Novia is launching a new Game Arts programme in Jakobstad, starting autumn 2026

A brand-new English-language degree programme in Game Arts will be offered in Jakobstad starting in the autumn of 2026. A game artist needs skills in character design, technical art, and 3D modelling; to succeed in this demanding industry, the programme also emphasises project management, entrepreneurship, and multidisciplinary expertise. Sustainability and responsibility are central elements of the education.

Admissions for the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Game Arts run from 8–21 January 2026 via studyinfo.fi
https://www.novia.fi/en/study/study/arts-and-humanities/game-arts 

Novia already established in the game industry
The game industry in Finland and the Nordic countries has been one of the most dynamic industries over the past 20 years, and Novia has long-standing development projects within the field. As the industry continues to evolve, close cooperation — not only with the gaming sector but also with other educational areas at Novia — has proven highly valuable in our game-related projects.

Nordic and international collaboration
Novia works closely with game education programmes in Sweden, and the new Game Arts degree is the result of Novia’s Interreg Aurora–funded RDI project Borderless Game Academy.

Emma Westerlund, Novia’s Education and Sustainability Designer, explains: 
“We have been working with game industry–related research, development, and innovation for over ten years. We maintain close local and international connections to the field, and this programme is a result of long-term Nordic collaboration within the industry. We are proud to now also launch a Game Arts programme starting in the autumn of 2026. The programme is designed both to guide new talents into the industry and to flexibly meet the educational needs of professionals already working in the field.”

“The new programme offered by Novia is fundamentally an arts education, with a strong focus on the entire value chain of game development. Game Arts fits naturally within arts and culture, where related fields such as fine arts, graphic design, performing arts, and music production already exist. The programme also provides competencies in project management, communication, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and environmental analysis — all key competencies in the game industry,” Westerlund adds.

Degree Programme in Game Arts https://www.novia.fi/en/study/study/arts-and-humanities/game-arts/ 

Additional information
Novia University of Applied Sciences
Education and Sustainability Designer
Emma Westerlund – mobile +358 44 780 5876

Sender
Novia University of Applied Sciences
Head of Communis, Jenny Svartsjö mobile +358 50 561 7803