Creative Media and Game Technologies - HBO Bachelor
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Creative Media and Game Technologies (CMGT) program at Hanze University of Applied Sciences trains students in cutting-edge creative media and game development technologies for a career in the global creative industry. It emphasizes innovation, research, and intercultural communication, equipping students with skills in design, user experience, application development, and game concept design. The program includes internships, electives, and capstone projects to provide hands-on experience and prepare graduates for various roles in the creative sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Creative Media and Game Technologies (CMGT) program is a four-year, full-time Bachelor of Science degree offered at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands. Taught in English, it's a 240 ECTS program starting in September. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the global creative media industry. It focuses on using cutting-edge technologies to build the future through game development, encompassing technology deployment and invention. The program emphasizes research, innovation, intercultural communication, and entrepreneurship, providing both generalist and specialist training. Students learn to conceptualize innovative solutions for creative media, define and promote game concepts, understand game art principles, develop gameplay code, and turn concepts into final products, involving end-users in the development cycle. The program cultivates an innovative mindset, teaching students to work with new technologies and apply their skills to real-world problems. Students develop skills in creative design, user experience, application development, digital asset creation, and (serious) game concept design. The program offers opportunities to broaden and deepen skillsets based on individual interests. The program prepares students for a rapidly changing world, providing skills, experience, and confidence to succeed. After graduation, students can pursue master's degrees (e.g., International Communication, Energy for Society, MSc in Business Studies, Master in Digital Technology) or enter the workforce.
Outline:
The CMGT program is structured around thematic blocks, each consisting of one larger project (10 ECs) and a "Bookend" or core skills course (5 ECs), totaling 15 ECs per block.
- Year 1: Focuses on core skills in game technologies and creative media. It includes:
- Design & Prototyping: Creating a mixed-media board game about wayfinding using analogue means and incorporating 3D printing, electronics, and visual media.
- 2D Game Development: Developing the concept from the first block into a digital 2D game, considering UI/UX design.
- 3D Game Development: Developing 3D assets and games for real-world cases, exploring fundamental game thinking and the concept of play.
- Final Project: Developing a prototype from block three into a finished product.
- Year 2: Explores applications of new technologies (VR, AR, AI, MoCap) in game concepts for real clients. It includes:
- Focus Tracks: Expanding on core skills.
- Electives: Diversifying skillsets with specific topics.
- Game Lab Project: A large project, working on a personal concept or with a real client, resulting in a final product.
- Year 3: Consists of an internship and more elective space. Students can broaden skills with electives, pursue a minor at another program, or study abroad.
- Year 4: Involves a client case in the Innovation Workplace (multi-disciplinary team project), more electives, and a capstone graduation project (individual or small team) for a client or sponsor, encompassing design, prototyping, and iteration to create a professional product. However, it mentions project-based learning, working with real clients, and team-based collaboration as key aspects of the program.
Careers:
A CMGT degree prepares graduates for various roles in the creative industry, including game designer, VR/AR designer, art director, and animator. It also enables starting one's own business in the creative industry.
Other:
- The program has a Discord community for students and staff.
- Students have access to the Makerspace, Spacelab, and Hanze Makerspace for hands-on creation.
- The Study Association GLiTCH supports students.
- The program offers a Honors Talent Programme (30 extra credits).
- Minors are available in Language and Communication, Business and Economics, and Science and Engineering. Students can also go international through various programs. Electives are available in years 2, 3, and 4.
- The program is located on the Zernike Campus and Van DoorenVeste.
Introduction to Hanze UAS
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, located in Groningen, Netherlands, is the largest university of applied sciences in the northern Netherlands. Established in 1986, it was formed through the merger of several professional education institutes, the oldest of which is the Academy Minerva, founded in 1798. Hanze UAS offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, health, arts, and communication. The university is known for its practice-oriented education, strong industry connections, and international focus.
International Environment
With students from over 80 nationalities, Hanze UAS fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment. The university has partnerships with 260+ institutions worldwide, enabling students to participate in exchange programs and international research projects. Additionally, Hanze UAS is part of the Erasmus+ program, further promoting global mobility and collaboration.
Research and Innovation
Hanze UAS is a leader in applied research, with a focus on areas such as sustainable energy, healthcare, and creative industries. The university collaborates with industry leaders and regional organizations to address real-world challenges. For example, the Hydrohub MegaWatt Test Centre focuses on green hydrogen innovation, while the Jean Monnet Chair in Sustainable EU Economy promotes research on sustainable economic practices.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus, Zernike Campus, is located in Groningen and houses state-of-the-art facilities, including modern labs, studios, and research centers. The campus is shared with the University of Groningen, creating a vibrant academic community. Hanze UAS also has facilities in Assen, Leeuwarden, and Amsterdam, specializing in areas like technology and pop culture.
Student Life and Support
Hanze UAS offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.75:1. The university provides extensive support services, including career guidance, internship placements, and academic advising. Students can also participate in sports, cultural events, and student organizations, enriching their university experience.
Employability and Alumni Network
Hanze UAS boasts a high employability rate, with most graduates securing jobs in their chosen fields. The university’s strong ties to industry provide students with internship opportunities and access to a network of 21,500 alumni. Notable alumni include Wim Crouwel (graphic designer) and Kimberley Bos (Olympic bobsledder).
Why Choose Hanze UAS?
- Practice-oriented education with integrated internships and real-world projects.
- International exposure through exchange programs and global partnerships.
- Strong industry connections and high employability rates.
- Vibrant student life in Groningen, one of the most student-friendly cities in the Netherlands.
Entry Requirements:
The entry requirements vary depending on the applicant's educational background:
- Directly Admissible:
- VWO (Dutch pre-university secondary education): Students with VWO diplomas in Nature & Technology (N&T), Nature & Health (N&G), Economics & Society (E&M), or Culture & Society (C&M) are eligible for admission.
- HAVO (Dutch higher secondary education): Students with HAVO diplomas in N&T, N&G, E&M, or C&M are admissible with Mathematics A or B. If the HAVO diploma is not in one of these subject combinations, an admission test in the missing subject is required.
- MBO (Dutch secondary vocational education): Level 4 MBO graduates from all domains are eligible.
- 21 years and older (Dutch students): Dutch students aged 21 or older who don't meet the standard requirements may be considered after an individual admission review. This involves a meeting with the Admissions Committee, an English language test (scoring a full 6), and a Basic Mathematics (A or B) test (scoring 5.5 or higher). The Admissions Committee may grant exemptions based on prior experience or degrees.
- Foreign Diploma: Admission is possible with a foreign diploma equivalent to a Dutch HAVO, VWO (with the required subject clusters), or MBO level 4.
- Other Diplomas: Students with a certificate proving completion of the propaedeutic phase at another program or a certificate deemed equivalent (or higher) by the Minister of Education are admissible. Any proficiency deficits (like mathematics) still apply.
- Additional Requirement: All applicants must complete the online MPT survey (multicultural personality test) within 10 working days of receiving the invitation (5 working days for EU applicants applying between June 25th and July 1st). Failure to submit on time affects admission.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
A grade 7 on an English language test is highly recommended.
