Saxion University of Applied Sciences (reviews)

Saxion – CMGT – Creative Media and Game Technologies – 2.5/5

TLDR: I only recommend the CMGT course to someone who is already disciplined to REALLY study the gaming topic they are interested in outside the dedicated time for the university. If you are looking for a course that makes you “game industry ready” look elsewhere.

I finished the CMGT (Creative Media and Game Technologies) course as an artist in 2022. I went to Saxion (Enschede) with the dream of becoming a concept artist for video games (as advertised on the official website), after 4 years and €10000 dept I can say that I would have gotten the same knowledge out of top €1000 in relevant courses. A lot of the topics we went through are just “oh that’s interesting to know, so when can I learn to draw concept art?”. There was a lack of focus for artist in general (2D and 3D), you never get deep into any topic and most things except the bare basics are for you to learn in your own time.
In addition, the amount of actual gaming projects is laughable for a course that advertises itself as gaming focused.
But there were good things, even great things. The fellow students were very great partners and the teachers are knowledgeable and easy going. There is a very low focus on “memorize this and write it down” type test. 95% of the (art) grades are project based, meaning you create something (concepts, prototypes etc.) with other CMGT students (Other branches of CMGT are programmer and designer).
Enschede itself is a great city to life in, with more than enough places to visit to fill the years with activities. In the last 2 years the students focus on larger projects, and for me, it was the case that the actual document that will be uploaded is much, much more important than the actual product we create. This was very frustrating because as an artist, I want to make things, not write documents all day.
I would only recommend the CMGT to someone that is:

1) In need of a guided education about the basics of game making (equivalent of easy to get courses online) but more expensive of course

2) Interested in living in the Netherlands and experiencing the culture

3) Looking for an “easy” bachelor that can be obtained if you put in a bit of effort

4) A hardworking individual that does the bachelor on the side while advancing in their own domain of interest.

Afterword: At the end of my study, I was so removed from what I actually wanted to learn that I could not advance professionally in the field I wanted to work in (concept art). Instead, I learned some things about UI design, which to be honest is a topic I really don’t care about.

**Important Note: The last 2 years of my studies were impacted by the covid pandemic.

The courses being given are made/tailored specifically for this study since it is the only one in the Netherlands which is such a nice opportunity. Furthermore, teachers are very helpful with concrete feedback and guidance whenever there is a concern. The school is also big with study rooms for all students to do their work without any worries. We even have an AMA zone where all the IHRM students can sit and have a conversation. Lastly, the school is very international oriented.

I like the teachers, and the general study program. My main complaint is that it’s sometimes unorganised or poorly communicated. Also, the online platform of Saxion is fairly chaotic and could be utilised better IMO.

I love our teachers and think the course is nice. Love the fact that we have 2 days off every week, helps me with mental health and stuff. Really DO NOT LIKE business economics, financial management and the SPSS stuff, but the rest of the courses are fun ✌🏼