Overview

The Art and Design - Games and Playable Media programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides a unique interdisciplinary environment for students to master the craft of digital storytelling and interactive systems. By merging technical proficiency with artistic expression, the curriculum prepares graduates to innovate within the evolving landscape of global media and entertainment.

Housed within the Department of Performance, Play & Design, this degree benefits from a collaborative atmosphere where traditional performance arts meet cutting-edge digital technology. Students engage in socially conscious analysis and rigorous experimentation to create accessible and equitable interactive experiences.

Why Art and Design - Games and Playable Media at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The university offers a distinctive learning environment situated on a 2,000-acre campus overlooking Monterey Bay. Students benefit from the expertise of the Department of Performance, Play & Design, which was formed to serve those interested in the intersection of theatre and game design. The department hosts over 150 events annually, providing ample opportunities for public engagement.

Facilities include dedicated faculty labs and studios where students can explore research excellence and showcase their work during Open Studios and annual Games Showcases. The programme is committed to social equity and justice, encouraging students to disrupt oppressive narratives through their creative digital scholarship.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Game Design
Digital Media
Performance, Play & Design
Visual Arts
Creative Technologies
Theater Arts
Interactive Storytelling
Socially Conscious Design

Careers with Art and Design - Games and Playable Media

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the creative industries, focusing on game development, digital art, and interactive media production. The programme's emphasis on both technical skills and critical analysis allows alumni to pursue careers as game designers, digital artists, and creative directors.

The interdisciplinary nature of the studies ensures that graduates can navigate various sectors, including software development, entertainment, and educational technology. By participating in departmental showcases and research highlights, students build a professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to create impactful playable media.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

3D Animation

Video Game Design

Production Technique

University Concert Choir

University Orchestra

Large Jazz Ensemble

West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble

Classical Guitar Ensemble

Balinese Gamelan

Wind Ensemble

Central Asian Ensemble

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Graphic Design Game Design View 260 other Bachelors in Game Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses ("a-g" courses), with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year.

Earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (3.40 or better for a non-resident of California) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Art and Design - Games and Playable Media.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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