BA Games Design Degree

Internships in companies are a key element in your training. Gaining experience after what you have learned in your degree is the best way to enter the labor market. There are two types of internships, curricular (included in your curriculum) and extracurricular (those you can do voluntarily).

To carry out curricular internships in companies, you will need to have 50% of the credits approved and enroll the subject before starting your internship. These practices are monitored by the company and the internship teacher, as well as the realization of intermediate and final reports for evaluation.

If you want to improve your work experience before finishing your university education, you can do extracurricular internships. You can do them in any course but we remind you that the practices are a training complement to your studies; Therefore, the more knowledge you have acquired throughout the career, the more you will get out of the internship experience.

Consult the list of campanies

Core competencies

• CB1: Students have demonstrated that they possess and understand knowledge in a field of study building on the foundations of general secondary education, typically at a level which, whilst drawing on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects involving knowledge at the forefront of their field of study.
• CB2: Students should be able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the Competencies typically demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem-solving within their field of study.
• CB3: Students should have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to form judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.
• CB4: Students should be able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• CB5: Students should have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy.

Cross-disciplinary competencies

• CT01 Independent Learning: Skill to choose the strategies, tools and times deemed most effective for learning and to independently apply what has been learnt.
• CT02 Self-confidence: The ability to assess one’s own results, performance and capabilities with the inner conviction that one is capable of tackling the tasks and challenges presented.
• CT03 Ability to adapt to new situations: being able to assess and understand different perspectives, adapting one’s own approach as the situation requires.
• CT04 Analytical and synthesis abilities: the ability to break down complex situations into their constituent parts; also to perform assessment of other alternatives and perspectives in order to find optimal solutions. Synthesis seeks to reduce complexity in order to better understand it and/or solve problems.
• CT05 Ability to apply knowledge in practice: to use knowledge acquired in an academic setting in situations as close as possible to the reality of the profession for which they are training.
• CT06 Oral/written communication: ability to convey and receive data, ideas, opinions and attitudes to achieve understanding and action, with oral communication taking place through words and gestures and written communication through writing and/or visual aids.
• CT07 Awareness of ethical values: The ability to think and act in accordance with universal principles based on the value of the individual, aimed at their full development and entailing a commitment to certain social values.
• CT08 Information management: The ability to seek, select, analyse and integrate information from diverse sources.
• CT09 Interpersonal skills: The ability to interact positively with others through verbal and non-verbal means, via assertive communication, understood as the ability to express or convey what one wants, thinks or feels without causing discomfort, offence or hurt to the other person’s feelings.
• CT10 Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit: Ability to tackle difficult or risky tasks with determination. Ability to anticipate problems, propose improvements and persevere in achieving them. Preference for taking on and carrying out activities.
• CT11 Planning and time management: Ability to set objectives and choose the means to achieve them, using time and resources effectively.
• CT12 Critical reasoning: The ability to analyse an idea, phenomenon or situation from different perspectives and adopt one’s own personal approach to it, based on rigour and reasoned objectivity, rather than intuition.
• CT13 Problem-solving: The ability to find a solution to a confusing issue or a complicated situation with no predefined solution, which hinders the achievement of a goal.
• CT14 Innovation-Creativity: Ability to propose and develop new and original solutions that add value to the problems posed, including from fields other than that of the problem itself.
• CT15 Responsibility: The ability to fulfil the commitments a person makes to themselves and to others when carrying out a task and striving to achieve a set of objectives within the learning process. The ability, present in every individual, to recognise and accept the consequences of an action freely undertaken.
• CT16 Decision-making: The ability to choose between existing alternatives or methods to effectively resolve different situations or problems.
• CT17 Teamwork: The ability to integrate and collaborate actively with other people, fields and/or organisations to achieve common objectives.
• CT18 Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Ability to use information and communication technologies effectively as a tool for searching for, processing and storing information, as well as for developing communication skills.

