BA (Hons) in Creative Technologies and Digital Art
Faculty: Games
Duration: 3 Years
Delivery: Classroom
Level: QQI Level 8
Start Date: 22nd September 2025
Course Director: Michael Joyce
Fees: Please Refer to ‘Fees’ Section Below
Certification: BA (Hons.) Degree
COURSE CONTENT
Play video games ? Like to make them for a living?
This innovative and exciting three-year programme is designed to equip you with the skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the games development industry. You’ll cover programming, narrative writing, 2D and 3D animation; UI design and much more.
- Use industry-standard hardware and software and emerge with a portfolio of work to showcase to future employers.
- Study in our bespoke Halston street studio – designed to capture the feel of a professional games development and animation studio.
- Taught by working industry professionals – lecturers employed by Pulse College have worked on games like Red Dead Redemption II, Hitman II, Borderlands, and Star Trek: Fleet Command.
Our graduates have found work for Irish game and animation studios like Brown Bag Films, Boulder Media, Black Shamrock, Jam Media, Frantic Fun Games, Dimension 88 and Studio Meala, and have worked on popular television series like Disney+’s The Book of Boba Fett.
Year One
Year One
- Introduction to Programming
- 2D Art, Design & Animation
- 3D Modelling for Games
- Game Theory
- Programming for Games
- Game Design & Architecture
- Visual Media
- Research Methods
Year Two
Year Two
- Procedural Programming & Generation
- Mathematics For Digital Application
- Shaders & Technical Art
- Introduction to Audio
- Algorithms & Data Structure
- 3D Animation & Environment for Games
- Level Design & Interactions
- Narrative for Games
- Art & Technology: Critical Analysis
- UI Design & Implementation
Year Three
Year Three
- XR Technologies
- Interactive Design Portfolio
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Final Project
COURSE DIRECTOR
Course Director: Michael Joyce
Michael Joyce is an award-winning game designer and creative developer with extensive experience in game design, digital art, and interactive media. Currently serving as the Programme Director for the Games Department at Pulse College, Michael combines his deep industry knowledge with a passion for mentorship, guiding the next generation of game developers to excel in an ever-evolving field.
Michael holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Design from Atlantic Technological University, a Higher Postgraduate Degree in Interactive Digital Media from Trinity College Dublin, and a Master’s Degree in Digital Arts from the University of Galway. His academic journey encompasses game design, animation, storytelling, character design, user experience, and human-computer interaction, providing a multidisciplinary approach to creative development.
As a Creative Developer and Concept Artist at Mersus Technologies, Michael led the development of numerous virtual reality projects, overseeing 3D asset production and mentoring emerging artists. His game Rupture won the prestigious Best 3D Art award at the Gamesfleadh competition in 2020, sponsored by Epic Games and Microsoft Studios, showcasing his ability to craft visually stunning and engaging experiences using Unreal Engine.
In addition to his industry work, Michael has been a dedicated advocate for fostering talent through education, with a focus on combining technical skills and artistic vision. At Pulse College, he is committed to equipping students with the tools they need to excel in game development and interactive media, blending academic rigor with practical, hands-on experience.
With a career driven by creativity, innovation, and leadership, Michael Joyce continues to shape the future of the gaming industry, inspiring others to push the boundaries of art and technology.
HOW TO APPLY
Admissions
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:
2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
and
Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject).
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.
Or: To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Animation/Art / Media.
Or: a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
General Course Requirements
- A proven interest in Multimedia and/or Game Design techniques and to display some interest in related creative media arts
- Basic knowledge of computers (Mac/PC, and audio software): helpful but not essential
Further Progression
Graduates will be able to find employment in a diverse range of fields, including the video-game industry, animation, the aviation industry (aircraft design and flight simulation), architecture, the film industry, and in the field of medical training. Others may wish to continue further education within an academic environment (e.g. NFQ level 9)
Educational Requirements
Irish Citizens under 23 years of age
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject) and Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject).
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.Or:To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media.Or:a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
Irish mature student over 23 years of age
Students over the age of 23 years of age on 1st January of the year of the course is classified as a Mature Student.Mature applicants are advised to apply directly through the college using the ‘Apply now’ button below. Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview. Applicants will be asked for a detailed CV. Applications should be made before the 31st August the year of the course.
International Student living abroad or in Ireland
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview. International Students below the age of 23 years of age will be required to submit High School Diploma Scripts and any additional Education Certifications.
Minimum language proficiency requirements
All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where an applicant’s mother tongue is not English, they are required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test.
The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English below CEF B2- must first reach this minimum standard.
Note: Students who do not satisfy Pulse College’s English language requirements for direct entry will be required to take an English language preparatory course before commencing studies.
If you have any queries on the above please get in touch with our admissions team admissions@pulsecollege.com
Interview Process
Interview Process
This course requires an interview as part of your applications. Please see the FAQ’s below for commonly asked questions regarding the interview process.
Where do the interviews take place?
The interviews are held in:
‘The Market Studios’
Corner of Halston St. & Mary’s Lane
Dublin 7, Ireland
For applicants who cannot attend their interview in person, interviews will take place online via zoom
How long will the interview be?
The interview will be approximately 1 hour long.
What should I bring?
If you could please bring:
– A copy of your C.V. It should also include details of any groups / associations you have been a member of. It should also list your hobbies / interests
– A copy of your passport/drivers licence
– A copy of any previous education transcripts and certificates
How many people will be interviewing me?
The panel typically comprises 2-3 people.
Apart from the minimum requirements, what do they generally look for in a candidate?
Successful candidates have a strong, proven interest in this area. They are passionate about games and are prepared to work very hard towards their goals.
“The caliber of the teachers were first class in terms of instruction and information. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot!”
Google ReviewCheryl Cobern Browne
FEES
Irish / EU (Residing in Ireland)
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 8,950*
2% PFL Charge of €179 included in Total Fee Per Year
Flexible Payment Option
Deposit: €800 (payable upon acceptance onto the course, following interview)
Enrolment Fee: €3,500 (payable by September)
Instalments: 4 monthly payments of €1,162.50 (Oct – Jan)
Year 2 Course Fees: €8,950
Year 3 Course Fees: €8,950
2% PFL Charge of €189 included in Total Fee Per Year. Please note that a Registration Fee of €250 is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted above for International & EU (living outside of Ireland Students).
International / EU (living outside of Ireland)
Course fees are paid directly to the International Office of our partner college: Griffith College.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Please click here for fee charges
EU Living Abroad: EUR 9,639*
*The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only. 2% PFL Charge of €189 included in Total Fee Per Year. Please note that a Registration Fee of €250 is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted above for International & EU (living outside of Ireland Students).