Faculty of Computer Science Launches Joint Programme with Art and Design School
Starting from 2025, HSE University applicants will be able to enrol in a Bachelor's programme in Game and Digital Product Development—the only programme of its kind in Russia. The course will combine design, programming, mathematics, production, management, and marketing. It will enable students to master the full cycle of digital product development from creation to effective promotion. The programme is taught in Russian.
What Is It?
Creating games and digital products is a complex process that requires a balanced combination of skills and knowledge in design, programming, and software engineering. To succeed in this field, professionals must have a deep understanding of all development stages—from writing software code and designing the user experience to publishing and marketing the product.
Anatoly Kazakov, Head of Game Design at the HSE Art and Design School
A good developer knows algorithms. A great one understands how to put the player's emotions into them so that simple mechanics make the heart beat faster.
Combining Design and Programming
The programme focuses on training interdisciplinary professionals with a systemic understanding of digital product development. This is made possible by combining the educational experience of two divisions of HSE University: practising teachers from the HSE Art and Design School are responsible for the game and digital product design content, while experts from the Faculty of Computer Science are responsible for the mathematical disciplines, programming, and product management.
Olga Maksimenkova, Associate Professor at the School of Software Engineering at the Faculty of Computer Science, HSE University
Today's games and digital products are highly complex software systems. Software engineering provides professionals with the methods and self-discipline needed to successfully create such systems in an ever-changing world.
Careers after Graduation
Graduates of the programme will be equipped with a wide range of professional skills that will enable them to make a successful start in the world of technology and design.
The programme will cover the full development cycle, with a strong emphasis on marketing and project management. This will enable graduates to quickly progress their careers from junior staff to major project managers.
Denis Pozdnyakov, Academic Supervisor of the Programme, Lecturer at the Faculty of Computer Science, HSE University, Co-Owner of Vintorog and Contrast Games Studios
Our programme offers graduates the opportunity to move quickly from line worker to producer, project and product manager, visionary, and thought leader.
Course Content
The first year is a foundation course in which students learn the basics of development and promotion. In the second year, they choose one of two educational trajectories:
Digital Product Development
This programme focuses on consumer digital product design combined with development in C#, React, Swift, and JavaScript, as well as development management and product promotion.
Game Development
This programme emphasises C# and Unity, C++, and Unreal Engine. Students will also study product and development management, as well as game design itself.
Vadim Bulgakov, Head of Digital Products and Artificial Intelligence at the Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence, HSE Art and Design School
In addition to programming skills and design knowledge, developing modern digital products requires a deep understanding of user needs and market trends. The programme combines all these important aspects to prepare students for the challenges of the rapidly evolving industry.
How to Enrol
Those interested in studying on the Game and Digital Product Development programme must present the results of entrance tests in one of the following fields (of the applicant's choice): Design (a literature and creative test) or Software Engineering (mathematics and computer science as main subjects).
For more information about the programme and admission requirements, please visit the website.