BA (Hons) in Game Design and Development
Course Overview
Build the Skills to Create Games That Matter
Delivered in association with Pulse College, this exciting three-year programme is designed to equip learners with the creative, technical, and critical skills needed to pursue a career in the field of digital design.
It is aimed at creative and enquiring minds, at those who are interested in making new multimedia services and products, or telling stories in innovative ways.
This is a programme that exists at the confluence of the technical and the artistic, but primacy is given over to the latter. The programme structure is designed to help you cultivate and articulate your own artistic voice over the three years and to give you the technical skills needed to express it.
Why study Game Design and Development at Griffith College?
New digital and multimedia technologies are, increasingly, of import to many creative industries, beyond the traditional ones of game design and animation. Game engine technology has, in recent years, been applied to the fields of architecture, flight simulation, tourism, medical technology and sales and marketing. Pulse College's BA (Hons) in Game Design and Development is a full-time, three-year programme that aims to equip you with the skills needed to pursue a career in digital design.
In this course, students will:
- Use industry-standard software, including Unity 3D, Adobe Animate and Photoshop, Maya and 3DS Max
- Produce a cumulative body of work which they will be able to showcase in an interactive design portfolio
- Have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including high-specification computers, VR headsets, Wacom drawing tablets, microphones, portable recorders and camera equipment
- Gain an understanding of multimedia technology theory, concepts and methods
- Work at the limitations of current knowledge in the realm of creative technology and digital art, and integrate these novel technologies into their digital products and artwork
- Work in a self-directed manner towards a substantial piece of creative work, in the form of a Final Project. You will have considerable choice as to the form this final project will take: it could be a short film, a game, a comic strip, an animation, a phone app or a photo essay
Course Highlights
- Most of the lecturing staff are practicing industry professionals, either working in industry or operating their own businesses, such as animation and games studios
- The course content is informed by reviews conducted by industry professionals
- The course draws on Pulse College’s strong links with local games and animation
studios. - Strong Employment Prospects: The Government of Ireland, in 'Technology Skills 2022' and 'National Skills Strategy 2025', have highlighted the games and animation industries as key drivers of Ireland's future economic growth
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2026
Course Details
First Year
- Research Methods
- Game Design &
- Documentation
- Game Logic & Systems
- 3D Modelling & Animation Visual Media & Culture
- 2D Art & Design
- Game Engine Studies
- Introduction to Studio Practice
Second Year
- Audio for Games
- Narrative for Games
- Level Design & Environments, Gameplay System Design
- Art & Technology: Critical
- Analysis
- UI/UX Design
- Shaders & Texturing for Games
- Advanced Gameplay System Design
Third Year
- Experimental Technologies Proposal for Final Project
- Interactive Design Portfolio Business & Entrepreneurship Final Project
Timetables
Download a sample timetable.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
International students
Entry onto the BA (Hons) in Game Design and Development is based upon a course interview. International students under 23 years of age will be required to submit High School Diploma Scripts and any additional Educational Certifications.
English Language
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency. Griffith College accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
Irish citizens under 23 years of age:
Must meet the following Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
- H5 or better in 2 subjects
- O6 / H7 in 4 additional subjects, incl. mathematics and English or Irish
Applicants must also pass an assessed interview (passing grade: 50 marks out of 100)
Irish citizens 23 years of age and older (mature students):
A student who is 23 years of age or older on 1 January of the year the course commences is classified as a Mature Student. Mature learners may apply based on their work experience. They must also pass an assessed interview (passing grade: 50 marks out of 100).
Apply directly to Griffith College below.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
If you have any questions about fees, please contact Pulse College directly.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 9,850.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Fees: Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad, please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Progression
Graduates will be able to find employment in a diverse range of fields, including the video game industry, animation, aircraft design and flight simulation, architecture, film and medical training. Others may wish to continue further education within an academic environment (e.g. NFQ level 9).
