One Degree Program – Two Innovative Specialization Options
The international Animation and Game Master’s degree program provides students with advanced theoretical knowledge and methodological competencies related to the conceptualization and realization of digital animations, games and immersive experiences. The program is taught in English language and combines a high academic standard with a strong practical orientation. It is carried out by an interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers and industry practicioners and offers a comprehensive and hands-on approach to learning that reflects current industry standards. The emphasis on project-based learning allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. The Master of Arts Animation and Game includes two optional specialization pathways: Technical Direction and Creative Direction.
The curriculum is intended for full time studies. It is offered as 2-semester, 3-semester and a 4-semester program version. Applicants with an 8-semester/240 ECTS Bachelor degree or Diploma are qualified for the 2-semester pathway. Applicants with a 7-semester/210 ECTS Bachelor degree or Diploma are qualified for the 3-semester pathway. The 4-semester version includes an industrial placement semester or, as an alternative, a study abroad semester. It is obligatory for undergraduate applicants holding a 6 semester/180 ECTS Bachelor degree.
CREATIVE DIRECTION SPECIALIZATION
The Creative Direction Specialization aims to qualify students for creative leadership roles in the animation and game industry, such as animation directors, lead game designers, art directors or creative producers. It provides students with intense genre knowledge and critique as well as a mastery of industrial standard producing practices.
Students are enabled to develop compelling, innovative content as well as carry out original research in the field of animations, games and VR-Experiences. Project based learning strategies integrate a variety of relevant subjects, such as animation and game studies, advanced game experience design and game-based learning strategies, narrative design, mise-en-scène and cinematography, IP development and creative direction.
Students develop the ability to define, communicate and implement a directorial vision based on state-of-the-art producing, production management and leadership methods. They gain practical directorial experience by leading animation, game and virtual reality projects in the Animation and Game Bachelor program under the supervision of lecturers with strong industry background.
Do you aim to lead and inspire creative teams in the international animation and game industry? Do you want to qualify for systematic original research and development in the field of animations, games and immersive experiences in order to find innovative creative solutions to real-world issues? Find out how to get enrolled in the Creative Direction Specialization.
TECHNICAL DIRECTION SPECIALIZATION
Are you passionate about games, animations, and visual effects? Do you enjoy technology-based problem-solving and working in multidisciplinary creative teams? Are you interested in developing innovative, research-driven technological approaches related to animation and game workflows and production pipelines? Then the Technical Direction Specialization could be the perfect fit for you!
The Technical Direction Specialization is designed to qualify students for leadership roles that oversee all technical dimensions of animation and game development and production. As technical directors, lead programmers, lead technical designers, or technical producers, our graduates act as liaisons between artists and engineers and bring creative visions to life through their technical expertise and leadership skills.
Emphasizing project-based learning strategies, the program focuses on providing students with in-depth knowledge of industry-standard and emerging technical approaches and solutions addressing relevant areas such as game programming, animation and game workflows and production pipelines, performance optimization, custom tool development, shader creation, simulation, VFX and procedural generation, advanced rigging, performance capture, AI, and virtual reality technologies.
Students are trained to conduct original research into the technical aspects of animation, games, VR, and AR productions. They learn to define, communicate, and implement a technical vision, utilizing cutting-edge programming, production management, and leadership methods. Practical experience is gained through directing animation, game, and virtual reality projects in the Animation and Game Bachelor program under the guidance of experienced professors.
