Dubai’s MBRSC Launches Bachelor’s Degree In Game Design And Development

The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC) at the American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced a new Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The programme aims to equip students with a unique blend of creative and technical expertise to thrive in the rapidly expanding global gaming industry.

Developed in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, known for its top-ranked gaming curriculum in North America, the programme offers students access to a world-class education in game design and development.

Supported by the Dubai Media Council, the initiative aligns with Dubai’s strategy to position the city as a hub for media innovation. The programme also complements the Council’s recent efforts, including the creation of the Dubai Films and Games Commission, to strengthen Dubai’s digital entertainment and interactive media ecosystem.

Programme Structure and Specialisations

Students can choose between two concentrations:

Game Design: Focuses on storytelling, visual aesthetics, world-building, and user experience.
Game Development: Covers programming, software tools, game engines, and immersive technologies.

Statements from Leadership

Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy & Performance at the Dubai Media Council, commented:
“This programme is part of our mission to make Dubai a global leader in media innovation. By collaborating with top institutions, we are cultivating homegrown talent and creating opportunities for a thriving gaming ecosystem. Students graduating from this programme will help shape the future of interactive media both locally and internationally.”

Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of MBRSC at AUD, added:
“The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development is a major step in preparing students for a fast-evolving media landscape. With USC’s expertise and support from the Dubai Media Council, we are providing the knowledge and skills needed to innovate in gaming and interactive entertainment.”

Graduate Skills and Career Prospects

Graduates will leave the programme ready to:

Design immersive gameplay experiences.
Develop optimised games using industry-standard tools.
Apply narrative and artistic techniques for player engagement.
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
Understand ethical and commercial aspects of the gaming industry.

This initiative reinforces Dubai’s ambition to become a regional and global hub for gaming talent, offering students the training and opportunities to excel in a dynamic and growing industry.