Whether it’s Call of Duty, PlayStation, X-Box, or virtual reality, video games are a huge part of our lives and the biggest entertainment market globally. This degree is ideal for those with an appetite for designing, developing, and programming gameplay experiences.
Qatar’s premier UK Honours degree in Game Design and Development is designed to meet industry demands through a blend of global trends and local expertise. Delivered at City University Qatar, this programme provides students with both the creative vision and technical expertise needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. With the global gaming market projected to surpass $300 billion by 2026, the demand for highly skilled game developers has never been greater.
The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development at City University Qatar goes beyond creativity, offering an in-depth exploration of programming, game engines, and software development. Students will develop advanced coding skills in languages such as C++ and Python, while also deep-diving into gameplay mechanics, AI for games, physics simulations, and multiplayer networking. Graduates may be eligible to apply for accreditation, membership, or further professional qualifications with relevant regulatory bodies, subject to the specific requirements of their chosen jurisdiction and career pathway.
With hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, AR/VR, and immersive design, students will have opportunities to specialise in areas that align with their career goals. The programme’s strong ties to the Ulster Screen Academy and a curriculum tailored for adaptability in digital and remote working environments ensure that graduates are well-prepared to thrive in the global gaming sector, shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
I Will Learn
– Practical skills in game design, prototyping, scripting, programming, and development, giving the opportunity to create games for traditional and emerging platforms.
– Knowledge and the entrepreneurial skills necessary to develop and set-up your own games studio alongside games industry funding partners.
– Collaboration, technical knowledge, and insight into the games studio development of marketing strategies and intellectual property.
Hands-on Experience
– Opportunities to work on live projects, industry-generated initiatives, and competitions, in order to gain essential work-based learning experience
– Experience life as an industry professional with an optional placement in year three.
– Programme assessments will simulate game studio environments, giving you experience in a variety of roles: Producer, Games Designer, Level Designer – 3D artist, and Technical Designer.
Why Ulster Programme?
Access to state-of-the-art equipment, studios, and technology to help inform your studies.
Entry Requirements for direct entry into Year One are subject to completion of 13 years of education and are assessed on a case-by-case basis, varying depending on the programme applied for. General entry requirements include:
– International Baccalaureate (IB): An overall profile of a minimum of 24 points (with at least 12 points at higher level), and grade 4 or above in HL or SL Mathematics
– British System: 3 A-levels; the required grades and subjects depend on the programme applied for. A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above is required, including GCSE Mathematics
– To qualify for our bachelor’s programme, applicants must meet all the following criteria. Some may have specific math and physics grade prerequisites
– Other international qualifications: These will be considered on merit for equivalency with the above requirements
AND
– English Language Requirements – an IELTS overall score of at least 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification
OR
– Successful completion of Ulster’s International Foundation Programme
Duration: 3 years or 4 years with the International Foundation Programme
Instruction: Modular
Module Design: 120 credits per year, 3 modules per semester
Hons Qualification: 18 modules
If you’ve completed 12 years of high school (Grade 12/Thanawiyah), you must successfully complete the International Foundation Programme before advancing to year one of BSc (Hons) Game Design and Development
International Foundation Programme
SEMESTER 1
•Introduction to Entrepreneurial Leadership
•Introduction to Creative Industries
•English with Study Skills or Extending Critical Thinking for Undergraduate Study
SEMESTER 2
•Exploring Cultural Identities
•English for Academic Transition or Project-Based Learning
•Careers and Sustainable Futures
Year 1
SEMESTER 1
•Fundamentals of Game Programming
•Game Design Theory and Practice
•Game Graphics
SEMESTER 2
•2D Game Creation
•Professional Game Development
Year 2
SEMESTER 1
•Advanced Game Programming
•Game Character Control and Behaviour
•Game Mechanics and Gameplay Design
SEMESTER 2
•Game Audio
•3D Game Creation
Year 3
SEMESTER 1
•Project: Game Design
•Games Research and Innovation
SEMESTER 2
•Game Development – Business and Entrepreneurship
•Project: Game Development
