Your Guide to Game Design Degrees

Video game designers combine artistry and technical proficiency. According to the latest UK Games Industry Census, over 80 percent of game designers have at least an undergraduate degree [1]. By earning one of these degrees, you can gain or advance key skills and learn more about computer science while developing the technical know-how needed to work in the industry. 

Read on to discover the types of degrees you can earn related to game design and how to choose the best programme for your needs. 

Bachelor’s in game design

At the undergraduate level, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Games Art. Instead of a BA, some universities offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in games design and development and/or interactive media. In that case, your programme may focus more on the technical aspects of game development, such as programming, rather than art and story development. 

Similarly, some universities offer game design/development as a specialism you can take while earning your degree in computer science. In that instance, you may focus on the technical aspects of game design, such as the technologies and algorithms used in creating games.

A bachelor’s degree typically takes about three years of full-time study, and the cost varies depending on whether you attend a public or private institution.

Coursework

Your coursework will involve a mixture of computer programming and principles of game design that emphasise aspects like environment, character development, and progression. When you work on developing characters and environments, you may also take some natural science courses, such as physics, to understand the principles of motion.

Sample courses:

• Computer graphics

• Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI)

• Writing and editing music

• Game development

• Computer programming

• Game design

Alternative majors

When you’re interested in a game design career, you have a few different options for specialism subjects. 

• Computer science: Given the technical proficiency required to build a game, majoring in computer science can provide you with a strong programming foundation. 

• Graphic design: Graphic designers use technology to create visuals, and a graphic design major emphasises key creative and technical skills.

• Animation: A degree in animation emphasises 2D and 3D modelling, motion graphics, and other fundamentals that can be useful for game design.

Job possibilities 

Many employers prefer and sometimes require, a bachelor’s degree for many entry-level jobs in the gaming industry. The following are some roles you may qualify for with your bachelor’s degree and their average UK salary:

• Narrative designer: £34,867 [2]

• Multimedia programmer: £31,786 [3]

• Video game project manager: £44,929 [4]

• Game designer: £32,021 [5]

• Game engineer: £34,857 [6]

Master’s in game design

You can earn an MA or MSc in game design at the postgraduate level. Each course categorises its programmes differently, referring to them as interactive design, interactive media, game design, or game development. What you study with each specialism will depend on the programme, so reviewing the coursework and ensuring it aligns with your educational goals is a good idea. 

Some programmes recommend having a background in programming, though it’s not always required. Others do not expect any prior game design experience. Instead, they see if you’re passionate about games and creativity. Review the prerequisites and application requirements for each course you’re interested in attending.

Depending on the length of your programme, a master’s degree takes between one and two years to earn when you can attend full-time. 

Coursework

A master’s degree in game design or interactive media enhances your expertise in game design and prepares you for senior roles in the industry. This programme focuses on software development and coding alongside advanced game theory, design, and production. 

As part of your programme, you will likely complete a thesis project, which typically entails creating a game. 

Sample courses:

• Expressive game design

• Games research and professional contexts 

• Prototyping lab: genre and affect

• Games design major project

Job possibilities 

While many senior roles in the game industry may not require a master’s degree, earning one can be an excellent way to advance your knowledge and skill set. Consider it a notable credential to distinguish yourself from other job candidates. The following are a few roles you may qualify for with your master’s and their average UK salary:

• Art director: £47,680 [7]

• Senior game engineer: £56,329 [8]

• Senior game designer: £47,986 [9]

How to pick the best game design degree for you 

What you learn in a degree programme is important. Consider your reasons for enrolling and what you hope to accomplish through your programme. It’s also helpful to think through the following parameters: 

Career goals 

What are your career goals? What type of degree will best help you achieve them? For example, a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be a strong choice if you want to go into game engineering. However, if you already have an undergraduate degree and have worked in game design for a few years, then it may be worth considering a master’s degree to advance your career.

Coursework 

Each degree requires different coursework. As you research potential programmes, review the core curriculum and available elective courses. Will you learn what you need to? Are there any gaps that another programme might better fill? 

Hands-on training

Game design degree programmes usually emphasise hands-on training, expecting you to work independently and collaboratively to complete a game project. This type of training can be important when developing a portfolio. Ensure you understand what kind of hands-on experience you’ll gain in a programme and how it aligns with your goals. 

Resources 

Lastly, the available resources, including both time and money, will often determine the type of degree you pursue. Perhaps it’s best to start with a bachelor’s degree before entering the workforce to gain experience and later return to complete your master’s degree. 

Continue exploring game design degrees and courses 

Choosing the right game design degree depends on your career goals, coursework preferences, and available opportunities. Whether you start with a bachelor’s degree or pursue a master’s, you can expect benefits to help you succeed in a career in game design.

Earning your degree online can offer more flexibility than in-person learning. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London on Coursera offers game development and virtual reality concentrations. Alternatively, learn about game design fundamentals with individual courses, such as Introduction to Game Design from CalArts or Game Design and Development with Unity 2020 Specialisation from Michigan State University.