Game Development (Design) MA
Subject and course type
- Games and Digital Media
- Postgraduate
Harness the transformative power of play. ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ’s MA in Game Development will give you the design skills and knowledge needed to create masterpieces and thrive in the professional world.
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You’ll receive regular input from industry practitioners, and have the chance to take part in Game Jams and Hackathons.
Studying this design-focused masters in Game Development will prepare you for a range of exciting opportunities in the industry. Recent graduates have progressed to roles like designer, programmer, software engineer and more.
Working both independently and as part of a team, you’ll create and develop computer games in cutting edge facilities. You’ll deliver products on time using industry-standard production management tools and techniques that stimulate a collaborative professional environment.
When you graduate, you’ll have the professional presence, portfolio and range of skills you need to stand out in today’s fast-paced digital media job market.
Our PlayStation First partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment will give you the chance to develop games for the PlayStation 5.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ is an active member of The Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA), so we’ve developed this programme in close consultation with industry.
Our insight hub, known as inKUbator, will give you opportunities to learn directly from the industry. Previous speakers have included Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, our staff are leading practitioners and researchers at the cutting-edge of their discipline.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a dedicated games laboratory. Facilities here include Sony PlayStation 5 development consoles plus software like Visual Studio 2022, Unreal Engine 5, Unity and git. You’ll also find high-tech equipment such as gaming PCs with 12th gen intel i7 processors, 1TB SSD drives and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 GPUs.
You’ll even have access to our Centre for Virtual and Augmented Reality Environments (CAVE) where you can develop apps for PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Meta Quest 3 and more.
A portion of your learning will take place at our Penrhyn Road campus, where you’ll have access to a modern environment with all the latest equipment. Facilities here include:
- State of the art computer labs
- Development software and tools, such as Unity 3D Professional, Unreal Engine 5, Visual Studio, Maya and Photoshop
- Oculus Meta Quest 3 and other VR headsets, PlayStation 5 development kits, Steam Decks and high-end digital cameras (4K)
- A dedicated team of IT technicians
Outside of the University, you could choose to spend time applying your learning on a placement, live project or other opportunity. These will be available at the discretion of our industry panel.
PlayStation licensed developer
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ is a PlayStation licensed developer, meaning you will have the opportunity to learn how to develop games for the PlayStation 5 throughout your degree.
Student work
Course content
You will design and create computer games, alone and in teams, using industry-standard production management tools and techniques that stimulate a professional environment of collaboration to deliver a product on time. You will also develop vertical-slice prototypes using new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, and will learn how to present yourself to potential employers through your professional presence and portfolio.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Please note: Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
Core modules
60 credits
The Digital Media Final Project, as a capstone project, consolidates the knowledge gained in earlier modules and is informed and supported by prior learning.
You will interpret the coursework into a practical solution and demonstrate skills in defining, analysing and developing a substantial solution to an individually defined design related problem. You will utilise an advanced understanding of contemporary digital media practice. The research and documentation of the project is an integral part of the submission; reflecting on the process, as well as the critical analysis and methodology of the research itself. The research will be conceptually integrated within the practical work. Individual project topics are expected to be wide ranging and provide the opportunity to fully investigate a practical situation, underpinned by a critical report on the work produced. Topics must allow the opportunity to position work with respect to business, social and cultural goals and identify and apply appropriate technology as a means of delivery.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Critically apply theoretical knowledge of design and evaluate contemporary discourse on the subject.
- Demonstrate the application of design research methods in formulating concepts and ideas.
- Originate design propositions through the application of appropriate design ideologies, research principles, methods, materials and technology, forms, means, actions or interventions.
- Engage in the critical reflection of own work and in peer review related to the development and production of the major project, employing skills of evaluation, contextualisation and communication.
- Disseminate the research process and outcomes of the final project with appropriate currency and consideration of audience.
30 credits
This module deals with the game design principles such as narratology versus ludology; interactive fictions; understanding play and engagement; level design and game flow; motivation, jeopardy and reward; to present ideas verbally, on paper and in technical demos, in a range of 2D and 3D graphics and animation packages, with some programming skills at scripting level.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Develop and carry out effective and appropriate research and testing methodologies in relation to practice.
- Apply game theory to practice in such a way as to confidently inform design decision-making processes.
