Game Design (B.Sc.)

About the course

A 7-semester, 210 ECTS degree taught in English at the Berlin campus. The mix is roughly 30% game design, 25% game art, 25% computer science and programming, and 20% projects and research, and after the first semester you specialise in either Game Art or Game Engineering.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• Under German rules (KMK/ZAB), the Leaving Certificate gives direct university entry only if you have the right subject and level mix. You need six subjects. At least two must be at Higher Level with H5 or better and the other four at H6/O6 or better, and they must include two languages and Maths at O5/H6 or better. Some subject areas also ask for Higher Level Maths and a Higher Level science. mdh asks for the Abitur ‘or equivalent’ and publishes no Irish-specific rules, so confirm with admissions which rules apply to this B.Sc.
• You apply with a motivation letter (about one page), work samples such as sketches, pictures or early projects, your grade reports and a CV with photo. mdh says personality and talent count for more than top grades. Ask admissions whether any interview or test is also used for this course.
• English: B2 (CEFR) is needed, for example IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 60, PTE 52 or Duolingo 95. mdh also accepts a medium-of-instruction (MOI) or English proficiency letter, so a letter from your Irish school may be enough; it does not mention Leaving Cert English specifically, so check with the international office (international@mediadesign.de).

How to apply

1. Check your Leaving Cert subjectsMake sure your six subjects meet the German subject and level rules, including two languages and Maths at O5/H6 or better, and ask mdh whether a B.Sc. needs Higher Level Maths.
2. Prepare your portfolioPut together work samples (sketches, drawings, early projects, game ideas), a one-page motivation letter, and a CV with photo.
3. Apply onlineApply on the mdh portal (studium.mediadesign.de) by 30 September for October entry, or apply for the April intake. Your final Leaving Cert certificate can be sent after you receive it.
4. Accept and plan financesAfter you get an offer, pay the €490 registration fee and budget for €3,540 per semester, the €1,050 exam fee and rent in Berlin.

Costs

• Private university: €3,540 per semester (€7,080 a year) for EU citizens. On top of that there are one-off fees of €490 for registration and €1,050 for examinations. Over 7 semesters that comes to about €26,320 in total. Rent and living costs in Berlin are extra.

At a glance