CGL

Cologne Game Lab

Information on studying
Technology
Digital Games Arts Sciences
Bachelor of Arts TH Köln

Overview Application
The application phase for the B. A. in Digital Games starts in
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Games is a full-time program that the beginning of March with the publication of the application
lasts seven semesters and is divided into three specialization tasks on CGL’s website and closes on March 31st. International
tracks: Game Arts, Game Design, and Game Programming. applicants can send their Uni-Assist applications from February
During the first two semesters students receive general training 1st to March 31st. Throughout the application process CGL will
in all three areas. From the third semester onwards, each stu- examine applicants’ formal, artistic and academic qualifications
dent focuses on the specialization of their choice. Along with as well as their English language proficiency.
the practical and project-based modules, the students acquire For further information please visit the CGL website:
the theoretical grounds necessary for the critical examination of www.colognegamelab.de/study/digital-games-ba/apply/
video games. www.colognegamelab.de/f-a-q/
Basic Facts
–– 7 semesters (3 1⁄2 years) Specialization Tracks
–– 3 possible areas of focus: Game Design, Game Arts, and
Students in the Digital Games B. A. program have to decide for a
Game Programming
specialization track that will determine their future path in game
–– Language of instruction: English
design and development. While in the first year of studies all
–– Start: mid-September
students will be introduced to the basics of each field of focus,
–– Number of students per year: 35
the specializations offer advanced studies in one of the tracks
–– No tuition fees
from the second year on until graduation.
Contents
–– Game design Specialization Track: Game Arts
–– Storytelling The Game Arts specialization track of the B. A. Digital Games
–– Audiovisual design program addresses students who are interested in focusing
–– Animation on the audiovisual side of the game development process.
–– Prototyping Students will be introduced to the creation of compelling art
–– Programming and technology concepts and the overall dramaturgic use of art as part of an
–– Project management original game idea.
–– Game & media studies Course examples are:
Approach –– Life Drawing & Drawing in Perspective
–– Focus on both academic theory and professional practice –– Games related Graphic Design
–– Project oriented learning –– Game Art Concepts
–– Transdisciplinary collaboration –– Creative Process
–– 2D and 3D Art and Animation (with a particular focus on 3D)
Entry requirements –– Acting for Animation
–– University entrance qualification (»Abitur« or »Fachabitur«) –– Character & World Design
–– Successful completion of Cologne Game Lab’s application –– Sound Design
procedure
–– International students need to apply through Uni-Assist as
well. Check our special information for international students
 Specialization Track: Game Design Deadlines & Fees
As one of the three specializations of the Digital Games B. A.
program, the Game Design track addresses students who want The Bachelor program begins each year in the winter term
to focus on the creation and communication of the overall (Mid-September), with applications taking place in spring.
ludic and narrative game concept. Basic studies in narratology, Application Process
traditional linear and non-linear dramaturgical approaches –– Beginning of March: Publication of the application tasks on
and ludology will be accompanied by practical exercises in CGL’s website. Applicants will have four weeks to complete
writing and pitching game concepts. Moreover students will be them.
equipped with crucial management skills such as supervising –– March 31st: Deadline for the registration through CGL’s
development and iterations and giving guidance to all creative website, which includes uploading the completed application
departments in turning an original game idea into a release tasks, a portfolio, a school diploma, and a CV. The Uni-Assist
candidate. application can be sent from February 1st to March 31st.*
Further instruction and advanced practice will include: –– June: Interviews.
–– game design fundamentals
–– creating game design document There are no tuition fees, however TH Koeln charges a general
–– player analysis and play testing fee of approximately 265 EUR per semester which includes a
–– systems design ticket for public transport in the area of North Rhine-Westphalia,
–– game mechanics and story telling in analogue and digital including the cities of Cologne, Bonn, and Dusseldorf.
games *Applicants who didn’t receive their Highschool-diploma (Abitur)
–– dramatic and epic story telling yet, can hand it in by July 15, BUT need to apply with their last
–– open worlds diploma or transcript of records, including a letter saying that they
–– story worlds will receive their final diploma after the March 31 deadline. Inter-
–– level design national applicants who don’t have their high school diplomas by
–– single player / multi player mechanics March 31st need to apply to Uni-assist with their latest transcript of
–– serious games and game based learning records and a letter saying that they will receive their final diploma
after the March 31 deadline. They also have until July 15 to send the
Specialization Track: Game Programming diploma to Uni-Assist.
As one of the three specializations of the Digital Games B. A.
program, the Game Programming track addresses students who
are interested in the software development and programming
of digital games. Starting of with basic studies in common pro-
gramming languages, students will be intoduced to creating
game worlds and interaction with the help of algorithms and
database structures.
Further instruction and advanced practice will include:
–– computer architecture
–– basic mathematics (trigonometry, linear algebra, 3D)
–– basic informatics (algorithms, artificial intelligence)
–– frontend (2D/3D graphics, browser)
–– backend technology (network, database, client/server)
–– operating system specifics
–– software management
–– game engines

Cologne Game Lab/TH Köln

Contact:
Cologne Game Lab (CGL)
E: study@colognegamelab.de

Address:
TH Köln
Köln-Mülheim
Schanzenstr. 28
51063 Köln Technology
www.th-koeln.de/digital_games_ba
Arts Sciences
www.colognegamelab.de TH Köln
Stand: 01/2020