Game Art and Level Design

Game Art and Level Design

  • Study Facts
    • Area of Study
      Interactive Media
    • ECTS
      30
    • NQF Level
      Bachelor's degree (Level 6 1. Cycle)
    • Campus
      Online
    • Study Mode
      Full-time
    • Entry Requirements
      Entry Requirements
    • Study Programme Leader
      Erik Hammer
Introduction

Create Worlds, Sculpt Heroes, and Bring Games to Life - Online Only

Visual storytelling and world-building are at the heart of every great game. This 30 ECTS one-semester programme introduces you to the hands-on artistic and technical skills needed to create immersive 3D game worlds and characters. You will learn professional workflows using Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unity, developing assets and levels to industry standards. The programme is designed as a focused, practice-based introduction to game art and level design, ideal for those looking to build a strong portfolio or prepare for further studies in games, animation, or digital art. Students who complete this package may apply for admission to a full bachelor programme at NUC, with the 30 ECTS credited as part of their studies into the Bachelor in Interactive Media: Games. Study when and where it suits you, with fixed assessment deadlines that keep you motivated and on track.

Why Choose This Programme? 

  • Create 3D designs from Day One: Build your own playable levels and original 3D characters.
  • Industry Tools, Real-World Skills: Learn the same software used by professional studios; Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unity.
  • Portfolio-Driven: Each course produces tangible portfolio pieces you can showcase to employers or universities / university colleges.
  • Compact and Practical: 30 ECTS in one semester, perfect for upskilling or preparing for a bachelor-level animation degree.
  • Creative Community: Work collaboratively in a supportive project-oriented environment.

How It Works 

  • Hands-On Studio Practice: Daily creative sessions supported by lectures, demos, and critiques.
  • Project-Based Learning: Each course includes a production-oriented project that integrates artistic and technical skills.
  • Continuous Assessment: Progress is measured through projects, not exams - you are graded on creativity, technique, and presentation.
  • Interconnected Courses: Skills from each course feed into the others, culminating in a cohesive portfolio.

Who Should Apply 

  • Aspiring 3D artists, level designers, or environment artists who want to enter the game industry.
  • Students seeking to build a portfolio for bachelor-level game art, animation, or digital design programmes.
  • Artists from related fields (illustration, graphic design, traditional art) looking to expand into 3D production.
  • Professionals wanting to reskill or update their knowledge of modern game pipelines.
Aims of the Degree Programme

What You Will Learn 

  • Core 3D modelling, sculpting, and texturing workflows using industry-standard tools.
  • Level design principles, player experience, and spatial storytelling.
  • The art and technical constraints of real-time game production.
  • Collaboration and iteration within a studio-style environment.
  • Personal portfolio and showreel development showcasing your creative and technical competence.

The programme serves as a recognised route into the Bachelor in Interactive Media: Games.

Entry Requirements

For general admission it is required to document the following criteria as passed:

  • Higher Education Entrance Qualification, and
  • Candidates must be able to document proficiency in the English language.
    Language requirements by Samordna Opptak

For admission on basis of prior learning and work experience:
Admission based on prior experience requires a written application for evaluation. Applicable candidates must be at least 25 years of age in the year of admission.

For candidates with foreign education the requirements for Higher Education are:

  • The country must be recognized by NOKUT, specified in the GSU-list.
  • Candidates must be able to document proficiency in the English language.
    Language requirements by Samordna Opptak

For further information, please see the admission requirements: https://www.noroff.no/en/admission/admission-requirements

Opportunities for Further Studies

Bachelor in Interactive Media: Animation

Bachelor in Interactive Media: Games