MA Games and Playful Design

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Postgraduate applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree with a standard of at least 55%-60% in a relevant or related subject. This requirement ensures a solid academic foundation for advanced studies.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 21.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69 with no individual score below 62.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Goldsmiths, University of London, is renowned for its vibrant academic community, creative atmosphere, and commitment to excellence in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university offers a range of scholarships for international students, providing financial support and opportunities for academic and personal development.  

Excellence Scholarships: Goldsmiths offers Excellence Scholarships to exceptional international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements. These merit-based scholarships provide partial tuition fee waivers and are available across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Goldsmiths International Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students pursuing postgraduate studies at Goldsmiths. It covers a portion of the tuition fees for the duration of the program. The selection criteria include academic excellence and the potential to contribute to the university's diverse and inclusive community.

Chevening Scholarships: Goldsmiths participates in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program, which is funded by the UK government. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals with leadership potential, enabling them to pursue a one-year master's degree at Goldsmiths. Recipients are selected based on their academic and professional achievements, as well as their commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Goldsmiths participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme, offering opportunities for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue postgraduate studies in various fields. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, promoting access to higher education for talented individuals from Commonwealth nations.

Santander Universities Scholarships: Goldsmiths has partnerships with Santander Universities, providing additional scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships support various academic pursuits, including research projects, study abroad experiences, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Research and Departmental Scholarships: International students pursuing research degrees (MPhil/Ph.D.) may have access to research and departmental scholarships within specific academic departments. These scholarships often support research expenses, conference attendance, and other related costs.

Graduates from the MA Games and Playful Design program at Goldsmiths possess a unique skill set that opens doors to diverse and dynamic career opportunities within the gaming and creative industries.

Game Designer: With a deep understanding of game design principles, graduates can pursue careers as Game Designers. They are responsible for conceptualizing game mechanics, developing narratives, and shaping the overall player experience, contributing to the creation of engaging and immersive games.

Interaction Designer: Graduates may choose to specialize as Interaction Designers. They focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for games, ensuring seamless interactions between players and digital environments.

Game Developer: With expertise in game development, graduates can become Game Developers. They engage in coding, programming, and the technical implementation of game concepts, contributing to the creation of functional and innovative games.

Experience Designer: Graduates can pursue roles as Experience Designers, focusing on creating immersive and memorable experiences beyond traditional gaming. They may work on interactive installations, events, and playful experiences in various contexts.

Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: For those interested in cutting-edge technologies, graduates can become VR Developers. They specialize in creating immersive virtual reality experiences, contributing to the expansion of VR applications in gaming and beyond.

Augmented Reality (AR) Designer: With a focus on emerging technologies, graduates can work as AR Designers. They contribute to the development of interactive and playful augmented reality experiences, integrating digital elements into the real world.

Narrative Designer: Graduates with a passion for storytelling can pursue careers as Narrative Designers. They focus on crafting compelling and engaging narratives within games, adding depth and richness to the overall gaming experience.

Game Artist: For those with artistic skills, graduates can become Game Artists. They create visually stunning game assets, including characters, environments, and animations, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of video games.

Creative Director: With experience and leadership skills, graduates can aspire to become Creative Directors. In this role, they oversee the entire creative process, providing direction and vision for game development projects.

Educator in Game Design: Passionate about education, graduates can become Educators in Game Design. They can teach, mentor, and develop educational programs, preparing the next generation of game designers and industry professionals.

User Experience (UX) Researcher for Games: Graduates can specialize in UX research for games. They analyze player interactions, gather feedback, and contribute to enhancing the overall user experience, ensuring games are enjoyable and user-friendly.

Game Tester/Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist: Graduates can start their careers as Game Testers or QA Specialists. They play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and functionality of games, providing valuable insights during the development process.

Serious Games Developer: For those interested in applying gaming principles to fields beyond entertainment, graduates can become Serious Games Developers. They create games with educational, training, or therapeutic purposes.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Armed with a blend of creative and technical skills, graduates can venture into entrepreneurship. They can establish their own game development studios, startups, or consultancy firms, driving innovation in the field.

Networking Opportunities: Goldsmiths facilitates networking opportunities through industry connections, alumni networks, and events. Graduates can leverage these connections to access job opportunities, collaborate on projects, and stay updated on the latest trends in the dynamic field of games and playful design.