Business & Production
Study track of the bachelor's programme Creative Media and Game Technologies
What you learn
During this four-year bachelor programme, you will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and build a portfolio of work to showcase your skills.
- Year 1
You build the foundation. You learn how the games industry works, how a game studio makes money and how to bring a game to market. Topics include Market Intelligence and Analysis, Designing the Business behind a Game Studio and Essentials of Marketing and Community. In the fourth block, you make your first game with students from the other tracks, each in their own role.
- Year 2
You find out what you are good at. Over three blocks, you work through the three profiles of the track: Studio Operations, Marketing & Community and Production. Topics include Studio Operations and Financial Modelling, International Marketing and Community, and Publishing Strategy and Trailer, Key Art and Press Kit Production. In block 4, you work in a multidisciplinary team again.
- Year 3
You specialise. You start by writing an investor-ready business and marketing plan, which you defend before a panel from the games industry. Then, for three blocks, you work with students from all tracks on a game that you release on Steam. You guide that game from development to launch, and you analyse how it performs afterwards. Topics include Studio Formation and Entrepreneurship, Live Marketing and Community, Publishing and Launch, and Investor Pitching and Portfolio.
- Year 4
You choose your own route. You complete two projects, or one year-long project. You choose from:
- a work placement at a game studio, publisher or other company, in the Netherlands or abroad
- a personal project within your specialisation
- a business plan and the start of your own studio, supported by our entrepreneurship specialists
- a semester at one of our partner universities
Is this for you?
You love games, but you are more the one who plans, organises and persuades than the one who draws or codes. You want to know why one game becomes a hit and another does not. In a group, you naturally take the lead. Maybe you already run a Discord server, have a YouTube channel or organise tournaments.
You do not need to be able to draw or code. Your entry assignment is a business plan. What you do need: strong communication skills in English, and the drive to work hard in a team.
Student work
Entry assignment and selection
This is a selective programme with a maximum places across four tracks. After you apply, you receive the entry assignment. For Business & Production, this is a business plan. If your assignment meets the standard, you are invited to an interview about your assignment and your previous work.
What counts as previous work? Anything that shows you organise, take initiative or bring people together. For example, a community you run, an event or tournament you organised, a small business of your own or a school project you led.
More about the assignment and criteria
What we look for
The assignment and the interview are assessed against the criteria:
- Motivation (20%)
- We provide small-scale and intensive education. This means that we expect a 40 hours per week commitment to your study, strong teamwork, engagement in regular (1-on-1) feedback sessions, the ability to study independently, an interest in extra-curricular activities and a proactive attitude.
- Do you fit this profile? Explain why.
- How much time did you spend on the assignment?
- How did you prepare? What learning resources did you use?
- Communication (20%)
- Explain your assignment
- Are you proficient in English?
- Can you answer our questions clearly and concisely?
- Reflection (20%)
- What aspect of the assignment of the game did you like the most?
- What did you learn from making the assignment?
- What would you improve if you had more time?
- Portfolio + assignment - Skills & knowledge (40%)
- Quality of the assignment
- Examples of your best work
- Skills and knowledge you already have (including previous education or relevant interests/hobbies)
Admission & application
- What are the admission requirements?
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To meet the educational requirements to this degree programme, you need a higher general secondary education (havo) or pre-university education (vwo) diploma with an appropriate profile, or an equivalent of these Dutch diplomas. You can also be admitted with a secondary vocational education (mbo level-4) diploma.
- Check out the complete admission requirements and the possibilities if you do not meet the requirements
- Additional requirements have been set for the 3-year track.
- How much does this study programme cost?
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In the academic year 2027-2028 the statutory tuition fee for this bachelor's programmes is €3,750. In addition, you should take extra costs for software, excursions, etc. into account.
- How does the selection process work?
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We select a maximum of 240 students, which is why we have a selection process. First of all, you need to apply. Once your previous education has been verified, you will receive a link and full instructions for the assignment. This consists of a portfolio assignment and an interview.
Information about the selection process
Please note! Don't leave it to the last minute! The earlier you submit your application and assignment, the sooner you’ll know whether you have been accepted. After all, we review applications on an ongoing basis.
- How can I apply?
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If you meet the admission requirements, you can apply for this programme. Admission is based on selection.
FAQs
- Do I need to be able to draw or code?
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No. Your entry assignment is a business plan. During the programme, you learn enough about game development to work closely with designers, artists and programmers.
- How is this different from Game Design?
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In Game Design, you decide how the game works and how it feels to play. In Business & Production, you make sure the game gets finished, reaches the market and finds its players.
- How is this different from Creative Business?
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Creative Business covers media broadly. Business & Production focuses entirely on the games industry, within a game programme where you release real games together with designers, artists and programmers.
- Can I switch tracks later?
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No. You choose your track before you start and stay in it, because each track has its own curriculum from year 1.
- Can I start my own studio while studying?
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Yes. BUas Startup Support helps you, and you can graduate with your own company.
- Which master's can I take afterwards?
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At BUas, options include the Master Media Innovation, the MBA Imagineering and the Master Game Technology.
Where do you want to be working in 4 years?
- Discover what our graduates are doing
Discover where are graduates are working - and owning your own business is an option too. - The job market needs you
You could, for example, get started as a producer or marketing manager. - Prefer to continue your studies first?
That's possible too. Take a master's programme at BUas or another university of applied sciences.