Studying game design in Malaysia: BA (Hons) Game Design at City University

If your ambition is to design video games, build imagined worlds or create memorable characters, this programme is your first step.

The Bachelor of Game Design (Hons) at City University Malaysia is a three-year degree combining creativity, technology and storytelling to prepare you for the games industry.

About the programme

The degree is built to turn a passion for games into an actual career. By the end you'll have a strong portfolio — which is what genuinely matters when you apply for your first job.

You'll learn how to:

Design enjoyable play experiences

The core principles of game design, from setting player goals and rewards through to balancing challenge and enjoyment across genres.

Build 3D worlds

Create immersive environments using 3D modelling and level design, constructing detailed, interactive spaces.

Create memorable stories and characters

Write compelling narratives, characters and dialogue that carry players through your world and keep them engaged.

Develop complete games

Take a game from first idea and design document through to a fully playable prototype ready to present.

Use professional tools

Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine — an industry standard used by leading studios worldwide, and a direct advantage in the job market.

The curriculum

Year one — game development foundations

Introduction to Game Design
3D Game Design
Programming Fundamentals for Games
Storytelling in Games
Game Mechanics and Interaction
Introduction to Unreal Engine
Game Testing and Quality Assurance

Year two — advanced specialisation

Advanced Unreal Engine techniques
3D character design and animation
Artificial intelligence in games
UI/UX design
Game audio design
Game programming
Research and development in game design

Year three — practical application

Final-year project: developing a complete game
Entrepreneurship in the games industry
Building a professional portfolio

Career paths

After graduating you can move into:

Game Designer
Level Designer
Game Artist / 3D Artist
Game Programmer
Interactive Experience Designer

Entry requirements

You'll need one of the following:

STPM with a minimum grade of C in two subjects; or
STAM with a Good (Jayyid) grade; or
Foundation / preparatory year with a CGPA of 2.00; or
UEC with five subjects at grade B; or
Diploma (MQF Level 4) with a CGPA of 2.00; or
Advanced Diploma (MQF Level 5) with a CGPA of 2.00; or
DKM, DVM or DLKM (subject to university approval)

Note: you may be asked to sit an assessment or interview, or to submit a portfolio. Other qualifications recognised by the Malaysian government may also be accepted.

English requirement: MUET Band 3 or equivalent (CEFR B1).

Other universities that teach this

City University is not the only route. Four more of our partners award a degree in the field, and they are not interchangeable:

University	Programme
UCSI	Bachelor (Hons) Game Design
UniKL	Bachelor of Game Development Technology (Hons)
MSU	Bachelor in Games Design and Animation (Hons)
BAC	Bachelor of Game Development (Game Technology) with Honours
MMU	Bachelor of Animation (Hons), Bachelor of Visual Effects (Hons)

The split that matters is design versus development. A game design degree is mostly about play, narrative and level structure; a development or technology degree is mostly programming. Read the module list before you choose — the two lead to different first jobs.

Why study in Malaysia?

Reasonable tuition fees
Quality education
A multicultural environment
Growing opportunities in technology and creative industries across Southeast Asia

Start with Jusoor

We walk with you step by step — from choosing the right course to applying and securing your visa. Turn your passion for games into a career. 🎮

Book a free consultation