Digital Games

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Digital Games at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences offers students an innovative and comprehensive education in the development, design, and implementation of digital games. This program is designed for individuals passionate about gaming, technology, and creative storytelling who wish to turn their interests into a professional career. Throughout the course, students gain practical skills in game design, programming, 3D modeling, animation, sound design, and user experience, combined with a strong foundation in computer science and media theory. The curriculum emphasizes a project-based learning approach, where students work collaboratively on real-world game development projects, fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The programme also explores topics such as game mechanics, narrative development, interactive media, virtual reality, and mobile gaming, ensuring graduates are well-versed in the latest industry trends and technologies. In addition, students have opportunities to participate in internships, industry workshops, and collaborations with game studios, providing valuable insights into the gaming industry and enhancing employability. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers actively involved in the field of game development, delivering high-quality teaching and mentorship. Upon graduation, students are equipped to pursue careers as game designers, programmers, media artists, or project managers in the gaming industry or related fields such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and multimedia entertainment. The programme's focus on practical skills, innovative thinking, and industry relevance makes it an ideal choice for aspiring digital game developers aiming to make a mark in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

Educational organisation

After a general introduction to the creative and technological process of game development and the academic study of digital games in the first and second semesters, students specialise in Game Arts, Game Design or Game Informatics in the following semesters. Throughout their studies, students of all specialisations are instructed in Media and Game Studies, and they develop games in collaborative projects. In the fourth semester, students can choose between an exchange semester at a university abroad, an internship or a self-initiated project.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants can choose to spend the fourth semester of the programme at a university abroad.

Course objectives

Graduates will be qualified for various roles in game development, such as game designer, level designer, game artist, gameplay programmer or project manager. Furthermore, the broad interdisciplinary education at Cologne Game Lab might qualify for game-related positions in fields such as journalism, communication, education, and applied research.

Language requirements

As courses are taught in English, applicants must have a good command of English. English language proficiency will be checked during the application procedure. A formal certificate is not required.

Academic requirements

University entrance diploma ("Abitur" or "Fachabitur")
Successful completion of Cologne Game Lab's application procedure

Enrolment fees

The fee of about 250 EUR per semester includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Costs of living

The costs of living for your stay largely depend on your personal needs. When planning your stay, you should calculate monthly costs of approximately 700-800 EUR.

Job opportunities

Taking on a part-time job while studying has lots of benefits. Students can make some extra money, gain valuable professional experience, and might take a first step up on the career ladder.
Whether and how long you are allowed to work during semester breaks is determined by your immigration office. The provisions applying to your specific case will be stated in your residence permit. To find out about these provisions, we recommend you make an inquiry at the immigration office during your first visit. International students from countries that are not member states of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland are normally permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days per year if they are in possession of a valid residence permit for Germany.
TH Köln can assist you in finding a job that suits your profile and interests. Our Career Service and our Nebenjobservice (Part-Time Job Service) offer comprehensive counselling and specific information events on all aspects related to part-time jobs.
Please be aware that the level of your German language skills will strongly affect your chances of finding a part-time job, as German is the language of communication in Germany.

Funding opportunities within the university

TH Köln as well as other institutions offer different scholarships for international students such as the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. Recipients receive approx. 300 EUR per month.
https://www.th-koeln.de/en/international_office/deutschland-stipendium-scholarship---information-for-students_9164.php

Services and support for international students

TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences - follows the National Code of Conduct on Foreign Students at German Universities established by the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).
The International Office provides advice and support for international students on all aspects related to studying at TH Köln. The International Office accompanies your stay at our university with a variety of programmes and events and invites you to become a part of our international community (e.g., mentoring programmes for new first semester students, TH Köln Buddy programme KARIBU, or Language Partnership programme).
Every semester, the International Office organises a semester programme including exciting cultural events to connect German and international students as well as activities to jointly discover different aspects of Cologne (e.g., a guided tour of Cologne, trips to museums and theatres, or a semester trip to the German capital Berlin).

Accommodation

Boasting a population of slightly more than one million, Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest metropolis - a highly attractive one on top of that. The increasing influx of people can make the search for adequate accommodation quite difficult. Dozens of apartment hunters often compete for a single apartment. That is why the International Office strongly recommends that you start looking for a place to live as soon as possible.
The fierce competition on the housing market has resulted in above-market rents - particularly in proximity of the city centre. We therefore encourage you to be flexible: try to look for apartments outside the centre, as you will encounter less competition and lower rents.
Student dormitories
Cologne's most convenient and economical housing option is often a student dormitory. Kölner Studierendenwerk operates 86 student dorms offering roughly 4,700 rooms. Please be aware that TH Köln does not allocate the rooms in these dorms. In order to be allocated a room, please apply online on the website of Kölner Studentenwerk by clicking on "online-application". See: http://www.kstw.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=315&Itemid=11&lang=en.
The seemingly large number of dorm rooms is misleading; as the dormitories are open to the roughly 80,000 students enrolled at all Cologne universities, they are in extremely high demand. Make sure to apply for a dorm room at Kölner Studierendenwerk as early as possible.