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BA (Hons) in Game Design and Development
In collaboration with
Overview
Faculty: Games Development
Duration: 3 Years
Delivery: Classroom
Level: NFQ Level 8
Start Date: 21st September 2026
Fees: Please Refer to ‘Fees’ Section Below
Collaboration Partner: Griffith College
Certification: QQI BA (Hons)
Love video games?
Want to create them for a living?
The BA (Hons) in Games Design and Development is a three-year, studio-based degree designed to prepare learners for careers in the games and interactive media industries. Combining creativity, design, technology, and production, the programme provides hands-on experience in game design, level design, gameplay systems, digital art, prototyping, storytelling, and real-time development using industry-standard tools.
Throughout the programme, learners develop playable projects, build professional portfolios, and gain experience working in collaborative studio environments that reflect modern game development practices.
Why Study Game Design at Pulse College?
- Learn using industry-standard tools & professional workflows, gaining practical experience in game design, asset creation, interactive media, & real-time development.
- Build a portfolio of projects and game prototypes throughout all stages of the programme.
- Study in our Smithfield campus, designed to support studio-based learning and creative collaboration.
- Be taught by experienced industry professionals with credits on major titles and productions.
- Participate in guest lectures, industry talks, critiques, showcases, and game development events.
- Develop skills that support careers in game design, level design, technical art, UI/UX design, interactive media, and related creative technology fields.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:
| Game Design | Level Design |
| Gameplay Systems Design | UI/UX Design |
| Technical Art | Interactive Media Design |
| Digital Content Creation | Independent Game Development |
The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in game design, digital media, creative technologies, and related disciplines.
Our graduates have progressed into roles across the games, animation, and wider creative industries, as well as postgraduate study in Ireland and internationally
COURSE CONTENT
Year One
Year One
- Research Methods
- Game Design & Documentation
- Game Logic & Systems
- 3D Modelling & Animation
- Visual Media & Culture
- 2D Art & Design
- Game Engine Studies
- Introduction to Studio Practice
Year Two
Year Two
- Audio for Games
- Narrative for Games
- Level Design & Environments
- Gameplay System Design
- Art & Technology: Critical Analysis
- UI/UX Design
- Shaders & Texturing for Games
- Advanced Gameplay System Design
Year Three
Year Three
- Experimental Technologies
- Proposal for Final Project
- Interactive Design Portfolio
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Final Project
Got a question?
COURSE DIRECTOR
Course Director: Michael Joyce
Michael Joyce is an award-winning game designer and creative developer with extensive experience in game design, digital art, and interactive media. Currently serving as the Programme Director for the Games Department at Pulse College, Michael combines his deep industry knowledge with a passion for mentorship, guiding the next generation of game developers to excel in an ever-evolving field.
Michael holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Design from Atlantic Technological University, a Higher Postgraduate Degree in Interactive Digital Media from Trinity College Dublin, and a Master’s Degree in Digital Arts from the University of Galway. His academic journey encompasses game design, animation, storytelling, character design, user experience, and human-computer interaction, providing a multidisciplinary approach to creative development.
With a career driven by creativity, innovation, and leadership, Michael Joyce continues to shape the future of the gaming industry, inspiring others to push the boundaries of art and technology.
HOW TO APPLY
Admissions
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:
2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
and
Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject).
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.
Or: To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Animation/Art / Media.
Or: a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
All students must demonstrate a strong level of computer literacy. Students are also required to provide their own hard drive and over-ear headphones.
General Course Requirements
- A proven interest in Multimedia and/or Game Design techniques and to display some interest in related creative media arts
- Basic knowledge of computers (Mac/PC, and audio software): helpful but not essential
Further Progression
Graduates will be able to find employment in a diverse range of fields, including the video-game industry, animation, the aviation industry (aircraft design and flight simulation), architecture, the film industry, and in the field of medical training. Others may wish to continue further education within an academic environment (e.g. NFQ level 9)
Educational Requirements
Irish Citizens under 23 years of age
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject) and Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject).
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.Or:To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media.Or:a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.Or:To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media.Or:a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
Irish mature students over 23 years of age
Students over the age of 23 years of age on 1st January of the year of the course is classified as a Mature Student.Mature applicants are advised to apply directly through the college using the ‘Apply now’ button below. Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview. Applicants will be asked for a detailed CV. Applications should be made before the 31st August the year of the course.
International Student living abroad or in Ireland
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview. International Students below the age of 23 years of age will be required to submit High School Diploma Scripts and any additional Education Certifications.
Minimum language proficiency requirements
All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where an applicant’s mother tongue is not English, they are required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test.
The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English below CEF B2- must first reach this minimum standard.
Note: Students who do not satisfy Pulse College’s English language requirements for direct entry will be required to take an English language preparatory course before commencing studies.
If you have any queries on the above please get in touch with our admissions team admissions@pulsecollege.com
Interview Process
Interview Process
This course requires an interview as part of your applications. Please see the FAQ’s below for commonly asked questions regarding the interview process.
Where do the interviews take place?
The interviews are held at:
Pulse College
Smithfield Market,
Unit 2, Block E,
Dublin 7,
D07 VHV5,
Ireland
Interviews can also be conducted online via Zoom. Please reach out to our Admissions team if you have any questions on this @ admissions@pulsecollege.com
How long will the interview be?
The interview will be approximately 1 hour long.
What should I bring?
If you could please bring:
– A copy of your C.V. It should also include details of any groups / associations you have been a member of. It should also list your hobbies / interests
– A copy of your passport/drivers licence
– A copy of any previous education transcripts and certificates
How many people will be interviewing me?
The panel typically comprises 2-3 people.
Apart from the minimum requirements, what do they generally look for in a candidate?
Successful candidates have a strong, proven interest in this area. They are passionate about games and are prepared to work very hard towards their goals.
“The caliber of the teachers were first class in terms of instruction and information. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot!”
Google ReviewCheryl Cobern Browne
FEES
Irish / EU (Residing in Ireland)
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 9,850*
2% PFL Charge of €179 included in Total Fee Per Year
Flexible Payment Option
Deposit: €800 (payable upon acceptance onto the course, following interview)
Enrolment Fee: €3,500 (payable by September)
Installments: 4 monthly payments of €1,387.50 (Oct – Jan)
Year 2 Course Fees: €9,850
Year 3 Course Fees: €9,850
International / EU (living outside of Ireland)
Course fees are paid directly to the International Office of our partner college: Griffith College.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Please click here for fee charges
EU Living Abroad: EUR 9,639*
*The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only. 2% PFL Charge of €189 included in Total Fee Per Year. Please note that a Registration Fee of €250 is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted above for International & EU (living outside of Ireland Students).