Animation and Game

The Bachelor's degree programme in Animation and Game at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences offers students a comprehensive education in the creative and technical aspects of animated film production and game design. This interdisciplinary programme combines artistic skills, storytelling, computer science, and media technologies to prepare graduates for the dynamic fields of animation and interactive entertainment. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including character design, narrative development, 3D modeling, rigging, animation techniques, game mechanics, and programming. The programme emphasizes practical skills through hands-on projects, collaborations with industry partners, and the use of state-of-the-art software and hardware. Students have the opportunity to explore different animation styles and genres, from traditional 2D animation to cutting-edge 3D techniques and virtual reality applications. The curriculum also covers important aspects such as project management, teamwork, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for success in the creative industries. The university’s facilities include dedicated studios, labs, and equipment tailored for digital media production. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers as animators, game designers, character artists, story developers, or media specialists in various sectors including entertainment, advertising, education, and virtual reality. The programme places a strong emphasis on innovative thinking, technical expertise, and creative expression, ensuring that students are prepared to contribute to and shape the future of animation and gaming industries worldwide.

Educational organisation

The modules of this Bachelor's degree combine artistic, methodological, and technical subjects with topics related to the professional development and production of animations and games. Students gain a wide range of core competencies and may, at the same time, specialise in individual areas of interest. The main fields of specialisation are:

Concept development, design and art for animations & games
Technical art for animation and games
Game development
Producing and project management

The Bachelor of Arts programme is project-based and focuses strongly on team work and a problem-oriented learning processes. From the second semester onwards, students will carry out semester projects in groups of three to four, which are coached by an interdisciplinary team of lecturers. The programme includes one full-semester industrial placement (fourth semester) to foster professionalism. Lectures, seminars, and workshops are carried out in English.

Forms of assessment

Written examinations
Presentations
Portfolio examinations

Course objectives

The BA Animation & Game aims at enabling students to acquire a wide range of practical and cognitive skills with regard to the principles, methodologies, and technologies used in animation and game production. Through the programme, students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of typical roles in animation and game production teams through professional research, live projects, and industry links. The programme fosters strong communication, self-organisation, and project management skills as well as intercultural competencies. During their studies, graduates build a portfolio of creative work that demonstrates their ability to work at the professional level necessary for progressing in the media industries or for pursuing postgraduate studies.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills (minimum B2 certificate or an above-average English grade on the school report).

Academic requirements

The application procedure for the BA Animation & Game at the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt consists of a formal application and an artistic entrance examination. The formal application must be submitted through UNI ASSIST.

Applicants will need a valid university entrance certificate. Applicants who do not have a university entrance certificate and do not expect to obtain one in the year of their application may still apply for admission based on outstanding artistic aptitude. As the Animation & Game Programme is mainly carried out in English, English language proficiency is mandatory and must be proven through a B2 certificate or through an above-average English grade on the school report.

The artistic entrance examination consists of a portfolio examination, which requires submission of a digital portfolio with work samples related to the field of study. It also consists of an in-person examination ("presence examination") on campus. Further information can be obtained through the programme website.

The financing options for the Animation and Game program at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences are designed to support students through various financial resources and funding opportunities. As a public university in Germany, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences benefits from the country's robust higher education funding framework, which generally offers low or no tuition fees for domestic and EU students, significantly reducing the financial burden of pursuing a degree. International students from outside the EU might be required to pay semester fees that differ depending on their nationality and specific program regulations. These fees typically cover administrative costs and student services, and they are generally moderate compared to private institutions.

Students enrolled in the Animation and Game program can explore a variety of financial support avenues. First, German students and students from eligible EU countries may apply for governmental student financial aid programs, such as the BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz), which provides grants and low-interest loans to support living expenses and study costs, subject to eligibility criteria including income limits and academic progress. International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by the university or external funding bodies, including cultural, governmental, or private scholarship providers. Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences regularly awards merit-based scholarships to outstanding students, which can considerably offset costs.

In addition to scholarships and governmental aid, students can consider part-time employment opportunities available on or near campus, which are common in Germany and are often regulated to ensure they do not interfere with academic commitments. The university's career services can assist with finding internships and part-time work, providing additional financial relief and practical experience relevant to the Animation and Game industry.

Furthermore, students may explore financial grants or sponsorships related to their home country or specific fields within digital arts, gaming, and animation sectors. Some students also benefit from funding initiatives aimed at promoting international exchange and diversity, which may include travel stipends or study abroad grants.

For students requiring more comprehensive financial planning, private loans or sponsorships from industry partners may be an option, although these are less common and usually require a demonstration of academic merit or collaborations. It is recommended for prospective students to contact the university's financial aid office early in their application process to obtain personalized advice and up-to-date information on available financial resources. Overall, the combination of public funding, scholarships, part-time employment, and external grants provides a supportive financial environment for students pursuing the Animation and Game program at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, making quality higher education accessible to a diverse student body.

The Animation and Game programme at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences offers students a comprehensive education in the fields of animation, game design, and digital media. Designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme emphasizes creative design, storytelling, technical proficiency, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students learn various animation techniques, including 2D and 3D animation, character design, and visual effects, along with game development processes such as game mechanics, user experience, and interactive storytelling. The curriculum integrates courses in computer graphics, programming, project management, and multimedia, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the digital entertainment industry. The programme is characterized by a hands-on approach, with students working on real-world projects, portfolio development, and internships that foster industry connections. Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences benefits from a strong network of industry partners, providing students with opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and employment after graduation. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers in the fields of animation, game design, and digital arts. The programme also promotes innovation and research, encouraging students to experiment with new media, virtual reality, augmented reality, and emerging technologies. The campus facilities include modern computer labs, animation studios, and multimedia workshops equipped with cutting-edge software and hardware. Graduates of the programme pursue careers in various sectors including video game development, animation studios, film and television production, advertising, and digital media agencies. The programme aims to foster creative independence, technical expertise, and a critical understanding of the cultural and societal impacts of digital media. International exchanges and collaborative projects with global partners are integral parts of the curriculum, providing students with valuable intercultural experiences. Overall, the Animation and Game programme at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is tailored to developing skilled professionals ready to meet the evolving challenges of the entertainment and media industries.