- Use new and existing technologies to enhance the communication of design processes and resolutions.
- Identify, analyse and critically reflect on game design practices and processes in such a way as to enable the evaluation of career opportunities and individual direction within the gaming industries globally.
30 credits
You will work with a multidisciplinary group of students as appropriate for your course (User Experience Design MSc, Game Development (Design) MA, Game Development (Programming) MSc and Computer Animation MA); involved with the digital media production process in response to a project brief developed in consultation with the industry panel and/or research staff. Projects concern contemporary platforms, such as iPhone, Android, Windows, Playstation, Xbox and Next Generation controllers and innovative input devices. You also develop a professional profile (online CV/portfolio) fitting for your role and intended destination which you maintain throughout the course.
- Coursework: report, prototype, and presentation (group and individual)
- Schedule: allow one weekday per week in the first semester
- Staff: course staff
30 credits
The module covers the process of creating multiplayer computer games using various technologies and designing approaches. This module provides guided teaching and practical sessions on topics related to connected games programming, design and portfolio development.
The aims of this module are:
- To enable students to solidify, develop, and design connected games of their selected genres aiming also to consolidate their portfolio.
- To develop problem-solving abilities in the relevant programming and designing techniques which underpin this.
- To help students develop a confident and extensive understanding of connected games under their own genre specialism.
Optional modules
30 credits
This module is primarily aimed at the User Experience Design field, but also Digital Media Practice, Information Design, Web Development and Software Engineering, as preparation for development of rich-media, persuasive and engaging user experiences particularly associated with multimodal interaction with personal and ubiquitous computing. The module addresses holistic issues raised by interaction with information in context (the context of small groups, communications, and environments), and focuses upon design and prototyping from as a creative, reflexive practice. Students are encouraged to draw upon diverse sources to inform design decision-making processes and methodologies for complex outcomes, including but not limited to approaches from the performing arts, ethnography and service design.
30 credits
Students will benefit from having some prior experience with animation concepts, 2D and/or 3D animation practice. This module will enable them to develop their 3D animation skills further in creating dynamic and appealing animation for application in both film/TV and games production. Fundamentals and theory, such as the 12 Principles of Animation and study of reference, will underpin the development of a portfolio featuring body mechanics and character performance animation. Students will also learn basic techniques in rigging, such as parenting, constraints, IK solvers, utility nodes, set-driven keys, etc. in order to animate models.
On completion of the module, students will have the ability to animate assets for different applications (film, television and computer games).
This is a practical module where the majority of students' time is spent working with 3D software. Similarly, the assessment is practically based.
Professional placement
Professional placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Careers opportunities
After you graduate
You’ll complete this course with the skills you need to progress to an exciting future in the games industry. Previous graduates have gone on to roles including games designer, games programmer, indy developer, AI programmer, software engineer and user experience designer.
Links with industry
We work closely with industry partners to make sure our courses deliver the best possible learning experiences. We are an academic partner of Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe through PlayStation First, and regularly welcome industry guests. Recent speakers have joined us from Creative Assembly, Ndreams, Rare, Rebellion and Frontier.
Digital Media Kingston
This course is delivered by Digital Media Kingston – a partnership between the School of Computer Science and Mathematics and the School of Design at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. This combination is perfect for giving you the unique mix of technical and creative skills you need to succeed. While you study, you’ll hone workplace skills like teamwork, time management, communication, data collection and computing.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 17% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment
- Year 1: coursework: 100%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
ÂYou will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
Interested in studying an MA in Game Development (Design) at Kingston? The following funding support is available:
Get a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. Find out more.
Receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in your first year of study. Find out more.
Get a 15% reduction in tuition fees. Find out more.
Receive a one-year scholarship for a taught masters course in the School of Computer Science & Mathematics. Find out more.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ offers a 10% discount on full- and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni. Visit our alumni discount page to find out more.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. If your placement is based in London, costs could range between £0 and £200 per month for 12 months.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
After you apply
If the admissions tutor wants to invite you for further assessment or interview, they will contact you directly. After that you will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you don’t clearly meet the standard entry requirements, the admissions tutor might request a portfolio. If this happens, you’ll receive an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ OSIS account – and explaining how to do it.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
