Year 1
- Paper Prototyping
- Digital Tools
- Ludology: Studying Play
- Creative Programming
- IADT Faculty Connect
- Gamification
- 2D Character Design
- Games and Culture
- 2D Game Engine
- IADT Faculty Skills Workshop
DL854 BA (Hons) Game Design*
*Subject to validation.
Study the creative and technical aspects of the exciting growth area of Game Design. Develop a comprehensive personal portfolio of work and forge your own path through the programme’s innovative structure.
Study the creative and technical aspects of the exciting growth area of Game Design. Develop a comprehensive personal portfolio of work and forge your own path through the programme’s innovative structure.
What is Game Design?
This course has been designed with the unique needs of the contemporary games industry in mind. It offers a creative pathway, enabling and enhancing the production and practice of game design and development. It also provides opportunities for an exciting and sustainable career both at home in Ireland’s dynamic and rapidly-evolving Creative Industries and internationally.
Delivered with input from leading Irish gaming studios, learn the craft and trade of modern game design from experts. Facilities and tools are state-of-the-art, and the focus on major projects each semester ensures students gain that all-important hands-on experience from the outset.
What will I do?
- Become proficient in industry-standard tools, processes and developer-player relationships.
- Study the creative and technical aspects of game design, exploring stories, characters, challenges and rewards.
- Explore and express your creativity, innovative thinking and problem-solving, and cultivate the creative mindset essential for success in this dynamic industry.
- The course is structured to include over eight game projects (one major project each semester), progressively building your skills and portfolio.
- Learn how to use industry-standard game development equipment and software from leading gaming industry practitioners.
What modules will I study?
What will I study?
In first year, explore game design fundamentals, including Paper Prototyping, Digital Tools, Ludology and Creative Programming, culminating in a board game project.
By second year, advanced topics include Gamification, 2D Game Asset Creation, and 3D Game Engine development. Projects feature 2D and 3D games.
In third year, explore Rapid Game Prototyping, Sound Design, Quest Design, and Advanced Game Engines. Focus on creating collaborative, innovative game projects. Explore opportunities for work placement or study abroad.
In your final year, gain work experience and study Emerging Technologies and Game-based Learning while developing your portfolio. A large-scale project focuses on innovative technology and XR Development.
International Study Opportunities
This is a new programme, and partnership agreements will be established during the academic year 2024/2025.
What will I do after I graduate?
In Ireland, the employment in design-intensive sectors has the potential to grow by over 20,000 jobs between 2020-2026. With an estimated 2.2 billion people playing video games across the world, the gaming industry is one of high growth and rapidly-developing opportunities.
Graduates will be equipped to pursue a range of specialist roles in the industry, including Game Designer, Level Designer, Sound Designer, and Project Manager. Potential employers include notable Irish game companies such as Digit, Romero Games, Black Shamrock and Vela.
Graduates can continue to a broad range of Masters programmes in Ireland and internationally.