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    Study game development abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying game development as an international student.

    Find game development programs

    Explore game development programs abroad

    See other programs in game development

    Game development degrees abroad

    A degree in game development is perfect for students looking to turn their video gaming hobby into an enjoyable career. It’s a discipline that blends elements of mathematics, computer science, and graphic design.

    You’ll learn about every step of the game development process, from design through to completion. As well as building your technical skills in programming, animation, and storytelling, you’ll learn about the theory behind successful games. You’ll put what you’ve learned into practice by working on your own game development project.

    Gaming is a multi-million-pound global industry. By studying abroad, you’ll see how people all over the world enjoy and engage with video games. You’ll learn from experts in the field, discover new technologies, and unlock your creativity.

    Game development program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in game development usually last three years, or four years if you complete an industry placement. Placements offer an invaluable insight into the sector and help you to hone your professional skills.

    If you choose to take your undergraduate degree in the US, you’ll study over four years. You’ll complete two years of liberal arts classes before declaring a major in game development for the rest of your program.

    If you want to continue your education, you can enroll in a postgraduate qualification. Master’s degrees in game development last between one and two years, while a PhD will add another four to six years to your studies.

    Your timetable will be made up of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, and computer labs. Here are some of the core modules that feature on most programs around the world:

    • Introduction to game and entertainment studies
    • Theory of game development
    • Experimental gameplay
    • Digital graphics and animation
    • Algorithms and data structures
    • 2D design
    • 3D design
    • Digital scripting and storytelling
    Game development program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in game development usually last three years, or four years if you complete an industry placement. Placements offer an invaluable insight into the sector and help you to hone your professional skills.

    If you choose to take your undergraduate degree in the US, you’ll study over four years. You’ll complete two years of liberal arts classes before declaring a major in game development for the rest of your program.

    If you want to continue your education, you can enroll in a postgraduate qualification. Master’s degrees in game development last between one and two years, while a PhD will add another four to six years to your studies.

    Your timetable will be made up of a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, and computer labs. Here are some of the core modules that feature on most programs around the world:

    • Introduction to game and entertainment studies
    • Theory of game development
    • Experimental gameplay
    • Digital graphics and animation
    • Algorithms and data structures
    • 2D design
    • 3D design
    • Digital scripting and storytelling

    Alternative software development degrees

    Best countries to study game development

    Best universities to study game development

    See all universities offering game development programs

    How to study game development abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Game development study abroad programs

    Game development undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in game development

    • false

      Computer Game Applications Development - BSc (Hons) Abertay University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,452 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Game Applications Development
    • false

      Computer Games Technology - BSc (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,559 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Games Technology
    • false

      Computer Science - Game Development Concentration - BSc California State University, Monterey Bay, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,647 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,647 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Computer Science - Game Development Concentration
    • false

      Computer Science for Games Development - BSc (Hons) University of Hull, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,376 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Science for Games Development
    • false

      Computer Science: Game Development - BSc/BA Murray State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,920 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,920 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Computer Science: Game Development
    See all bachelor's degrees in game development

    Diploma in game development

    • false

      Game – Development - OCADip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,219 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Game – Development
    • false

      Information Technology with Co-op, System Programming, Game Development - UGDip Institute of Technology Development of Canada, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,796 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,000 CAD

      Start date
      January, October, July, April
      Show program overview about Information Technology with Co-op, System Programming, Game Development
    See all undergraduate diplomas in game development

    Game development graduate programs

    Master's in game development

    • false

      Commercial Games Development - MSc University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      17,300 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Commercial Games Development
    • false

      Computer Games Technology - MSc (Taught) Abertay University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,528 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Games Technology
    • false

      Computer Science for Games Development - MSc University of Hull, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      22,974 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,600 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Computer Science for Games Development
    • false

      Game Development - MSc University of Gloucestershire, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,722 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Game Development
    See all master's degrees in game development

    Certificate in game development

    • false

      Game Development - Advanced Programming - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,375 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,726 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Game Development - Advanced Programming
    • false

      Game Development Advanced Programming - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,022 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,790 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Game Development Advanced Programming
    See all postgraduate certificates in game development

    Future game development careers

    As a game development student, you’ll have the tools needed to kickstart a fun and fast-paced career.

    You could apply your theoretical, creative, and technical skills to a range of sectors, including games design, multimedia production, marketing, and IT. Here are some of the careers you’d be best prepared for:

    • Games developer
    • Games programmer
    • Games tester
    • Software developer
    • 2D or 3D artist
    • VFX artist
    • Animator
    • Audio specialist

    If you’d like some extra information about the job opportunities available to you, arrange a chat with one of your university’s career advisors. They’ll also be able to support with CV writing, interview techniques, and much more.