Informatics: Games Engineering

The breathtaking development of games stems from the dramatic progress made in informatics and modern computer technology. Graphics and sound are becoming increasingly realistic. The complexity of simulated worlds and stories told is also increasing. New sensory technologies enable new types of interaction. Further, games are no longer only played alone at home in front of a screen. Smartphones enable us to play online games anywhere. Outstanding knowledge of informatics is therefore required in order to understand and use these technologies. However, games engineers do not only keep an eye on the technology, but also on the people using it. 

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the bachelor's program in Informatics: Games Engineering (PDF, German)

The duration of the Bachelor's in Informatics: Games Engineering is six semesters. Required modules containing core informatics and mathematics content are complemented by internships and elective modules from the first semester onwards. The degree concludes with the master’s thesis in the sixth semester. 

• Program structure & Overview of modules

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German. Some courses may, however, be taught in English.

As a graduate, you have at your disposal extensive knowledge of computer graphics, simulation, artificial intelligence, interaction, game engines, and mobile internet-based social games. Further, the essential basis of the program is a vocational education and training to which informatics is absolutely central. Thus you become familiar with fundamental concepts and rules of programming language, computer architectures, algorithms, and data structures, software engineering, databases, computer networks and operating systems. In addition to informatics content, you extend and complement your knowledge in core areas of mathematics such as analysis, linear algebra, and discrete structures.

You acquire your first practical insights through games internships or projects that are in part conducted in partnership with companies or in the internationally renowned research laboratories at the Technical University of Munich’s Department of Informatics. In addition, you will have further enhanced your competency profile by taking advantage of the broad range of elective cross-disciplinary courses on offer.

The games market is booming. All development studios therefore have a huge demand for qualified specialists in the areas of informatics and games engineering. Added to which, serious games are increasingly penetrating industry sectors such as automotive, aerospace and plant engineering, medicine, banking, and management. In the context of the degree program, close ties to industry are maintained through the involvement of companies in projects and bachelor’s theses. Having successfully concluding the bachelor's program, you can apply to embark upon a master’s program in Informatics: Games Engineering or other such programs offered by the Department of Informatics. 

Admission requirements and the application procedure vary depending on the type of higher education entrance qualification you hold.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with an international higher education entrance qualification must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• What are the steps of the application process?
• What admissions requirements do I need to fulfill?
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 15.05. – 15.07.

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure evaluating your ability to successfully manage the particular qualitative requirements of the bachelor’s program. 

In the first stage, your overall secondary school grades, your grades in subject-specific courses, and any relevant practical experience or additional qualifications will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to take a written test.

• Aptitude Assessment for Bachelor
• Aptitude Assessment Regulations (German) (PDF 215 KB)

The online application process takes place through our application portal TUMonline.

This degree program does not encompass a compulsory internship nor is an internship a requirement for admission. However, dependant on study progress, we recommend to gain practical experience outside university.