Diploma in Game Design & Technology at MAGES Institute of Excellence

Turn your game ideas into complete, playable experiences. The Diploma in Game Design & Technology at MAGES Institute of Excellence is an intensive 12-month program in Singapore that combines game design, Unity development and C# programming through practical, project-based learning.

Start from the fundamentals and graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates what you can build. The course is suitable for beginners as well as students changing direction. You will progress from programming logic and early prototypes to mobile, multiplayer and AI-enabled gameplay systems before completing a polished game-production project.

Why choose Game Design & Technology at MAGES?

• Complete a full-time Diploma in Game Design & Technology in 12 months.
• Learn Unity3D and C# through practical projects rather than theory alone.
• Develop multiple playable PC and mobile game projects for your portfolio.
• Study game mechanics, systems design, mobile optimisation, multiplayer development and artificial intelligence for games.
• Learn studio workflows using version control and collaborative production tools.
• Receive guidance from lecturers and mentors with professional game-development and interactive-media experience.
• Study in small classes with an official ratio of up to 18 students per lecturer.
• Access a possible progression route to the BSc Computer Game Applications Development top-up program offered with Abertay University, subject to admission and availability.

Program at a glance

• Qualification: Diploma in Game Design & Technology
• Awarding institution: MAGES Institute of Excellence Pte. Ltd., Singapore
• Duration: 12 months full-time
• Structure: Three progressive terms
• Campus: *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, #05-11, Singapore 237978
• Delivery: Classroom or eLearning; the selected delivery mode cannot be changed after commencement
• Medium of instruction: English
• Assessment: Project-based assessment across all modules
• Student-to-lecturer ratio: Up to 18 students per lecturer
• Minimum age: 16
• Core software: Unity3D, C#, Visual Studio, Git and ClickUp

Build games from concept to production

The program develops both creative design judgement and technical implementation skills. Students examine how rules, feedback, progression and player choices shape an engaging experience, then use programming and real-time development tools to turn those ideas into working games.

Each stage is project-led. You will test mechanics, debug systems, respond to feedback and refine your work using processes that reflect collaborative game production. The goal is to finish with playable evidence of your design thinking, technical ability and capacity to complete projects.

What you will study

Term 1: Develop the fundamentals

• Game-design principles and the mechanics of play
• Programming logic and C# scripting fundamentals
• Narrative flow and interactive systems
• Prototyping through board games, text-based games and platformer development

Term 2: Game systems and platforms

• Game-systems design, callbacks and event handling
• Mobile-game development and touch interfaces
• Platform-specific logic and optimisation
• Modular code and local multiplayer development

Term 3: Game production

• Game data, progression systems and economy balancing
• Artificial intelligence for games, including pathfinding, enemy behaviour and decision systems
• Iterative development, gameplay testing, debugging and polish
• Complete-game production using collaborative, studio-style workflows

Portfolio-focused learning

Projects are central to the learning experience. Students can graduate with up to seven complete games, depending on the projects completed. Your portfolio may include PC, mobile and local-multiplayer work that demonstrates both individual capability and team-production experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and normally meet one of the following academic pathways:

• Two credit passes at Singapore GCE O-Level in subjects excluding English, or an accepted equivalent.
• Five GCSE or IGCSE subject passes, including English, at grades A to C.
• ITE NITEC, Higher NITEC or another accepted post-secondary qualification.
• Completion of Singapore Integrated Programme Year 4.
• An accepted foundation or certificate qualification in art, technology, animation or a related area.
• For international applicants: a qualification equivalent to Year 10 in the applicant’s home country, normally with an average of at least 65% and proof of a pass in English.
• Alternative admission may be considered through portfolio submission, an interview with the Academic Director and Academic Board assessment.

English-language requirements

• IELTS 5.5, or
• A pass in English at Singapore GCE O-Level or an accepted equivalent qualification, or
• A pass in the MAGES English Proficiency Test when approved through the school’s admissions process.

Asia Pathway can help international applicants compare their qualifications with the published requirements before submitting an application.

Mature applicants

The published mature-candidate route applies from age 30 and requires eight years of relevant work experience. Admission remains subject to MAGES assessment.

Tuition and compulsory fees

• International-student course fees payable: SGD 19,497.92.
• International-student administration fee: SGD 2,616.00.
• Total payable for international students: SGD 22,113.92, inclusive of 9% GST.
• International application fee: SGD 817.50, inclusive of 9% GST and charged separately; this fee is non-refundable and is not included in the total above.
• Approximate tuition and administration planning figure: USD 5,780 per term across three terms.
• Grants and scholarships may be available. Eligibility and current terms must be confirmed before application.

The USD amount is an approximate planning conversion and will change with exchange rates. Students should rely on the official MAGES invoice and written payment schedule before making any payment. Course fees are protected through the applicable Fee Protection Scheme arrangements described by MAGES.

Technology requirements

Students need a suitable Windows laptop capable of real-time game development. MAGES publishes minimum and recommended specifications covering the processor, memory, dedicated graphics and SSD storage. Confirm the latest hardware list with Asia Pathway or MAGES before purchasing a computer.

Career directions

The program develops portfolio and production skills relevant to junior and entry-level pathways such as:

• Game Designer
• Level Designer
• Gameplay Programmer
• Junior Game Developer
• Technical Designer
• Game Producer or Production Coordinator
• Game UX/UI Designer

Employment depends on portfolio quality, technical performance, teamwork, prior experience and individual employer requirements. Completion of the diploma does not guarantee employment, degree progression or immigration outcomes.

Study in the heart of Singapore

MAGES is located at *SCAPE on Orchard Link, close to Somerset MRT and Singapore’s central shopping, dining and creative districts. The campus provides open learning spaces and access to the school’s creative-technology community.

Build your application with Asia Pathway

Asia Pathway can help you review academic and English eligibility, prepare transcripts and application documents, understand Student’s Pass requirements and confirm the latest intake, delivery mode, equipment and payment schedule.

Contact Asia Pathway for a personalised eligibility assessment and current fee confirmation before applying.