Specific competencies

• CE01 Knowledge of the core principles of the software used in video games.
• CE02 Knowledge of the classic principles of animation.
• CE03 Knowledge of the artistic techniques and tools associated with the creation of animated digital contents.
• CE04 Ability to analyse a context and, based on the data collected, make decisions regarding the digital video game project, taking into account the target audience and the established business model.
• CE05 Possess core knowledge of economics, marketing and commercialisation for the management of video game projects.
• CE06 Knowledge of the principles of narrative in relation to video games and their cultural specificity.
• CE07 Understanding the interrelationships between different artistic representations, such as video games, and their schools of thought throughout history.
• CE08 Knowledge of the visual codes of the image in terms of structure, form, colour and space in digital environments.
• CE09 Appreciate the formal, semantic, functional and ergonomic values of the design of interactive representations.
• CE10 Possess core knowledge of project management for the design and development processes of an interactive product.
• CE11 Knowledge of the working environment, employability resources and the legal framework within the field of video games.
• CE12 Ability to represent the anatomy, form and proportions of the human body as applied to animation design.
• CE13 Knowledge to apply the principles and techniques of artistic creation to the conceptualisation, design and development of animated characters.
• CE14 Knowledge to apply the principles and techniques of artistic creation to the conceptualisation, design and development of vehicles and props.
• CE15 Apply the principles and techniques of artistic creation to the conceptualisation, design and development of animated environments.
• CE16 Knowledge to apply traditional principles of animation to the digital animation of characters and other elements.
• CE17 Knowledge to apply the essential techniques of modelling and three-dimensional representation of animated elements based on a design.
• CE18 Ability to synthesise video game projects by expressing ideas graphically and in writing, in a structured, organised and comprehensible manner.
• CE19 Ability to express specific emotions in writing and through visual representation within a video game project
• CE20 Ability to synthesise sound elements and apply sound design techniques in an interactive digital product.
• CE21 Ability to apply traditional artistic creation techniques to the field of video games.
• CE22 Ability to apply the artistic techniques and tools associated with video game development.
• CE23 Ability to apply knowledge of sociology, psychology and anthropology to the development of video game projects
• CE24 Carry out professional work in the field of video games.
• CE25 Ability to produce an interactive graphic document that demonstrates personal technical and artistic skills.
• CE26 Ability to execute freehand drawing with ease, both for the conception and representation of interactive digital contents and video games.
• CE27 Ability to produce high-quality images using the most appropriate tools for each video game project.
• CE28 Ability to apply technical drawing to the representation of components or spaces in a video game project.
• CE29 Ability to construct animated and interactive computer models based on a preliminary design.
• CE30 Ability to build 3D rigs from a given model.
• CE31 Ability to design and apply usability assessment methods in interactive digital environments
• CE32 Ability to apply the appropriate game mechanics and dynamics to each video game project.
• CE33 Ability to apply game techniques to a specific environment, not necessarily a recreational one, within the field of interactive products
• CE34 Ability to apply the creative fundamentals of idea generation in audiovisual projects for interactive digital environments.
• CE35 Ability to apply the fundamentals of materials technology for use in interactive digital environments.
• CE36 Ability to design and plan a fully operational audiovisual or interactive new media design project.
• CE37 Ability to conceptualise and produce a digital artwork that requires the use of computer technologies for its execution.
• CE38 Ability to write and defend, before a University Defense Panel, an original academic piece of work carried out individually and related to the discipline studied.

This degree is ideal for students interested in:

• Creativity, restlessness and curiosity.
• Culture, art and design.
• The technologies of graphic expression and communication in digital environments.
• Manual drawing and its applications in digital drawing.
• Computer graphic tools.
• Teamwork and critical judgment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• A good level of English is recommended.
• They should be interested in taking on innovative challenges and in continuous training throughout their professional life.

The admission tests for this degree will be weighted as follows:

• Competency test: 40%.
• Interview: 60%.

The competency test: evaluates the student's potential, not only in the elements related to the keys to academic success, but also in the competencies most valued by employers in recent graduates entering the labor market.

Interview: The purpose of the interview is to evaluate the adequacy of the student's profile to successfully undertake the proposed degree program and to inform the student about the graduate's profile.

The requirements for access to the degree are as follows:

• Obtain a passing grade in the University Entrance Examination, in accordance with current legislation.
• Obtain a passing grade in the entrance exams for those over 25 and 45 years of age.
• Higher Technicians, Higher Technicians of Plastic Arts and Design and Higher Sports Technicians.
• Graduates, Graduates, Technical Engineers, Engineers, Architects or Graduates.
• Baccalaureate students from educational systems of member states of the European Union and other countries with which international agreements have been signed in this regard, may access the Degree provided that in their educational system they have access to the university, and the provisions of the current regulations are met.
• Students from other countries and those who do not have an international agreement signed, must homologate their studies and take the university entrance exam(s) if required according to RD 412/2014.

Applicants with work and professional experience in relation to an education, who do not have any academic qualification enabling them to access the university by other routes and who are or have reached 40 years of age before October 1 of this year.

