KAMK’s Game Development Education Expands and Becomes More International
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) offers students a unique environment where game development is combined with the latest technologies and extensive partnership networks. The recently developed English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees, opportunities for continuous learning, and close collaboration with various stakeholders support students’ readiness to succeed in the international gaming industry.
– KAMK’s unique environment, which brings together the game industry, artificial intelligence, data center solutions and supercomputers, offers students facilities that cannot be found anywhere else in Finland. In particular, the use of AI and supercomputers creates new opportunities for designing and implementing game development education. Kajaani’s growing game industry cluster also offers opportunities for international growth, says Matti Sarén, Rector of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.
KAMK develops game development education in close cooperation with students, companies, and partner institutions. The aim is to ensure that education meets current industry needs and provides students with the skills to succeed in the global job market.
– During the International Game Development Education – PELIKAN project, we have advanced English-taught game development education and built extensive international networks around it, says Project Manager Tanja Korhonen from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.
The international network has been expanded through visits, seminars and events. Regular meetings and collaboration with various stakeholders have opened channels for mutual dialogue.
– With cooperation and open discussion, we can ensure that the education is up to date and meets the demands of working life, Korhonen adds.
English-taught Game Development Programs Have Increased the Number of Applicants Worldwide
In recent years, over 150 students more have started in KAMK’s game development programs, of which about 100 are in degree programs.
– The bachelor’s degree studies focus on different areas of game development, such as game programming, graphics and production. The master’s degree studies emphasize game business and industry leadership. In addition, we have launched a Technical Artist diploma program to meet the needs of continuous learning, Korhonen explains.
The game industry is international, and English is often the working language even in Finnish companies.
– Although the game industry is currently facing challenging times, it is likely that as the economic situation im-proves, there will be more job opportunities available. It is also possible that among our students, there will be teams who establish new companies – future success stories, Korhonen continues.
The International Game Development Education – PELIKAN project has developed game development education and community in cooperation with the GameCity Kajaani project. The project is co-funded by the European Union and game industry companies and it will end in December 2025.
Further information:
Project Manager Tanja Korhonen, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, tanja.korhonen@kamk.fi, tel. +358 44 710 1009
International Coordinator Kirsi Sievers, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, kirsi.sievers@kamk.fi, tel. +358 44 710 1616