Bachelor of Animation
The Bachelor of Animation at SAE University College Dubai is designed ...
Bachelor of Games Development (Games Design/Games Programming)
Dubai Knowledge Park
INTAKE: Feb, May & Sep
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Games Development at SAE University College Dubai is designed to equip students with the creative, technical, and analytical skills required to excel in the video game industry. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of both game design and game programming, enabling graduates to conceptualize, design, and develop interactive and immersive games for PC, consoles, mobile devices, and virtual/augmented reality platforms. Students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge game engines, programming languages, animation tools, and interactive media software, preparing them to create professional-quality games that meet industry standards.
Curriculum: The curriculum integrates foundational courses in computer programming, mathematics, digital art, and interactive media with specialized modules in game design, game mechanics, level design, AI for games, 2D/3D graphics, physics simulation, and networked multiplayer systems. Students also work on collaborative projects and game development labs, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and practical implementation of design concepts. The program culminates in a capstone project where students develop a complete, market-ready game, combining programming, design, and storytelling skills.
Research Focus: SAE Dubai encourages research in emerging technologies within the gaming industry, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, procedural content generation, and interactive storytelling. Students explore innovative game mechanics, analyze player behavior, and experiment with advanced programming and design techniques. This research-driven approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and technical innovation, preparing graduates to contribute to the rapidly evolving gaming sector.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Games Development program maintains strong partnerships with leading gaming studios, digital entertainment companies, and software development organizations in the UAE and internationally. Students benefit from internships, mentorship programs, and industry-led projects that provide real-world exposure to professional development pipelines, game production processes, and current market trends. This engagement ensures graduates gain practical experience, professional networks, and insights into industry expectations.
Global Perspective: SAE University College Dubai integrates a global outlook into the Bachelor of Games Development program by emphasizing international gaming standards, cross-cultural storytelling, and global market trends. Students are prepared to work in diverse creative and technical environments worldwide, adapting to international production standards, collaborative workflows, and the expectations of a global gaming audience.
Location
Dubai Knowledge Park
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
AED 60300
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
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 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 60 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
SAE University College Dubai offers a range of scholarships and financial support programs specifically designed to assist international students in pursuing high-quality education in creative media and technology. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, creative talent, and leadership potential while making education more accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating outstanding academic achievements or exceptional creative abilities are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are designed to reward top-performing students and reduce tuition fees, encouraging excellence and innovation in fields such as audio engineering, film production, animation, and game development.
Creative Talent Scholarships: SAE Dubai also offers scholarships for students who showcase remarkable creative talent through portfolios, projects, or competitions. These scholarships support individuals with unique artistic skills and innovative ideas, helping them gain access to world-class facilities and industry-focused programs.
Need-Based Financial Support: Some scholarships are tailored to assist international students who require financial aid, ensuring that promising talents are not hindered by financial constraints. The university evaluates each application individually to provide fair and equitable support based on need.
Graduates of SAE Dubai’s Bachelor of Games Development (Games Design / Games Programming) program are fully equipped with both creative and technical expertise, enabling them to pursue a wide range of careers in the rapidly growing global gaming and interactive media industries. The program provides a balanced education in game design, programming, interactive storytelling, and emerging technologies, ensuring graduates are versatile and industry-ready.
Game Designer: Game designers conceptualize and develop engaging gameplay mechanics, immersive level layouts, and interactive experiences, ensuring games are enjoyable, challenging, and visually compelling.
Game Programmer/Developer: Game programmers write and maintain the code that drives games, implementing game logic, AI behaviors, physics simulations, and interactive features using programming languages such as C++, C#, and Python.
Level Designer: Level designers create detailed game environments, missions, and challenges that balance player engagement, aesthetics, and gameplay flow, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
3D/2D Artist for Games: Game artists develop visual assets including characters, environments, props, and textures, blending artistic creativity with technical knowledge of game engines to bring virtual worlds to life.
Animation Programmer: Animation programmers integrate character animations, motion capture data, and physics-based movement to produce realistic and responsive gameplay experiences.
VR/AR Developer: VR/AR developers design and implement immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences, using cutting-edge technology to create interactive simulations, educational tools, and gaming experiences.
UI/UX Designer for Games: UI/UX designers craft intuitive user interfaces, menus, HUDs, and interactive elements that improve gameplay, accessibility, and overall player satisfaction.
Game Audio Designer/Sound Engineer: Audio designers create, implement, and synchronize sound effects, dialogue, and music to enhance immersion, evoke emotions, and elevate the storytelling experience in games.
QA Tester/Game Tester: QA testers evaluate games for bugs, glitches, performance issues, and user experience challenges, providing critical feedback to ensure polished and high-quality game releases.
Indie Game Developer: Indie game developers independently design, code, and release games, combining creativity and technical skills to produce original and innovative gaming experiences for global digital platforms.
