Bachelor programme in Computer Game Development and Programming

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lulea University of Technology

Program Overview

### Program Overview
The Bachelor Programme in Computer Game Development and Programming at Luleå University of Technology is a three-year (180 credits) hands-on degree that dives deep into game programming, creative projects, and real-world production, perfect for anyone passionate about coding the future of gaming and eager to build AI, physics, and graphics from the ground up. It suits motivated students with a strong foundation in math, physics, and programming who thrive in collaborative, industry-like environments, collaborating with graphics and audio students to create full games.

 

### Curriculum Structure
Year 1 lays a solid foundation by introducing core programming and game concepts, starting with Introduction to Programming (D0009E) to build essential coding skills and Introduction to Game Development (W0037E), which covers professional roles, production pipelines, and basic scripting for visual scripting in games. You'll quickly move into hands-on work, exploring the basics of game creation and getting comfortable with the tools that power modern titles, setting you up for more advanced challenges ahead.

Year 2 ramps up the technical depth with specialized courses like AI Programming, where you'll master algorithms to make game characters smart and responsive, and Physics Programming for Games, teaching you to simulate realistic movements, collisions, and interactions that bring worlds to life. Add in project-based learning through game development projects, and you'll apply these skills collaboratively, honing your ability to integrate complex systems into playable prototypes.

Year 3 focuses on mastery and professional polish with advanced topics such as Graphics Programming for stunning visuals, Game Engine Architecture to design scalable engines, and Game Production to manage full-scale development cycles. You'll cap it off with a degree project, often partnering with industry companies in Sweden or abroad, turning your expertise into a portfolio-ready game that showcases your readiness for the job market.

Focus areas
Core strengths include performance-critical programming in AI, physics simulation, graphics rendering, engine design, and full game production, all blended with creative individual and team projects in authentic studios.

Learning outcomes
Graduates emerge as expert game programmers skilled in building intelligent systems, realistic physics, immersive graphics, and complete games, equipped for global roles in gaming or broader tech fields.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This 180-credit bachelor's degree meets rigorous Swedish higher education standards, delivering a Bachelor of Science with credits in base courses, advanced programming, and projects, fully aligned for international recognition in the gaming industry.

Reputation (employability rankings)
LTU's program stands out for its unique blend of specialized game programming and cross-disciplinary projects, producing graduates with broad employability in gaming and beyond—alumni land roles worldwide thanks to hands-on skills not found in many other programs. Official stats highlight strong job market demand, with opportunities even outside gaming due to versatile programming expertise.

Ready to level up? Apply now at the [official program page](https://www.ltu.se/en/education/programme/tkdpg-computer-game-development-and-programming).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Luleå University of Technology's Bachelor Programme in Computer Game Development and Programming, you'll dive straight into hands-on learning by building real games from the ground up in authentic production environments, right alongside students from our Computer Graphics programme. You'll gain practical skills through courses like AI Programming, Physics Programming for Games, Game Engine Architecture, Graphics Programming, and Game Production, where you program game systems, rules, and intelligent characters that behave realistically. This isn't just theory—it's creative projects that mimic industry workflows, giving you the portfolio and expertise employers crave.

 

Here's how our programme equips you with cutting-edge experiential learning:
- Group game projects: Collaborate on full game developments each semester, often teaming up with Computer Graphics students to create complete titles—check out what past students have built for inspiration.
- Personal workstations: Every student gets their own high-end setup loaded with the latest hardware and software tailored for game dev, ensuring you work with pro-level tools from day one.
- Industry-relevant courses with practical focus: Hands-on labs in game engine architecture, computer graphics programming, computer game physics, and systems to build immersive gameplay and AI.
- Interdisciplinary collaborations: Merge classes once per semester for big projects like films or games, fostering teamwork in a "nerdy" community passionate about the field.

This practical edge at our Skellefteå campus will launch you into the gaming industry confident and ready—spots are limited to 10, so apply by January 15, 2026 (code: LTU-87444). For the full programme details and syllabus, head to https://www.ltu.se/en/education/programme/tkdpg-computer-game-development-and-programming. Ready to create the next big game? Let's chat about your application!

Progression & Future Opportunities

# Why Computer Game Development and Programming at Luleå University of Technology?

 

If you're serious about building a career in game development, the Bachelor Programme in Computer Game Development and Programming at Luleå University of Technology gives you exactly what the industry demands: hands-on technical expertise combined with real creative experience.

## How You'll Learn: Practical Skills from Day One

From your first semester, you won't just sit in lectures—you'll be building actual games. The program is structured around both game programming courses and creative projects, so you're applying what you learn immediately. You'll develop strong programmer skills by working from the ground up to create the underlying systems and rules that govern games. Courses like AI Programming, Physics Programming for Games, Game Engine Architecture, Graphics Programming, and Game Production aren't theoretical—they're designed to make you highly desirable on the global job market.

What makes this program stand out is the collaborative experience. During the program, you'll work on different game projects, often collaborating with students from the related Bachelor Programme in Computer Graphics for Games and Film. This means you're not just learning to code in isolation—you're experiencing real team dynamics that mirror professional game studios.

Here's what you'll actually have access to:

- Hands-on game development projects integrated throughout your studies, building a portfolio as you progress
- Collaborative game projects with graphics students, giving you experience working in multidisciplinary teams
- Specialized technical courses including Game Engine Architecture, Computer Game Physics, and Computer Graphics Programming
- 180 credits (3-year full-time program) of structured learning that combines programming fundamentals with advanced game systems

The program runs as day-time, 100% full-time study in English at the Skellefteå campus, starting in autumn 2026. With only 10 places available, you'll benefit from close mentorship and personalized feedback from instructors who teach exactly what industry professionals use—game engine architecture, physics systems, and graphics rendering.

After graduation, you won't be limited to game studios either. Graduates work across game development, visual effects for film, and feature animation, and many find opportunities outside the gaming industry entirely. That's because strong game programming skills are transferable to any field requiring complex systems thinking and optimization.

The investment in your future starts at 70,000 SEK per semester for the program.

Program Key Stats

Sept Intake : 15th Jan


41 %
No

Eligibility Criteria

2.7
30
65

NA

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Game programmer
  • Programming related roles

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