• Marta del Valle Canencia
  Professor of 3D Animation courses and coordinator of Video Game and Animation programs at the Universidad Europea de Madrid. She is a board member of the Women in the Animation Industry Association (MIA) and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alcalá. Her research focuses on body language and movement applied to 3D animation. She holds a Master’s in 3D Character Animation from U-TAD and a degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Marta has also worked internationally, including as a 3D Character Animator for games like "Die Young" by Indiegala Rome.
• Guillermo Castilla
  A Ph.D. in Engineering, professor, and researcher at Universidad Europea de Madrid, he coordinates Final Degree Projects in Video Game Design and Animation. Former president of the gEducation Scientific Committee at the Gamification World Conference, his research encompasses educational innovation, with work published in national and international forums.
• Mayte Barranco
  Bachelor of Fine Arts with a specialization in sculpture and digital creation, she obtained her Ph.D. from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2017. She teaches traditional and digital modeling as well as 3D texturing.
• Antonio Barba Salvador
  Ph.D. in Multidisciplinary Engineering, he has extensive experience in audio engineering and has taught at Universidad Europea since 2011 in Video Game Design and Animation programs. He is also the CEO of SingularMotion, an engineering project company.
• Sergio Vozmediano Ávilas
  Computer engineer and experienced in telecommunications, he has served as CTO at Plusuni, a Google-backed startup. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. and conducting research on gamification, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
• María Socorro Pascual Nicolás
  With degrees in Art History and Conservation, she is experienced in 2D and 3D art, animation, and conservation, and she has designed exhibits in collaboration with Google and UPM.
• Álvaro Daza
  Teacher in Animation and Video Game Design with extensive experience in AAA game development and indie games. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, with a research focus on expressive and aesthetic narrative in video games.
• Verónica Rufo
  She holds degrees in Graphic Design, with extensive industry experience in content creation and visual storytelling for comic, animation, and video game projects. Currently a Ph.D. candidate, her research is on visual paratranslation in video game development.
• Luis Miguel Sánchez
  Professor of game art at Telefónica Educación Digital, he is an experienced 3D artist and founder of Wallaby 42 Studios. He has developed curriculum content for video game production programs.
• Luis Gutiérrez Tamurejo
  With over 10 years in the video game industry, Luis teaches subjects related to leadership, production, and marketing and has managed video game distribution projects for Tesura Games.
• José Luis de Arteche
  Video game project instructor with a background in IT management, sales, and software development. He is the CEO of FivexGames and an active developer of multi-platform games using Unity.
• Araceli Pineda Izquierdo
  Animation professor and character rigger with experience in series, films, and video games. She is a member of MIA and has strong expertise in 3D modeling and post-production.
• Pedro José Lara Bercial
  Accredited Professor and Director in the STEAM School at Universidad Europea with an interest in educational innovation, ICT, and interdisciplinary skills development for engineers and designers.
• Gonzalo Mariscal Vivas
  Director of the Science, Computing, and Technology Department, he has extensive experience in IT and education project management, and he also teaches courses in project management, VR, and AR.
• Joaquín Pérez Martín
  Tenured Professor in Design and Video Games and Director of Communication and Marketing since 2021. He previously led the Video Game Design and Programming Master’s program for 11 years.
• Esther Pizarro
  An established artist and professor of Artistic Drawing, her research focuses on urban mobility and cognitive cartography in cities. Her installations explore urban complexity and nature in contemporary urban contexts.
• Daniel Rodríguez Palacios
  Ph.D. in Contemporary Art, he specializes in concept art and UX/UI design, with experience in film and video game companies.
• Luis Pessini Pinilla
  With expertise in web development, robotics, and drones, he currently teaches computer science basics in the Video Game Design degree at Universidad Europea.
• Sara Polo
  Video game professor and Ph.D. candidate at Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Her research includes gamification and visual design analysis in games from a gender perspective.
• Dámaso González Pino
  Experienced in VR software development for aerospace and defense, he teaches online video game design at Universidad Europea.
• Felipe García Gaitero
  Ph.D. in Educational Sciences and IT engineer with a focus on STEM and game-based learning, he received the Educa Abanca award in 2022 for outstanding university teaching.
• Carlos Moreno Martínez
  Expert in IT process and portfolio management, he is a founding member of the SmartIS research group, exploring human-computer interaction and emotional response to technology.
  This faculty comprises a diverse and experienced team, dedicated to advancing education and innovation in video game design, animation, and related fields.

The video game design degree trains you to be a professional in the development and design of video games for various platforms, such as PC, mobile and apps. You will learn to manage all phases of the video game creation process, from conceptualization to programming and graphic design, working in teams with other specialists in the sector.

To become a video game designer, you have to study a degree in video game design or a Double Degree in Computer Engineering and Video Game Design.

Video game designers work in studios dedicated to the development and production of video games. They may be part of all stages of the project, from the creation of the concept, the characters, the platform and type of games, the target audience and market, the game strategy or the environment that is chosen.

You can work in international video game studios or independent studios. You can also create your own team and develop a video game to launch it to the market.

Universidad Europea offers the Video Game Design and Development Degree in face-to-face mode at the Creative Campus located in the center of Madrid. This urban environment offers direct access to video game studios and industry events, as well as connecting students with an active creative community. It also has an online option for those looking for flexibility in their studies.