BA in Animation and Game
Your future in the Animation and Game industry starts here!
Is it your dream to work in the Animation and Game industry? Come and study at our university!
“Animation & Game” is not just a degree programme; it is a way of life.
It was established in 2008 and is now regarded as one of the largest and best in this field. The programme plays a key role in the Animation and Game industry, providing both the German and international games and animation sectors with skilled professionals and researchers.
The course offers an interdisciplinary Bachelor's programme with a strong practical focus. The study programme is taught in English and enables students to qualify for a wide variety of careers in the international Animation and Game industries.
Are you aiming to become a professional game developer, animator or technical artist and work in an international studio? Do you want to learn from lecturers who have worked in the industry and continue to do so, as well as from many outstanding professionals from leading studios who support us as guest lecturers? Do you want to enjoy fantastic events and campus life alongside your studies? (find out more…)
Whether you want to be the best gameplay programmer, an award-winning character artist, or a designer who creates Triple-A titles, it all starts here! To make your dream come true, you can choose one of two study tracks: Technology or Art & Design. Our alumni work all over the world for big names such as Nintendo, Ubisoft and Disney.
So join the Animation and Game Department at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences!
Find out more about how to apply!
HDA Students Win the 2025 German Computer Game Award
Award-winning games start here!
Students on our degree programme have once again demonstrated that practice-oriented learning works: their game “Blob the Klex” has won the German Computer Game Award 2025 in the Best Prototype category! They came out on top against 70 other entries from other universities as the best student project.
And we have also been nominated again for the DCP 2026 with the game “Under Pressure”
The award highlights what makes our programme special – real projects, real teams, real impact. Right from the start, students create games that don’t just stay in the classroom, but make waves in the industry.
Want to create award-winning games yourself?
Then take a look at our Bachelor's programme in Animation and Game Design – where art, design, storytelling and game technology come together. Your own game could be next!
Read more about the award: https://deutscher-computerspielpreis.de/chronik/blob-the-klex/
Why study Animation & Games at h_da?
- Project-based learning and real-world projects
- Lecturers from the international industry
- Excellent facilities, development kits and a modern GameLab
- Small class sizes and a degree programme taught entirely in English
- A broad-based course of study covering the entire spectrum, whilst also allowing for specialisation
- Dedicated project rooms for students
- Numerous VR spaces of various sizes and with different equipment are available to the project groups.
- A professional team supports students during production using specialised feedback methods.
- We regularly showcase student work to the public and the industry
- A LOT of events and extracurricular activities such as board game nights, detective games, tournaments, game jams, talks by industry veterans, parties, exhibitions and more…! Take a look at our Events page: Recurring events
Our strong industry network
Some of our industry partners who provide us with lecturers, with whom we have research collaborations, or where our graduates work:
The Technology Specialisation
This specialisation explores the technical development and production of animations and games, combining a solid theoretical foundation with practical, hands-on experience. It prepares students for key technical roles by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced animation and gaming industries. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the specialised curriculum addresses the growing demand for technically proficient specialists, ensuring graduates are ready to tackle current and future challenges in the field.
Key Learning Areas:
- Game System Design & Software Architecture
- Programming Languages & Graphics Technologies
- Technical Art & Procedural Content Creation
- Generative AI & Creative Tools
- Back-end Technologies (Networks, Databases, Client/Server)
Details
The ‘Technology Specialisation’ course explores the fundamental aspects of digital technology, focusing on technical principles. As an integral part of applied computer science, it provides theoretical knowledge whilst placing a strong emphasis on practical application.
- Game Programming
- Game Design
- Basic Technology
- Technical Art
- Game Engines
- Graphics Programming
- Generative and Behavioural AI
- Shader Development
- Procedural Content Creation
- Animation or Game Semester Project
As the entertainment industry becomes increasingly diverse, new technologies are giving rise to new areas of work. Our programme opens the door to a wide range of professional fields. Our students not only benefit from excellent career prospects as developers or tech artists in the gaming industry; graduates of this specialisation may also pursue careers as gameplay, engine, graphics or AI programmers.
Tech Artist:
They act as a bridge between the artists and the programmers. Technical artists (TAs) make the artists’ work easier. They develop new tools and integrate technology into the game engine to ensure it works as effectively as possible for the people creating the art. If an artist wants to create something complex, TAs will assess whether it is technically feasible and devise the best way to achieve it. In some studios, where the animation team requires complex rigging, they may call on the TAs to carry this out.
Programming:
- Gameplay Programmer
- Graphics Programmer
- Engine Programmer
- Network Programmer
Development:
- Game Designer / Game System Designer
- Level Designer
- Technical Producer
- Lead Programmer / Development Director
Is the technology specialisation only for game programmers?
No, of course not. Although programming is a major part of it, it’s also about creating art with the help of code, tools such as Houdini, or, of course, new creative systems in VR or on your mobile phone. Many special effects are created by ‘tech artists’, and tech specialists are also very much in demand in the field of animation.
Which game engines, programming languages and software do you use?
We use all sorts of things. We primarily teach using Unity and C#, but Unreal, C++ and even DirectX and shader programming play a major role in the technology area. As art tools, we also use Blender, Maya, Houdini and, of course, Photoshop.
Art & Design Specialisation
The Art & Design specialisation focuses on the creative development and technology-based production of Animations and Games. It offers an integrated approach to design theory, artistic expression and digital production, equipping students with the creative and technical expertise essential for creating innovative content. Students develop skills across Animation and Game design, visual and narrative design, prototyping and digital art – combining conceptual thinking with hands-on practice using industry-standard tools and workflows.
The curriculum emphasises creative versatility, critical inquiry and a deep engagement with the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of Animation and Games. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of creative roles in the global Animation and Game industries, including digital artist, game designer, animation artist, narrative designer and creative producer.
Key Learning Areas:
- Animation
- Game design
- Narrative design
- Visual development and art direction
- 3D asset creation
- Technical art
- Creative production
Details
The “Art % Design” specialisation focuses on the creative development and technology-based artistic realisation of original and innovative Animation and Game experiences. The curriculum combines design theories, creative strategies and artistic practices in the field of Animation and Games with relevant digital production methods. Students develop skills in key areas such as:
- Animation (3D character and creature animation, motion capture, 2D animation)
- Game design and level design
- Narrative design and world-building
- Cinematography for animation and games
- Character and creature design, 3D character and creature creation
- 3D environment design and 3D asset creation
- Technical art
- Procedural generation and visual effects
- Visual development and art direction
- Lighting and look development
- Design theory
- Creative production and production management
- Research and development methodology
The ‘Art & Design’ specialisation prepares students for creative careers in the international Animation and Game industry. Our graduates work in a variety of professional roles, such as:
- animator
- game designer
- level designer
- character artist
- environment artist
- technical artist
- visual effects artist
- concept artist
- narrative designer
- creative producer