Foundation in Game Art and Level Design (1/2-year)
Online
Foundation Year
DURATION
6 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
06 Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
NOK 49,000 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* rolling admission
Design game worlds, sculpt characters, and explore playable environments in one semester. This 30 ECTS online programme introduces the artistic creativity and technical production behind games and interactive media.
Why Study Game Art and Level Design?
Every great game starts with a world that feels alive. This one-semester, 30 ECTS online programme introduces you to the artistic and technical foundations of game art and level design. You’ll learn how to create 3D models, textures, and environments using professional tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unity.
Teaching is entirely project-based, so you learn by creating rather than memorising. Through hands-on tasks, you’ll begin to understand the workflows used in the games industry and start building a portfolio that demonstrates your developing skills.
This introductory programme is ideal if you want to explore further studies in games, animation, or digital art, or if you wish to prepare a portfolio for industry entry. Students who complete the programme may apply for admission to a full bachelor’s degree at Noroff University College, with the 30 ECTS credited towards the Bachelor in Interactive Media: Games.
AI in the study programme
How is AI used in Game Art and Level Design?
Artificial intelligence is transforming how games are designed, textured, and tested. In this programme, you’ll explore how AI assists in generating assets, enhancing textures, and even designing game environments. Students are introduced to AI-assisted workflows in concept generation, environment layout, and performance optimization, learning how to integrate these tools into real-world game pipelines.
By combining creative intuition with the efficiency of AI-powered design, you’ll understand how human imagination and machine learning work together to accelerate production and improve results. The goal is not to replace the artist, but to empower them to create faster, smarter, and better.
Financing
All our study programs are approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). You can apply to the Loan Fund for basic support (loan and grant; NOK 166.859) and tuition fees (NOK 79,432).
As an adult student, you can receive loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund. This also applies if you work while studying.
As a main rule, you must be a Norwegian citizen to receive support from the Norwegian State Educational Fund. However, foreign citizens may also be entitled to financial support.
Course structure
Game Assets 1 (10 ECTS)
Learn professional workflows for 3D modelling, texturing, and lighting to create production-ready game assets.
Level Design (10 ECTS)
Understand player experience, environmental storytelling, and spatial design to craft engaging and playable game levels.
Studio 1 (10 ECTS)
Work collaboratively on creative projects, developing planning, production, and teamwork skills in a studio-style setting.
This half-year programme provides a foundation in the field or serves as a valuable addition to a student’s academic journey. While it can be integrated into the Bachelor's Degrees in Interactive Media Animation or Games, it does not directly replace any single semester, as it includes courses from multiple academic levels. Students earn ECTS credits.
After completing the programme, you will have an introductory understanding of the artistic and technical workflows behind modern 3D game production. You will learn the basics of modelling, sculpting, texturing, and level design, exploring how these elements can be used to create engaging and visually coherent game environments. You will also gain insight into real-time production pipelines, collaborative processes, and the early stages of building a professional portfolio.
These experiences provide a strong foundation for further study within game art, animation, or digital design at the bachelor's level. Students who complete the programme may apply for admission to a full bachelor’s degree at Noroff University College, with the 30 ECTS credited towards our bachelor's in Interactive Media.
This programme provides a foundation in game art and level design. On its own, it prepares you for junior or support functions, as well as further study or career advancement. When combined with additional education or experience, it can lead to roles such as:
- Junior 3D Artist
- Environment or Level Designer
- Game Asset Artist
- Texture and Lighting Artist
- Technical Environment Artist
- Game Production Assistant