B.A. Animation and Game
Your future in the animation and games industry starts here!
Transform your passion into a profession and turn your dream into reality. Study Animation & Game at our University – where creativity meets cutting edge technology. Learn from experienced professors and guest lecturers from renowned studios and become part of a vibrant international student community that shares your vision. Whether you aspire to become a game developer, animator, or technical artist, this program gives you the tools and connections to turn your creative dream into a professional future.
Animation & Game is more than a study program – it’s an immersive academic and creative environment designed to prepare you for a successful career in the animation or games industry. Since its founding in 2008, our department has grown into one of the largest and most respected in the field. The program is hands-on, interdisciplinary, and taught entirely in English, offering two specialized tracks: Technology and Art & Design.
The Technology Specialization
This specialization delves into the technical development and production of animations and games, combining solid theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experience. It prepares students for key technical roles by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced animation and gaming industries. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the specialized curriculum responds to the growing demand for technically proficient specialists, ensuring graduates are ready to meet current and future challenges in the field.
Key Learning Areas:
- Game System Design & Software Architecture
- Programming Languages & Graphic Technologies
- Technical Art & Procedural Content Creation
- Generative AI & Creative Tools
- Backend Technologies (Networks, Databases, Client/Server)
Details
The „Technology Specialization“ course delves into the foundational aspects of digital technology, focusing on technical principles. As an integral component of applied computer science, it imparts theoretical knowledge while placing a strong emphasis on practical application.
- Game Programming
- Game Design
- Basic Technology
- Technical Art
- Game Engines
- Graphics Programming
- Generative and Behaviour AI
- Shader Development
- Procedural Content Creation
- Animation or Game Semester Project
As the Entertainment industry is becoming increasingly diverse, and with new technologies come new fields of work. Our program opens the door to many professional fields. Our students don’t just benefit from great career prospects as developers or tech artists in the gaming industry; graduates from this specialization may also embark on a career as gameplay, engine, graphics or AI programmers.
Tech Artist:
They act as a bridge between the artists and the programmers. Technical artists (TAs) make the work of the artists easier. They develop new tools and integrating technology into the game engine, so they work as well as possible for the people making the art. If an artist wants to create something complex, TAs will say if it’s possible from a technical point of view and think of the best way of doing it. In some studios, where the animation team needs some complex rigging, they may call on the TAs to do it.
Programming:
- Gameplay Programmer
- Graphics Programmer
- Engine Programmer
- Network Programmer
Development:
- Game Designer / Game System Designer
- Level Designer
- Technical Producer
- Lead Programmer / Development Director
Is the technology specialization only for game programmers ?
No, of course not. Even if programming is a big part of it, it’s also about creating art with the help of code, tools like Houdini or of course new creative systems in VR or with your cell phone. Many special effects are created by „tech artists“ and tech specialists are also very much needed in the field of animation.
Which game engines engines, programming languages and software do you use?
We use all kinds of things. We primarily teach with Unity C#, but Unreal, C++ and even DirectX and shader programming have a big part in the technology area. As art tools we also use Blender, Maya, Houdini and of course Photoshop.
Art & Design Specialization
The Art & Design specialization centers on the creative development and technology-based realization of animations and games. It offers an integrated approach to design theory, artistic expression, and digital production, equipping students with the creative and technical expertise essential for shaping innovative content. Students cultivate skills across animation, game design, visual and narrative design, prototyping, digital art - combining conceptual thinking with hands-on practice using industry-standard tools and workflows.
The curriculum emphasizes creative versatility, critical inquiry, and a deep engagement with the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of animation and games. Graduates are prepared for diverse creative roles in the global animation and gaming industries, including digital artist, game designer, animation artist, narrative designer, and creative producer.
Key Learning Areas:
- Animation
- Game design
- Narrative design
- Visual development and art direction
- 3-d asset creation
- Technical art
- Creative producing
Details
The “Art % Design” specialization is centered around the creative development and technology-based artistic realization of original and innovative animation and game experiences. The curriculum combines design theories, creative strategies and artistic practices in the field of animation and games with relevant digital production methods. Students acquire competencies in key areas such as:
- Animation (3-d character and creature animation, motion capturing, 2-d animation)
- Game design and game level design
- Narrative design and world building
- Cinematography for animations and games
- Character and creature design, 3-D character and creature creation
- 3-d Environment design and 3-d asset creation
- Technical art
- Procedural generation and visual effects
- Visual development and art direction
- Lighting and look development
- Design theory
- Creative producing and production management
- Research and development methodology
The „Art & Design” specialization qualifies for creative careers in the international animation and game industry. Our graduates work in diverse professional roles such as:
- animator
- game designer
- level designer
- character artist
- environment artist
- technical artist
- visual effects artist
- concept artist
- narrative designer
- creative producer
Recurring extra-curricular events
Have a detailed look at all the special events:
Games Industry Talks
Every Wednesday, industry experts share insights through lectures, deep dives, or best practices. Students ask questions, followed by a meet & greet. Guests range from designers to CEOs. Talks are on-campus only, fostering networking and discussion. No need to be a student—just drop by and join the conversation!
Gamescom
Experience our students' creativity at Europe’s biggest gaming fair! Each year at Gamescom, we showcase top student games at the Indie Arena Booth—a hub for innovation. See cutting-edge projects, meet future industry leaders, and explore the next generation of game development. Visit us and discover the future of gaming!
Global Game Jam
Join the Global Jam and unleash your creativity!As Germany’s largest Jam Site, we bring together talent from game development, storytelling, music, and visual arts for an intense creative challenge. All skill levels welcome! Collaborate, innovate, and showcase your work to the world.
Boardgame Nights
Twice per semester, we host a board game night with a vast collection of classic and innovative games. Board games help explore key game mechanics and are vital for game design research. Sometimes, game designers or publishers join us to test new, unreleased games.
Gaming Parties
Whenever a new game comes out or a hype is created… do you want to share it with others? Or you just want to spend a relaxed evening playing with your fellow students, without missing out on music and fun…? Our spontaneous gaming parties can do just that.
Console Tournaments
Each semester, we host a major tournament in the Gamelab, often with official developer support (e.g., Nintendo, Capcom, Namco Bandai). Compete with others on big screens, and enjoy the action live with our streaming setup!
Our strong industry network
Some of our industry partners from whom we have lecturers, a research collaboration or where our graduates work:
