Game Design
Master the craft of game design by honing your technical and creative skills. Build your own unique portfolio through hands-on projects in our innovative programme to carve your own path into the gaming industry.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Institute of Art Design and Technology |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Institute of Art Design and Technology | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Min Entry Requirements
2 H5 + 4 O6/H7
English O6/H7
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Careers / Further progression
What will I do after I graduate?
In Ireland, the employment in design-intensive sectors has the potential to grow by over 20,000 jobs between 2020-2026. With an estimated 2.2 billion people playing video games across the world, the gaming industry is one of high growth and rapidly-developing opportunities.
Graduates will be equipped to pursue a range of specialist roles in the industry, including Game Designer, Level Designer, Sound Designer, and Project Manager. Graduates will also be exposed to a wide range of technical skills allowing them to explore roles in related creative and technical fields such as Programming, Social Media Marketing, Animation, and Web Design. Potential employers include notable Irish game companies such as Digit, Romero Games, Black Shamrock and Vela.
Graduates can continue to a broad range of Masters programmes in Ireland and internationally.
Further information
September 2026
Mature Students
We welcome applications from mature students, who must apply to the CAO.
More info for Mature https://iadt.ie/services/institute-student-services/access-social-inclusion/mature-students/
30
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
What is Game Design?
Game design is the art of crafting game mechanics, systems and rules that shape a player’s experience. As a game designer, you’ll collaborate and experiment to create playful, immersive worlds. Through this course you’ll learn:
Technical Mastery: Gain expertise in industry-standard tools like Unreal and Unity.
Artistic Vision: Learn visual art using tools like Photoshop, Blender, and Maya.
Design Thinking: Collaborate with a strong team ethic, refining your games through iterative design.
Human Understanding: Explore the philosophical, psychological and historical roots of games to create experiences that resonate with players.
With input from leading Irish gaming studios, our project-based structure ensures you’ll be creating games from day one.
What will I do?
Become proficient in industry-standard tools, processes and developer-player relationships.
Study the creative and technical aspects of game design, exploring stories, characters, challenges and rewards.
Explore and express your creativity, innovative thinking and problem-solving, and cultivate the creative mindset essential for success in this dynamic industry.
The course is structured to include over eight game projects (one major project each semester), progressively building your skills and portfolio.
Learn how to use industry-standard game development equipment and software from leading gaming industry practitioners.
What will I study?
In first year, explore game design fundamentals, including Paper Prototyping, Digital Tools, Ludology and Creative Programming, culminating in the development of a unique board game and your first 2D game experience.
By second year, advanced topics include a deep dive into complex game mechanics, level design, 3D Game Engine development and 3D modelling. Projects involve the development of 3D games individually and working in teams as part of a designated role.
In third year, explore Rapid Game Prototyping, Sound Design, Quest Design, and Advanced Game Engines. This semester focuses on rapid iteration of multiple game projects as you grow in confidence and develop your skills as a game designer. Explore opportunities for study abroad or engage in a work placement in partnership with our industry links.
In your final year, study Emerging Technologies and advanced aspects of game design while developing your portfolio. A capstone project focuses on a culmination of your unique skillset as a game designer.
International Study Opportunities
This is a new programme, and partnership agreements will be established during the academic year 2025/2026.
What modules will I study?
Year 1
Semester 1
Paper Prototyping
Digital Tools
Ludology
Programming
IADT Connect
Semester 2
Gamification
2D Game Asset Creation
Games + Culture
2D Game Engine
IADT Year 1 Workshop
Year 2
Semester 1
Designing Dynamics: Systems + Mechanics
Environmental World Building
Quest Design
3D Game Engine
Semester 2
Creating 3D Characters
Level Design
Collaborative Learning
Player Experience Design
IADT Year 2 Elective
Year 3
Semester 1
Rapid Game Prototyping
Sound Design
Advanced Game Engine (Elective)
Psychology of Games (Elective)
Semester 2
Professional Practice + Placement
Research Design
Game Industry
Year 4
Semester 1
Major Project A
Advanced Animation
Emerging Technologies
Sound + Music
XR Development
Semester 2
Major Project B
Professional Development + Critical Thinking
Game Based Learning
Dr Naoise Collins
Course Co-ordinator
Email: Naoise.collins@iadt.ie