Hands-on, project-based learning
Develop practical skills through real-world projects, from concept to playable prototype.
Postgraduation in Game Design
Get ready to be the professional that any creative industry looks for!
Postgraduate in Game Design
Presentation
- Start date
- October 2026
- Duration
- 10 months
- Schedule
- Post-work
- Language
- English
- ECTS
- 36 ECTS
Postgraduate Program in Game Design
Study the Postgraduate Course in Game Design at IADE and develop the skills needed to design engaging, immersive and playable game experiences. This is a hands-on, interdisciplinary programme, fully taught in English, that prepares you to work in one of the fastest-growing creative industries in the world.
Throughout the course, you will:
- Master every step of the game design process — from concept to prototype
- Use real industry tools such as DREAMS™, in partnership with Media Molecule
- Work on PlayStation®4 consoles, provided through thePlayStation® Talents programme by Sony Interactive Entertainment Portugal
This course equips you to:
- Join development teams
- Start a career as a Game Designer
- Launch your own game project
Why choose this Postgraduate Degree in Game Design?
Access to PlayStation® and DREAMS™
Build and test your ideas on industry-standard platforms, supported by exclusive partners.
Taught by professionals in the field
Learn directly from Game Designers, developers, and specialists actively working in the industry.
International-ready skillset
Entirely taught in English, preparing you to work in multidisciplinary teams across the global gaming industry.
Study plan
| CURRICULAR UNITS | HOURS | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Session and course presentation | 2 | |
| Introduction to Game Development | 12 | 3 |
| Game Engines & Level Editors | 16 | 3 |
| Game Design I | 20 | 6 |
| Humane Design | 12 | 3 |
| Level Design | 32 | 6 |
| Game Design II | 20 | 6 |
| Masterclasses: Visual Culture | 4 | |
| Game Development Project | 38 | 9 |
What you will learn during the course:
Throughout the Postgraduate Programme in Game Design, you will immerse yourself in the complete video game creation process, developing a solid understanding of Game Design as a creative,technical, and systemic discipline. You will work with practice‑oriented methodologies, exploring how ideas are transformed into interactive experiences through the integration of mechanics, narrative, level design, interface, and player experience.
- Core fundamentals of Game Design, including game systems, mechanics, game loops, interactive narrative, and playtesting.
- Game conception and prototyping, focusing on level design, player experience, design ethics, and humane design.
- Use of game engines and professional tools, with a particular emphasis on the DREAMS™ platform by Media Molecule.
- Development of practical skills in Level Design, UI/UX for games, balancing, and rapid prototyping.
- Creation of a playable final project, integrated into a professional pipeline and publicly presented, designed for portfolio development and industry entry.
Partnerships
- DREAMS™ software: Media Molecule's game creation platform will be used to carry out the various practical assignments of the course.
- PlayStation®4 platform: access to consoles for the development of the assignments, provided by Sony Interactive Entertainment Portugal under the PlayStation®Talents program.
Career opportunities
Game designer
Responsible for creating game mechanics, rules, and structure, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable experience for players.
Level designer
Specialist in developing levels, environments, and missions, focusing on game progression and user experience.
UI/UX designer for video games
Focuses on creating intuitive interfaces and pleasant user experiences, ensuring smooth interaction and visual appeal.
Creative producer / design consultant
Leads game design projects, coordinating teams and providing strategic consultancy for the development of innovative products.
Freelance game developer
Creates and develops games independently, managing all stages of the process, from conception to publication.
Member of game development studios
Works in multidisciplinary teams within game studios, contributing technical and creative skills to project development.
Teaching staff
Get to know the Director and Teaching staff of the Postgraduate in Game Design.
Nélio Codices
Chris Solarski
Edgar André Jesus
Wilson Almeida
Ana Maria Baptista
Ricardo Toureiro
Bernardo Boffa-Molinar
Games portfolio
Testimonials
After exploring game design in my bachelor's, this postgrad offered me a deeper dive into the technical and artistic aspects of game and level design, alongside enriching skills like UX/UI. The professors' dedication to networking opens up invaluable opportunities for entering the industry. Feyzanur Gomes. Former Student of the Postgraduate Program in Game Design at IADE
Feyzanur Gomes
Former Student of the Posgraduate Program in Game Design at IADE.
Admissions
Candidates interested in joining IADE can apply throughout the year.
The application process is limited by existing vacancies and the suitability of the candidate's profile to the study cycle of interest.
To start the admission process, the candidate must follow these 3 steps.
1. Information request
Schedule a clarification conversation with an Admissions Advisor
2. Documentation
Gather the documentation requested in the admission process
3. Apply
Proceed with the formalization of the application, in person or online
Related programmes
Program taught by top teachers through innovative project based learning methodology. Become an expert in game development.
Innovative and pioneering project in Portugal that brings together two institutions with a strong tradition in game development and in the areas of innovation, technology and creativity.
Laboratories that are veritable breeding factories
Equipped with the latest technologies, they provide a collaborative environment where students, faculty, and project teams bring their most creative ideas to life. With the support of experts, you’ll have access to all the resources and tools you need to turn your projects into reality.
Media Lab
Photography | Analog & Digital | Video | Sound | Radio
Print Lab
Analog printing | Screen printing | Engraving | Letterpress
3D Lab
3D printing | Ceramics | CNC | Laser cutting | 3D models
Tech Lab
Games | Video mapping | Virtual Reality | Augmented Reality | Playground | Engineering | Computing
FAQs
At IADE, Lisbon, the Postgraduation in Game Design runs 10 months, post-work, entirely in English —ideal for higher education and professional qualification in video game design.
Classes take place at the Oriente Green Campus (Moscavide) with partners DREAMS™ and PlayStation® Talents for hands-on gameplay prototyping. The study plan totals 36 ECTS, covering Game mechanics, level design, and a final project—solid preparation for a career in the games industry.
Students or working professionals in game or creative tech seeking a degree in Game Design–level up. The course welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds for professional qualification and career growth.
Not mandatory; the program is open to diverse profiles. It centers on video game design, game mechanics, and prototyping, supporting the development of a career.
Typical roles: Game Designer, Level Designer, freelancer, or founder of a studio. The focus is on employability and career development in the games market.
Expect AI-assisted design, accessibility-first gameplay, live-ops economies, and cross-platform pipelines. UX, systems balance, and ethical game mechanics remain core in game studies.
Game Design is video game design focused on systems, player goals, and gameplay. It shapes game mechanics, levels, and progression. In-game studies link creativity and usability. The discipline supports career development in the games job market.
They define Game mechanics, prototype loops, and balance difficulty. They write docs, tune gameplay, and coordinate art, audio, and code. In video game design, they align user needs with business goals. The role offers professional qualification pathways.
Systems design, UX for gameplay, data-informed balance, and communication. Literacy in game engines supports rapid iteration of game mechanics. Portfolio storytelling still counts in video game design. These skills translate directly to the job market.