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Studies & Degrees in Computer Graphics and Algorithms

Computer graphics is the part of computing that deals with creating and processing images: two- and three-dimensional models, animation, visualisation of data, and virtual and augmented reality. Algorithms are the step-by-step methods behind all of it, from drawing a 3D scene fast enough for a game to recognising objects in a photograph. The two are taught together because a graphics specialist needs both: the mathematics and programming that make images possible, and a sense of how people see and use them.

Programmes fall into two groups. Technical programmes belong to computer science and focus on algorithms, data structures, programming and mathematics. Applied programmes belong to design or media and focus on producing animation, games, motion graphics or interfaces with existing software. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that bachelor's programmes in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science. Graphics is usually a specialisation inside the degree. At Purdue University, computer science students take six core courses followed by one or more tracks; the Visual Computing track prepares students for work or graduate school in computer graphics and visualisation, and there is also an Algorithmic Foundations track. At TU Wien the bachelor's programme in Informatics lasts 6 semesters, has 180 ECTS credits, is taught in German and covers programming, databases and algorithms.
  • Master's degree. The Master's Programme Visual Computing at TU Wien lasts 4 semesters, has 120 ECTS credits and is taught in English. Its foundation modules are Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Visualization. Applicants need at least 120 ECTS credits in mathematics and computer science, including 25 in algorithms, data structures and programming and 18 in visual computing.
  • Design degrees. Marbella Design Academy in Spain teaches a three-year BA (Hons) in Graphic Design & Media in English, with subjects such as motion graphics and UI/UX. The school states that the degree is validated and awarded by the University of Bedfordshire (UK) and equals 180 ECTS credits.
  • Two-year college programmes in the United States. Montgomery College offers an associate's degree and a certificate in computer gaming and simulation, both with a fully online option. The College of Southern Idaho offers an Associate of Applied Science and a technical certificate in Digital Media, covering video, audio, animation, web design and graphic design.
  • Doctorate. Research careers usually continue with a doctorate; TU Wien, for example, offers a Doctoral Programme in Engineering after the master's degree.

In Spain, official bachelor's degrees (grados) have 240 ECTS credits and master's degrees 60, 90 or 120.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 13 active schools for computer graphics and algorithms. Six are in the United States and two in Spain; Austria, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and France have one each. In the United States the list includes Purdue University, Montgomery College, the College of Southern Idaho and the University of Northern Colorado. In Spain it includes the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona and Marbella Design Academy in Monda (Málaga). Elsewhere it includes the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Cardiff University, the Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft (FHDW) in Paderborn and SUPINFO in France.

Eight of the 13 schools are in English-speaking countries. Elsewhere the language depends on the school and the level: at TU Wien the bachelor's programme is in German and the master's in English, and Marbella Design Academy teaches in English. Before choosing, check whether a programme is technical or design-led, and how much mathematics and programming it expects.

Careers

Graduates of technical programmes work as graphics and game programmers, visualisation and computer vision engineers, and researchers. TU Wien names the entertainment industry, medicine, finance and advanced manufacturing as fields that use these skills. Graduates of applied programmes work as animators, visual effects artists, game and level designers, graphic designers and web developers; Montgomery College lists these roles for its own graduates.

The outlook differs between the two groups. In the United States the BLS projects employment of special effects artists and animators to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035, while employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent in the same period. Research scientists typically need at least a master's degree. For animators, employers look for a good portfolio and strong computer programming skills.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be good at mathematics to study computer graphics?

For technical programmes, yes. TU Wien's Visual Computing master's requires prior credits in mathematics and statistics and in algorithms, data structures and programming. Design-led programmes put more weight on a portfolio.

How long does a master's in computer graphics take?

The Master's Programme Visual Computing at TU Wien lasts 4 semesters and has 120 ECTS credits. Official master's degrees in Spain have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.

Can I study computer graphics in English in Europe?

Yes. TU Wien teaches its Visual Computing master's in English, and Marbella Design Academy teaches its BA (Hons) in Graphic Design & Media in English.

What is the difference between computer graphics and graphic design?

Computer graphics is a branch of computer science concerned with the algorithms that create and process images. Graphic design is a design discipline that uses such tools for visual communication.