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Studying and Interacting with Working Life

BIT students not only earn a BBA degree diploma, during their studies they also gain a significant level of project work experience in different game development projects. As BIT is an active partner in Jyväskylä Digi and Game Center, students also gain significant amount of contacts with local game development companies. In addition, BIT works closely with local game development collective. Practical training, projects and thesis are ways of learning and interacting with working life and companies. JAMK also offers support in participating in some important local, national and North European game development events.

Learning by doing is the main theme in this programme. The principle is utilized in almost all the modules and courses in the programme. In addition to face-to-face courses the learning goals are achieved by doing exercises and course wide assignments. The assignments can be e.g. developing a small size proof of concept game or a theme song of a game. The assessment is mostly done by recognizing the skills and knowledge face-to-face with the teacher in charge. Exams are used deliberately.

Another fundamental method is project-based learning. Students will create teams to solve given problems and create solutions. Tens of credits can be obtained by working in teams and developing own products from technical and businesswise aspects.

During the first year, students concentrate on the fundamentals of game development, such as programming, game design, game engines and visual design as skills to work in game development projects. They also acquire the necessary general working life skills.

During the second year, students continue to develop their knowledge in game development and game production. They further invest into their skills in Game Art, Game Programming & Engines or complementary professional fields. From second year onwards students also gain international exposure.

In the beginning of the third academic year students participate in Ticorporate Demo Lab, with focus on product development in a student-lead project. They are provided a working life environment and infrastructure together with local game development companies residing in Digi and Game Center. Practical training and/or an exchange period abroad is encouraged after Ticorporate Demo Lab project. One option is to continue the project work and game development with a team in Digi and Game Center with focus on entrepreneurship, production, monetization and publication of polished game product.

Representative careers include Producer, Game Programmer, 2D or 3D Artist, Animator, Sound Designer, Game Designer. Many alumni are business owners themselves.