Programme description

In case you did not know – you can study video games! The two-year second-cycle Computer Science of Video Games programme is designed for graduates of first-cycle studies in the computer science or common areas who would like to gain knowledge and skills necessary for creating video games and other real-time apps related to simulation, visualization, and artificial intelligence (simulators, serious games, virtual and augmented reality systems, affective computing). Compared with the Computer Science programme, Video Games focus more on the practical use of computer science tools, creation, and programming. Contrary to Applied Computer Science, this study programme aims to implement video games, real-time apps, and virtual and augmented reality.

👉  Read more about this study programme

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science is one of the cutting-edge such units in Poland. It has the A+ scientific category in the rating of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and is a part of the Krakow Scientific Consortium named after Marian Smoluchowski awarded with the KNOW (2013–2017) status. The faculty teaches in the scope of astronomy, astrophysics, physics, biophysics and applied computer science. It also offers interdisciplinary studies in mathematics and natural sciences and studies in the advanced materials and nanotechnology field of study. Fields of studies conducted at the faculty lead in rankings prepared by the Education Foundation “Perspektywy” and talented students win the prestigious Diamond Grant programme.

The premises of the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science are located on the territory of the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival. The Faculty conducts scientific research, the results of which are introduced as new program content on an ongoing basis, which allows to provide students with knowledge related to current IT trends. Classes are conducted in a laboratory equipped with specialized equipment and software necessary to process computer graphics, in game laboratories and interface laboratory. There is also a specialized laboratory for computer network and telecommunication classes available. The Faculty cooperates with many companies by conducting joint classes, research projects, and master's theses.

👉  Virtual walk through the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• 2nd place in 2019 and 2021, 3rd place in 2020 in the Ranking of Study Programmes prepared by the ‘Perspektywy’ Education Foundation
• Scientific category A+ in the main discipline of Computer Sciences awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations work at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are many student associations at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science, young scientists can apply for a scholarship and tutoring as part of the SciMat project. Students may become members of the Gamedev Students Association – a society for students from all over the world working on game development and other student organizations.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, Utrecht Network, exchange programmes within Bilateral Agreements or European university Una Europa, or participate in a domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Gamedev Students Association
• SciMat—scholarship programme
• Student Government of the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

Currently, there is a high demand for individuals who have IT training and can use IT methods in various areas. Computer Science of Video Games graduates are prepared to work as game code, graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence programmers. They may work as programmers of game code, and artificial intelligence, consultants in implementing computer game-based tools at companies and institutions, or they can be research and didactic employees in applied computer science or exact science.

Further education possibilities

• Second-cycle programmes
• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
• Post diploma programmes

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science located in the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival, so-called the Third Campus, in Kraków’s district – Ruczaj. For more information, please contact:

wydzial.fais@uj.edu.pl

ul. Łojasiewicza 11
30-348 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 664 48 90

fais.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• Applied Computer Science (Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Science) – programme in Polish
• Computer Science (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science) – programme in Polish
• Analytical Computer Science (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science) – programme in Polish