Games and Entertainment

The Bachelor's Degree in Games and Entertainment at Nord University offers students a comprehensive education in the dynamic and rapidly evolving fields of game design, development, and entertainment technology. This programme is designed to equip students with the technical skills, creative abilities, and theoretical knowledge necessary to thrive in the global gaming and entertainment industries. Throughout the course, students engage with a broad spectrum of subjects, including programming, digital art, animation, storytelling, user experience design, and game mechanics, fostering an integrated understanding of game development processes from concept to final product. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through hands-on projects, team collaborations, and industry internships, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of modern workplaces. Students learn to use industry-standard tools and software, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, and gain insights into game marketing, user engagement, and entertainment media strategies. The programme also encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, inspiring students to develop original ideas and prototypes that could lead to new business ventures. With a strong focus on creativity, technical expertise, and industry relevance, the Bachelor’s in Games and Entertainment prepares graduates for diverse careers in game production, interactive media, virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital entertainment. Located in a supportive learning environment, students benefit from experienced faculty, collaborative projects, and connections to Norwegian and international entertainment markets. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to contribute to the vibrant world of digital entertainment, shaping the future of games and immersive experiences worldwide.

Content

The study program offers subjects that provide the knowledge and skills to develop services, presentations and games:

• game design and development
• game programming and animations (in 2D and 3D)
• mobile technologies and databases
• project management, innovation and entrepreneurship

Game design and development

During the first year the candidate will learn about design principles for game development and how to develop games for web deployment. This founds the basis for further development of more advanced games created in subjects in the 2nd and 3rd year. Classes also focus on skills like storytelling and drawing. The ethical and cultural aspects of making video games for a global audience is also addressed.

Game programming and animations (in 2D and 3D)

Some subjects will give the candidate deeper understanding of programming and animation in a 2D and 3D setting. Additionally he'll will learn skills and gain knowledge in developing, managing and documenting games with the proper functionality and interface to give users a good experience.

Mobile technologies and databases

Developing modern video games also requires understanding of data storage and information management and how to utilize this when creating games and exchanging data across the internet. Knowledge and skills regarding databases, video game engines and cellular networks requirements and limitations also forms an important part of the program.

Project management, innovation and entrepreneurship

The study program focuses throughout all terms on projects and teamwork. The candidate will be working with external companies and organizations learning how to communicate with them while also handling situations and problems individually and as a team. In this programme innovation and entrepreneurship is an integral part of several subjects, most pronounced in Game Lab. Many candidates also choose to start student companies, and the school provides support and facilities for this.

Game Lab

The Game Lab is an intensive company simulator. Candidates form their own companies with team leads, art leads and technical leads. They then pitch a game project of their own design, or for an external client. The ¿student company¿ builds the game over the period of a semester, with each candidate specializing in a topic for the final output to be a fun, playable game prototype, ready for submission to competitions and festivals.

Admission requirements for the Games and Entertainment programme at Nord University typically include a completed application form, proof of English language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), and a relevant secondary education diploma, such as the Norwegian Vitnemål or an equivalent international qualification. Applicants are often required to submit a portfolio demonstrating prior experience or interest in gaming, digital media, or related creative fields. Additionally, some coursework or professional experience in computer programming, graphic design, or animation may be advantageous or required. The programme may also have specific subject prerequisites, such as mathematics or art, depending on the curriculum focus. International students must meet visa and residence permit requirements, and may need to provide documentation demonstrating sufficient financial means to support their studies and living expenses in Norway. The selection process emphasizes creative potential, technical skills, and motivation to pursue careers in the gaming and entertainment industry. NYU students are encouraged to participate in introductory workshops or preliminary courses if available before the programme start date. The university values diversity and inclusive participation, welcoming applicants from various educational backgrounds who demonstrate a passion for digital entertainment. By fulfilling these requirements, prospective students ensure they meet the standard criteria for admission and are prepared to engage with the innovative curriculum dedicated to game design, digital storytelling, and interactive entertainment.

The financing of the Games and Entertainment program at Nord University primarily involves a combination of Norwegian government funding, student tuition fees, and potential scholarships. As a publicly funded higher education institution in Norway, Nord University benefits from financial support provided by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, which allocates funds to ensure accessible and high-quality education for both Norwegian and international students. This government funding covers a significant portion of the operational costs of the program, including faculty salaries, campus facilities, and materials necessary for delivering comprehensive coursework related to game development, digital entertainment, and multimedia design.

Student tuition fees for international students are set according to the university's regulations and are a source of funding for the program’s sustainability. These fees are competitive compared to similar programs at other Scandinavian universities and are designed to maintain high standards of education while ensuring affordability for students from abroad. Norwegian students typically do not pay tuition fees, as higher education in Norway is publicly subsidized, allowing them to pursue studies without financial burden.

Additionally, students enrolled in the Games and Entertainment program at Nord University have access to various scholarship opportunities, both university-specific and external, aimed at supporting talented students financially. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or other criteria, further enhancing the accessibility of the program. The university also collaborates with industry partners and gaming companies, which sometimes offer funding opportunities, internships, or sponsorships that can offset costs or provide financial support to students engaged in practical training.

Financial aid for students includes government student loans and grants managed by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). These funds are available for eligible students and help cover living expenses and, in some cases, tuition fees for international students who qualify. The university’s financial framework emphasizes transparency and support, ensuring students can focus on acquiring the skills necessary for a successful career in the gaming and entertainment industry.

In summary, the financing of the Games and Entertainment program at Nord University is a multifaceted structure combining government funding, student payments, scholarships, and external industry support, all aimed at providing a sustainable and accessible educational environment that prepares students effectively for careers in the dynamic field of gaming and digital entertainment.

Costs

Costs for semester registration and course literature apply.
The candidat are required to use their own laptop computer capable of running the software being used in the study program. The candidate must bring the computer every day for classes or study work. Minimum requirements for this computer can be found at the university website.

Additionally the candidatesmust provide data storage of their own that covers their need for storing files in all subjects.