Bachelor's in Games Development

Program taught by top teachers through innovative project based learning methodology. Become an expert in game development.

  • Undergraduate programmes
  • Bachelor's in Games Development

Bachelor's in Games Development

Start date
September 2026
Duration
3 years
Schedule
Daytime
Language
English
ECTS
180 ECTS

Did you know that the Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development at IADE

Is taught entirely in English, preparing you from day one for an international career?

Responds directly to industry demands, helping you develop the technical and creative skills most valued by the video game market?

Allows you to build expertise in multiple programming languages, including C, C#, and C++ as well as leading game engines and frameworks such as SDL, Unity, and Unreal?

Designed to meet the evolving needs of the video game, web, and mobile applications industries, ​this programme combines creativity, technology, and hands-on learning to prepare you for the future.

Throughout the degree, ​you’ll work with innovative tools and technologies including GameMaker, Construct, full stack frameworks, 3D environments, consoles, PC development platforms, and much more. You’ll also become part of a vibrant student community where collaboration, experimentation, and creativity are part of the experience.

More than learning theory, ​you’ll create immersive interactive experiences and develop the games of tomorrow using industry-standard technologies.

The future of gaming starts here.​Are you ready to create it?

Why to study a Bachelor's in Games Development?

International experience

The international experience is a key part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development and includes a mandatory semester abroad.

During this period, students have the opportunity to study at renowned international institutions such as Abertay University in Scotland, globally recognised for its excellence in game development and design, as well as the University of Bradford, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences – Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries, and HdM Stuttgart Media University.

More than an academic exchange, this experience allows students to expand their cultural perspective, strengthen their technical and creative skills, and build an international network of contacts – essential for succeeding in the global games industry.

Exclusive access to the PlayStation™ First Academic Program

Guaranteed professional hardware and software through our partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Methodologies and technological skills
  • Project-based learning (PBL) – Each semester is based on a single, realistic project. By the end of the degree, students have already six games developed, which are the main elements of the portfolio they will present to the industry.
  • Clear focus on development – Combination of the various aspects of video game development and software engineering.
  • Multiple languages and technologies – Students develop their projects using multiple programming languages (C, C#, and C++) and game frameworks/engines (SDL, Unity, and Unreal).
  • Multidisciplinary teams – Part of the six semester-long projects are carried out by teams that also integrate students from other B.Sc.’s, increasing the quality of the created products and student skills in multidisciplinary teamwork.

Study plan

Consult the structure of the curricular plan

1º SEMESTER
2º SEMESTER
3º SEMESTER
4º SEMESTER
5º SEMESTER
6º SEMESTER
CURRICULAR UNITSHOURSECTS
Programming Fundamentals I849
Fundamental Math for Games I283
Visual Culture283
Game Production283
Grid-Based Game Project7012
CURRICULAR UNITSHOURSECTS
Programming Fundamentals II566
Fundamental Math for Games II423
Data Structures283
Game Design426
Turn-Based Game Project7012
CURRICULAR UNITSHOURSECTS
2D Game Programming566
Physics and Math for 2D Games423
Object-Oriented Programming283
Artificial Intelligence I426
2D Game Project7012
CURRICULAR UNITSHOURSECTS
3D Game Programming569
Physics and Math for 3D Games423
Computer Graphics I283
Project Management423
3D Game Project7012
CURRICULAR UNITSHOURSECTS
Advanced Game Programming849
Computer Graphics II423
Artificial Intelligence II423
Advanced Game Project7015
CURRICULAR UNITSHOURSECTS
Online Game Programming849
Online Gaming Services423
Security for Games423
Online Game Project7015

Admission exams

Or selects one of the sets of exams:

  • 02 Biology and Geology + 16 Mathematics 
  • 04 Economics+ 16 Mathematics
  • 07 Physics and Chemistry+ 16 Mathematics
  • 10 Descriptive Geometry+ 16 Mathematics
  • 13 English+ 16 Mathematics
  • 18 Portuguese+ 16 Mathematics

Course director

Nélio Codices

Co-founder and Director of BATTLESHEEP, a Portuguese video game development studio founded in 2008, specialising in web and mobile games. He has held roles as a Producer, Game Designer, and Programmer on both independent projects and commissioned work for national and international clients.
André Sabino

André Sabino

PhD in Computer Science from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, where he also obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

His research areas are systems architecture, geographic information systems, and machine learning.

Career opportunities

  • Digital Games Programmer
  • Interactive systems and Artificial Intelligence
  • Games for social networks and companies
  • Data analyst
  • Programmer

Testimonial

Oriente Green Campus

A SPACE WHERE CREATIVITY HAS NO BOUNDARIES.

Here you will have a transformative experience where innovation, technology and creativity merge to create a unique and distinctive learning environment.

Get ready to take your talent to the next level at the new IADE campus in 2025.

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.

Certification and accreditation

Accreditation and Report by A3ES for the Degree in Game Developm ent.

Registration R/A-Cr 6/2014/AL02 of 27/07/2021.

Order no. 8106/2021, of 16 August 2021, II series, no. 158 DR

Onsite +351 21 598 9180Online +351 21 598 9182