As we have already mentioned previously on this entertaining blog, the mobile gaming industry in Finland is undoubtedly one of the most successful industries in the country, and whether you are from Finland or elsewhere in the world if you are looking to study game design, you will find the right course here.
How to Study Game Design
Firstly, before deciding which specific course you want to study, and through which institution, you need to consider whether you will be studying:
- Full-time; or
- Part-time;
- At the institution; or
- As a distance learner.
Knowing up-front which of these categories is relevant to your search to study game design, can help narrow down prospective courses and institutions. This is important because there are so many options in Finland; you could easily get overwhelmed by the various possibilities.
What to Study
As with many fields, there are various different courses and routes to study game design. Some of these options will depend on whether or not you have a previous degree or intend to obtain an undergraduate degree.
It is essential to know that many of these courses are taught in English, as well as Finnish, so if the language barrier is a concern for you, it need not be. This is also undoubtedly an indication of how the game industry in Finland is shaping game development around the world.
Different institutions also frame diplomas, degrees, or certificates differently.
Where to Study
The examples of the above courses can be obtained through the following institutions in Finland:
- Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences: International Degree in Design/Game Design
- AALTO University: New Media, Game Design and Production; a full-time, on-campus course for two years
- Tampere University: Master’s Degree Programme in Game Studies; a full-time, on-campus course for two years
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences: Culture and Arts Game Design Degree; offered on a full-time and part-time basis, as well as on-campus or online, for four years
- KAMK University of Applied Studies: Bachelors Degree in Game Development; this provides a range of specialised options, allowing you to personalise your degree, which will then also determine the length of the course.
There is a wealth of options in Finland for any budding game designer, and it goes without saying that there is no better option for you than considering studying this field in Finland. When studying game design, Finland should undoubtedly be your number one choice.