Game DesignDearadh Cluichí

This four-year course focuses on the creation and study of games. It covers the design and development of digital and analogue games, including PC, mobile, Web, card and board games.

Topics include in-depth analysis of games, practical hands-on development experience and theoretical game studies. Along the way, you’ll also learn important industry skills such as programming, game design, digital media asset creation, project management and game publishing. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the concepts, theories and models of game design and how they can be applied to both commercial and serious game development. 

You will be able to analyse and determine multiple approaches to game design, gameplay mechanics, UI controls and the context within which they’re used. You’ll use advanced skills from specialist areas to achieve goals, including the design and implementation of complex game systems, documentation of the design process, testing and publishing games. 

During the course, you will be continuously making games, from Year 1 to Year 4. You will work on both individual and team projects. Teamwork is an essential skill in the games industry and you will work in different teams to develop important soft skills such as communications and group decision making.

In your final year, you will complete a major game project demonstrating your full range of design and development skills.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In Year 3, students will have the opportunity to study abroad through an Erasmus exchange with a partner university.

Work Placement

In Year 3, students will have the opportunity to get experience working with an external serious game partner and gain industry work experience.

IT Requirements 

A personal laptop of sufficient specifications for game development is highly recommended. In general, most mid-high end gaming laptops should suffice for development. VR/AR development may require higher spec machines.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

• Animator
• Audio and Video Programmer
• Audio Designer
• Entrepreneur/Business Set-up
• Game Artist
• Game Designer
• Game Manager
• Game Programmer
• Game Researcher
• Game Software Development
• Game Tester
• Games Analyst
• Games Quality Assurance
• Indie Game Developer
• Level Designer
• Game Producer
• Media Content Developer
• Product Manager
• Production Manager
• Project Manager
• Realtime Visualisation Artist
• Technical Artist
• Unity Game Developer
• Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Developer
• 3D Modeller
• 2D Game Artist

Graduate employers:

• DIGIT
• Dreamfeel
• Larian Studios
• Rare
• Romero Games
• Intel
• Gambrinous
• Arcadem
• Lemonchili Games
• Black Shamrock

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.