Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science for Video Games

Please note: The entirety of this bachelor’s degree, including the entrance exam and classes, is conducted in French. This overview page is available in English to provide general information, but all other sections are only available in French.

Level of study: Bachelor’s (Bac+3)

Duration: 3 years

Type of course: Work-study/Apprenticeship programme

In-person Study Periods: 3 months at the beginning of First Year and 2/3 weeks spread across the Second and Third Year at Cnam-Enjmin in Angoulême

Type of learning: Asynchronous (4 days working in the company and 1 day distance learning)

Entry requirements: Baccalaureate or equivalent end-of-high school diploma

Language requirements: The course is conducted in French, but English may be used in the working environment

RNCP Code*: 40116

*French National Framework for Professional Qualifications (Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles, RNCP

The aim of the course is to gain programming skills in the Cultural and Creative Industries (video game studio, multimedia studio or immersive technologies department in a large company).

It will enable you to study for a Master's degree in Computer Science.

Modules in this programme are entirely online via a digital learning environment.

The classes are therefore delivered in an asynchronous format. This means that the apprentice works at their own pace to read and complete the content provided.

Students are monitored by a course leader who ensures that the student’s personal work progresses smoothly and the dynamic in the group of students is maintained.

Each year, new classes are created and existing ones are improved by the authors of the modules based on student feedback. However, there is no direct contact between teaching staff and students during the programme.

Objectives

• Teaching approach based on the development of various skills: independence, proactivity, collaborative work, etc.
• ‘Challenge-based approach’ that encourages students to explore different concepts and look for solutions to problems raised by the teaching team
• Classes and projects that enable students to work together and give them the keys to a successful integration into the professional world

Higher Education and Career Paths

Continue your studies

It is possible to continue studying in Masters-type courses in Computer Science, subject to acceptance by the schools concerned. There is no automatic progression to a Master's degree at Cnam-Enjmin. However, it is of course possible to take the competitive entrance exam for the Master's degree.

Professional world

Given that this diploma was created less than 3 years ago, there are no statistics yet on the number of graduates.

Questions to ask yourself

1. Explore your career plan: Do I like computer programming?  Do I enjoy doing C++ C# Unity or other tutorials?
     
2. Examine your learning preferences: Is mutual learning right for me? Is a course without a teacher right for me? Will I be able to ask my classmates questions when I get stuck? Will I be able to help those who ask questions?
    
3. Am I ready to work right now? Do I have any business ideas? Do I have any contacts? Have I already done odd jobs? Do I know how to respect schedules and instructions?
     
4. Do I have a chance of finding a company? Am I ready to start prospecting? Can I prepare a project portfolio? Am I motivated enough to create a professional CV, write a motivation letter and create a LinkedIn page?
    
5. Will I have time to act if I get accepted? Will I be able to send applications, respond to job adverts and keep track of my applications in a spreadsheet? 

Useful Links (Available in French)

Course programme with details of the 28 modules

Entry requirements and How to Apply

Information about apprenticeships, including companies who have already hired apprentices

French National Association of Apprentices (ANAF)

A Discord server for candidates to talk with students

Job and Internship offers in the sector

French National Video Game Union (SNJV, Syndicat national des jeux vidéos)

Participate in Game Jams

FAQ

Is it possible to get into Cnam-Enjmin just after high school?
Yes, this is explained on the website. 

What are the entry requirements?
The minimum level of education is Baccalaureate or an equivalent end-of-high school diploma. The Maths NSI (Numériques et Sciences Informatiques) speciality is recommended (find out more information here). 

Is there a written/oral exam?
Yes, there are written assignments which help prepare you to find a company. Candidates who complete them will then sit an interview which is a simulation of a job interview.   

How many places are available?
There are 30 places available each year. However, we also keep a list of 10 additional students who will only be accepted if they find a company.  

What are the main qualities required to maximise my chances of getting into Cnam-Enjmin (personality, foreign languages, high school grades, personal achievements, etc.)?
Professionalism, precision, computer programming skills, the ability to work in a team and a strong desire to progress in your work!  

I thought that the degree was an apprenticeship. How am I going to find a company capable of supporting me during my studies?
You're going to have to look for a job! Cnam-Enjmin passes on any job offers it receives, but it is ultimately down to you to apply and be selected. We accept companies that aren’t necessarily directly linked to video games – as long as it's suitable for a degree in computer science.  

What does the alternation between school and company time look like (2 weeks/2 weeks? 1 month/1 month? 6 months/6 months?)?
After the 12-week booster programme in Angoulême, there will be 1 day of online training from Cnam-Enjmin and 4 days working in the company per week (adaptable).

Do I need to find accommodation in Angoulême to attend classes at the school?
Yes. When there are face-to-face classes (first 12 weeks in First Year, then 2/3 weeks in Second and Third Year), you need to find accommodation in a gîte, hotel or rental. Note that apprentices have employee status and are therefore not entitled to grants or Crous (student) accommodation.   

What do I do if my company is in Lyon or Bordeaux, for example? Will I have to rent accommodation in Angoulême and then Bordeaux?
Apart from a few companies that use fully remote working, you must live where the company is located (except during the face-to-face class periods, see above).  

Are there any companies in Angoulême that could take me on?
There are a few companies in the field in Angoulême, but you need to widen your search. There are companies that hire apprentices all over France. Contact regional clusters (digital, games, online education, XR, etc.) to find company addresses and job sites.  

Once I've obtained my bachelor’s, does Cnam-Enjmin offer any further courses to help me find a career as a producer?
Once you've finished your bachelor's, there are many master's degrees and business schools where you can pursue a career as a producer. 
Cnam-Enjmin also offers a Project Management specialisation as part of the Master's degree in Video Games and Digital Interactive Media (which is not an apprenticeship programme). Note that there are only 6 places available each year which are subject to a competitive entrance exam.  

Once I've obtained my bachelor’s, does Cnam-Enjmin offer any further courses to help me find a career as a Game Designer?
Once you've finished your bachelor's, there are mainly public schools that offer programmes in this field. Cnam-Enjmin also offers a Game Design specialisation as part of the Master's degree in Video Games and Digital Interactive Media (which is not apprenticeship programme). Note that there are only 12 places each year which are subject to a competitive entrance exam.  

Once I've obtained my bachelor’s, does Cnam-Enjmin offer any further courses to help me find a career as a Game Programmer?
Once you've finished your bachelor's, you can enter the job market straight away. However, if you want to add to your portfolio, Cnam-Enjmin offers a Game Programming specialisation as part of the Master's degree in Video Games and Digital Interactive Media (which is not an apprenticeship programme). Note that there are only 12 places available each year which are subject to a competitive entrance exam.