MA Games Design provides a unique study opportunity rooted in creative development linked across a range of digital and traditional approaches. The course also provides a distinct opportunity to study these disciplines at postgraduate level from a perspective that is not always readily available within the UK.

MA Games Design enables the postgraduate student to focus on the creative aspects of the discipline. It provides a structure and vehicle for the development of personal approaches to creative ideas, appropriate to the level of study and based in research activity.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Specific Entry Requirements  

A recognised British honours degree to a good standard, or its equivalent. Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits and in the light of the nature and scope of the programme or work proposed.

Informal enquiries are welcomed.

Applicants must demonstrate achievement of any one of the following:

- Receipt of a 2.2 degree, or higher from a British university
- A high level of achievement in undergraduate studies at a university elsewhere (e.g. for North American students a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale)
- Professional experience in the field or a related field in their home country

International Students are required to show competence in written and spoken English in addition to meeting the course entry requirements: International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - minimum 6.5.

All applicants are requested to submit digital supporting material and where possible, will be invited to attend an interview with a portfolio of recent work. 

Course Content

Throughout the course students are encouraged to pursue a unique personal line of inquiry within the broad subject area of Games Design culminating in the Postgraduate Project / Dissertation response at the end of the course.

At the end of the course the students will have had the opportunity to build up a personal body of work that represents their personal developmental journey, and reflects a personal response to their discipline.

Fundamental to the philosophy of the course is the provision of an opportunity for students to explore and realise their individual aspirations and potential, creating a framework for developing more fully as skilled and informed professional practitioners. This is enabled through discussion and feedback with the course team and relevant peer groups.

Reflecting the diversity of activity that falls within the boundaries of games design the course encompasses three distinct strands of activity, design, art and modelling. In the commercial world of game development these strands are often interwoven and the emphasis can change from company to company. Likewise these strands can vary from individual project to project within a company. To accommodate this varied field of skills the common lecture theme of the course encompasses all of these activities and an individual engaged in the course may respond in one, two or all three of the strands of activity.

Throughout the duration of the course students are required to keep an ongoing ‘Reflective Diary’ that is clearly used to record all lines of enquiry, development of ideas, critical reflection and analysis. This will be in the form of a public blog.

The course is for those individuals who wish to creatively question ‘industry norms’ and develop a personal area of investigation. To this end the course has a strong emphasis on personal exploration which it is hoped will bring together new ideas and theories within accepted common practice.

The course provides an opportunity for individuals to further their aspirations through research and reflection in a selected area of their discipline. This is enabled by access to a broad range of staff and material that can encourage and support this exploration and enhance the individual’s creativity. This will enable them to make insightful and unique contributions to their field of study.

It is a core feature that within the courses academic structure there is opportunity to accommodate the broad range of proposals expected from potential students. This type of course is particularly suited to professional practitioners wishing to pursue a sustained period of time developing new ideas, and recent graduates wishing to focus their studies at an advanced level.

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Games Design Practice 1
Research for Creative Design Practice 1

Year 2

Design Practice 2 (Placement/Field Study)
Research for Creative Design Practice 2/3

Year 3

Games Design Practice 3
Postgraduate Project/Dissertation

Assessment:

Assessment strategy and criteria is the result of collaboration between student and staff. Successful completion of the full nine modules leads to the award of MA. However, for students who do not wish to or are unable to complete the full course, there are intermediate exit awards at appropriate stages.

Learning Environment:

The course is supported by extensive computer, studio and workshop facilities located within the School and the University as a whole. 

Careers:

The MA will help further career opportunities within commercial design practice.. Graduates will improve their chance of employment in the games industry with their demonstrated enhanced specialism and understanding developed on the course. Graduates will also find themselves strongly placed to develop their own practices and consultancies.

Other Opportunities:

Exit awards available: Postgraduate Certificate with 3 modules or Postgraduate Diploma with 6 modules.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £6,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.