Program Overview

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Game Design (TU984)

Overview

This four-year course focuses on the creation and study of games. It covers the design and development of digital and analogue games, including PC, mobile, Web, card, and board games.

Course Details

TU Code

TU984

CAO Point Range 2024

454−613

NFQ Level

Level 8

Award Type

Major

Award

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

ECTS Credits

240

Duration

4 years

Number of Places

40

Location

Grangegorman

What is... Game Design?

This course covers in-depth analysis of games, practical hands-on development experience, and theoretical game studies. Along the way, you’ll also learn important industry skills such as programming, game design, digital media asset creation, project management, and game publishing. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the concepts, theories, and models of game design and how they can be applied to both commercial and serious game development.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In Year 3, students will have the opportunity to study abroad through an Erasmus exchange with a partner university.

Work Placement

In Year 3, students will have the opportunity to get experience working with an external serious game partner and gain industry work experience.

IT Requirements

A personal laptop of sufficient specifications for game development is highly recommended. In general, most mid-high end gaming laptops should suffice for development. VR/AR development may require higher spec machines.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
• Minimum Grade in Maths: O4/H7
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O4/H7
• Minimum Number of Higher Level Subjects: 2 H5's

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Level 5 or 6 award in a relevant discipline
• Additional Requirements:
  • Level 5: 5 distinctions which must include specific modules
  • Level 6: Full level 6 award in a relevant discipline

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Sample Timetable

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

Career Opportunities

• Animator
• Audio and Video Programmer
• Audio Designer
• Entrepreneur/Business Set-up
• Game Artist
• Game Designer
• Game Manager
• Game Programmer
• Game Researcher
• Game Software Development
• Game Tester
• Games Analyst
• Games Quality Assurance
• Indie Game Developer
• Level Designer
• Game Producer
• Media Content Developer
• Product Manager
• Production Manager
• Project Manager
• Realtime Visualisation Artist
• Technical Artist
• Unity Game Developer
• Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Developer
• 3D Modeller
• 2D Game Artist

Graduate Employers

• DIGIT
• Dreamfeel
• Larian Studios
• Rare
• Romero Games
• Intel
• Gambrinous
• Arcadem
• Lemonchili Games
• Black Shamrock

Module Listing

Year One

• Design Practice [Mandatory]
• Game Design 1 [Mandatory]
• Game Production 1 [Mandatory]
• Gameplay and Ludology [Mandatory]
• Games Programming 1 [Mandatory]

Year Two

• Game Design 2 [Mandatory]
• Game Programming 2 [Mandatory]
• Game Tools 2 [Mandatory]
• Digital Storytelling [Mandatory]
• Introduction to Academic Writing [Mandatory]

Year Three

• Game Asset Design [Elective]
• Games Engines 1 [Elective]
• Internship [Elective]
• Introduction to Media Theory [Elective]
• Prototyping Studio [Elective]
• Semester Away [Elective]
• Work Placement [Elective]

Year Four

• Dissertation [Mandatory]
• Business & Distribution of Games [Mandatory]
• Individual Major Project [Mandatory]

Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. To qualify for Advanced Entry, applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7, or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past.