This English-language Master's degree gives you both the theoretical foundations and hands-on skills needed to build games and the technologies that power them. Coursework and practical modules cover user experience, computer vision, scientific visualization and current research trends such as extended reality (VR/AR), deep learning/AI, serious games, rendering and game-engine optimization, motion capture and character animation. Teaching is enriched by industry guest lectures, workshops, and close links to applied research.
A distinctive feature is intensive project work that spans three semesters, allowing you to develop complete games or other complex systems with iterative feedback. The third semester includes a mobility window for study or collaboration abroad. The programme is designed to accommodate students who work alongside their studies, with individual support for part‑time arrangements.
You will study in modern labs and an award-winning game studio (Hochschulperle 2022), benefit from long-standing expertise in game development (the department has produced over 100 games since 2006), and can take part in regular community events such as game jams, e-sports and public presentations (including a booth at Gamescom). Research opportunities are available through the Institute for Visual Computing, and there are strong regional and international partnerships—examples include exchange links in Japan and Canada—and a clear pathway to doctoral study after graduation.
Requirements (summary)
This two-year (four-semester) programme totals 120 ECTS and combines structured coursework with extended team projects and close individual mentoring. From the start students are encouraged to carry out independent scientific work while taking part in interdisciplinary research and development activities, preparing them for both industry roles and further academic study.
Core teaching takes place mainly in the first and second semesters and introduces foundational game technologies — notably user interaction, computer graphics and storytelling. Running alongside these modules is a continuous, three-semester project in which student teams design, implement and evaluate game technologies, giving hands-on experience of the full development cycle. The third semester adds a seminar and a "creating innovation" sequence and includes a mobility window to support study or research abroad; optional elective courses allow students to tailor their profile.
In the final semester students focus on research for and writing of their Master’s thesis, culminating in an oral defence that completes the degree requirements. By the end of the programme graduates will have demonstrable skills in independent research, collaborative R&D, practical game-technology development, and the ability to communicate and defend technical work — all supported by personalised mentoring. See the programme’s module matrix for a detailed breakdown of individual modules and ECTS allocation.
Key requirements and structure
Please note that this programme is currently going through accreditation and admission details may change. Check the latest information on enrolment and semester start dates at: https://www.h-brs.de/en/inf
Admission requires a relevant undergraduate degree and demonstrable computer science knowledge. Typically this is satisfied by a four‑year bachelor’s programme in computer science with at least 65% CS content. Graduates of related degrees (mathematics, natural sciences or engineering) can also be considered if their prior studies included a substantial proportion of computer science; final decisions are made on the basis of submitted credentials and academic merit. You must supply a motivation letter and a CV to support your application.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Graduates acquire practical and research-oriented skills in game development and underlying technologies (graphics, rendering/engine optimisation, AI/deep learning, XR/AR/VR, motion capture, scientific visualisation and user experience). Typical career paths include roles as game developers, engine or graphics programmers, technical artists, XR/AR/VR engineers, AI specialists for interactive systems, and software developers in simulation or interactive media.
The programme’s close industry ties, project experience, and access to research projects via the Institute for Visual Computing also prepare graduates for research roles or a PhD. Demand remains strong for specialists who combine technical expertise with interactive media experience across entertainment, training/serious games, visualization, and emerging XR applications.
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