BA (Hons) in Game Design and Development
Course Overview
Love Video Games? Want to Create them for a Living?
Delivered in association with Pulse College, the BA (Hons) in Games Design and Development is a three-year, studio-based degree designed to prepare learners for careers in the games and interactive media industries.
Combining creativity, design, technology, and production, the programme provides hands-on experience in game design, level design, gameplay systems, digital art, prototyping, storytelling, and real-time development using industry-standard tools.
Throughout the programme, learners develop playable projects, build professional portfolios, and gain experience working in collaborative studio environments that reflect modern game development practices.
Why study Game Design and Development at Griffith College?
- Learn using industry-standard tools & professional workflows, gaining practical experience in game design, asset creation, interactive media, & real-time development.
- Build a portfolio of projects and game prototypes throughout all stages of the programme.
- Study in our Smithfield campus, designed to support studio-based learning and creative collaboration.
- Be taught by experienced industry professionals with credits on major titles and productions.
- Participate in guest lectures, industry talks, critiques, showcases, and game development events.
- Develop skills that support careers in game design, level design, technical art, UI/UX design, interactive media, and related creative technology fields.
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 may pursue careers in areas such as:
- Game Design
- Level Design
- Gameplay Systems Design
- UI/UX Design
- Technical Art
- Interactive Media Design
- Digital Content Creation
- Independent Game Development
The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in game design, digital media, creative technologies, and related disciplines.
Our graduates have progressed into roles across the games, animation, and wider creative industries, as well as postgraduate study in Ireland and internationally
