are not limited to gaming alone.