The Bachelor of Culture and Arts in Game Arts program equips students with the skills to develop, design, and produce games by mastering essential technologies and tools in the gaming industry. Students delve into game development, from foundational graphics to advanced game engines and project-based production, blending creative and technical skills to bring game concepts to life.

Throughout their studies, students learn to apply principles of design, mechanics, and storytelling to create engaging interactive experiences. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, fostering both individual and collaborative projects.

A key focus of the program is sustainability, emphasizing responsible production and inclusive, sustainable game development. Students gain an understanding of sustainability issues, their significance, challenges, and opportunities, and learn how to apply these principles in their profession to contribute to a green transition.

To create a more sustainable future, it is crucial to integrate global analysis, sustainability, and multidisciplinary collaboration. By analyzing global trends and challenges, students can better understand the complex contexts that impact our world. Sustainability involves striving to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This holistic view of development includes economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to achieving these goals. By bringing together experts from various fields, innovative solutions that are both effective and sustainable can be developed. This collaboration fosters a deeper understanding and a more integrated approach to addressing global challenges, from climate change to social justice.

The gaming industry plays a pivotal role in this transition. As a rapidly growing sector with significant cultural and economic influence, it has the power to drive change and promote sustainable practices. By integrating sustainability into game design and production, the industry can set new standards for responsible development. Game designers and developers are uniquely positioned to create interactive experiences that raise awareness about global issues and inspire action. Through thoughtful design and innovative storytelling, games can become powerful tools for education and advocacy, contributing to a more just and sustainable world.

By combining these elements, the program prepares students to work towards a future where sustainability is central to all decisions and actions, leading to a more just and sustainable world for all.

Eligible applicants for degree studies in a university of applied sciences have completed any of the following:

• the studies required for graduating from the Finnish upper secondary school or a Matriculation Examination.
• an International Baccalaureate (IB) degree and/or graduated from IB high school with IB exam 6 results in different subjects (IB Diploma Results/IB Certificate).
• a European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma.
• a Reifeprüfung (RP) or Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) degree.
• a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification covering 120 credits or 180 competence points or a corresponding earlier Finnish vocational degree covering at least 80 credits.
• a Finnish post-secondary or higher vocational level diploma.
• a Finnish vocational upper secondary qualification or a further or specialist vocational qualification as a competence-based qualification, or a comparable previous qualification.
• a foreign qualification that provides eligibility for higher education studies in the country in question.
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, postgraduate licentiate and doctoral degrees.

Scholarships and tuition fees

The studies are free for EU citizens.

Tuition fee-paying (non EU/EEA) students can apply for a scholarship. Read more about tuition fees and scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.

Structure of Studies

The studies are at the bachelor's level and comprise a total of 240 credits over four academic years. Internships are a part of the studies.

If you have extensive previous experience in game development that corresponds to the curriculum content, it may be possible, on an individual basis, to recognize these prior competencies within the framework of the studies, thereby significantly shortening the study period.

Depending on your work situation and the prior competencies you possess, flexible study solutions can also be discussed. If you are currently working in the industry, it is somewhat possible to pursue your studies alongside your job.

The Game Arts program was launched with support from the Interreg Aurora-funded project, Borderless Game Academy.