MSc Accounting and Finance (OGAF) by Research
Abertay University's MSc Accounting and Finance (OGAF) by Research is designed to p...
PhD Game Studies
Dundee
INTAKE: Feb, June & Oct
Program Overview
Abertay University's PhD in Game Studies offers an advanced academic journey for individuals seeking to explore the cultural, social, and theoretical dimensions of games. This program provides a comprehensive overview of game studies, fostering critical thinking and research skills for those aspiring to contribute to the scholarly discourse surrounding games.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the PhD program is thoughtfully crafted to cover a broad spectrum of topics within game studies. Core courses delve into areas such as game culture, game theory, player behavior, and the impact of games on society. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to align with their specific research interests and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Research Focus: The program's research focus centers on advancing the understanding of games as cultural artifacts, interactive narratives, and influential forms of media. Students engage in in-depth exploration of topics such as game aesthetics, player psychology, game narratives, and the cultural implications of gaming. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, fostering collaboration between game studies, cultural studies, and media studies to address the multifaceted nature of games.
Industry Engagement: Abertay University recognizes the importance of industry engagement within the Game Studies program. While primarily an academic pursuit, students have opportunities to engage with the gaming industry through research collaborations, attending industry events, and gaining insights from professionals. This dual perspective ensures that graduates not only contribute to academic research but also have an understanding of the practical aspects and trends within the gaming industry.
Global Perspective: The program embraces a global perspective on game studies, acknowledging the international nature of the gaming landscape. Faculty members bring diverse international experiences to the program, and students are encouraged to explore global gaming cultures, engage in collaborative research projects with international scholars, and participate in global game studies conferences. This global outlook prepares graduates to contribute to the international dialogue on games, considering diverse cultural, social, and economic contexts.
Location
Dundee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 14750
PhD Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 65% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
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 PhD 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.
Abertay University offers several types of scholarships for international Ph.D. students, each with its own criteria and benefits.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards based on academic excellence, research potential, and achievements. Merit-based scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students to contribute to the university's research community.
Research-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are dedicated to students undertaking research in specific fields. These may align with the university's strategic research priorities or emerging academic disciplines.
Partnership Scholarships: Collaborative initiatives between Abertay University and external partners may result in specific scholarships. These aim to strengthen ties with organizations, industries, or governments.
Graduates of Abertay University's PhD in Game Studies program are well-prepared for diverse and influential career paths that span academia, research, and the broader gaming industry. With a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and theoretical aspects of games, they are poised to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of game studies.
Academic Researcher in Game Studies: PhD holders can pursue academic careers as researchers in game studies. They contribute to the scholarly understanding of games, publish research in academic journals, and engage in research projects that advance the theoretical foundations of the field.
University Lecturer or Professor: Graduates may choose to become university lecturers or professors in game studies. They impart their knowledge to the next generation of students, shape academic curricula, and contribute to the academic community through teaching and research.
Cultural Analyst for Gaming Organizations: With a deep understanding of game culture, graduates can work as cultural analysts for gaming organizations. They analyze trends, player behaviors, and cultural influences on gaming to inform marketing strategies and game development decisions.
Game Journalist or Critic: PhD holders can pursue careers in game journalism or criticism. They contribute to gaming publications, provide insightful analyses of games, and engage with the gaming community to share perspectives on the cultural and social aspects of gaming.
User Experience (UX) Researcher for Game Development: Those interested in player behavior and experience can become UX researchers for game development studios. They conduct studies on player interactions, feedback, and preferences to enhance the overall user experience of games.
Game Industry Consultant: With specialized knowledge in game studies, graduates may work as consultants for game development companies. They offer insights on player demographics, market trends, and cultural considerations, assisting organizations in making informed decisions.
Museum or Cultural Institution Curator: Graduates can curate exhibits related to game culture in museums or cultural institutions. They contribute to preserving and showcasing the cultural significance of games as interactive and influential forms of media.
Game Localization Specialist: Those with a global perspective can explore careers as game localization specialists. They ensure that games are culturally adapted for different markets, considering language, cultural nuances, and player preferences.
Educator in Game Culture: PhD holders can contribute to education by becoming educators in game culture. They may design courses that explore the cultural, social, and theoretical aspects of games, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Policy Analyst for Gaming Regulations: Graduates may work as policy analysts, contributing to the development of regulations and policies related to gaming. They engage with government bodies to provide insights on cultural, social, and ethical considerations in the gaming industry.
Interactive Media Consultant: Those with expertise in game studies can become consultants for interactive media projects. They provide insights on narrative design, player engagement, and cultural relevance, contributing to the success of interactive media ventures.
Digital Media Researcher: PhD holders may explore careers as researchers in digital media, with a focus on the cultural impact of games. They contribute to understanding the broader implications of games within the context of digital media landscapes.
Game Studies Author or Editor: Graduates can become authors or editors in the field of game studies. They contribute to academic publications, write books, or edit journals, influencing the discourse and knowledge dissemination within the game studies community.
Continuous Professional Development: Remaining continuous learning, graduates can attend conferences, workshops, and industry events. They can also contribute to the gaming community through publications, presentations, and participation in industry discussions, establishing themselves as thought leaders in the ever-evolving field of game studies.
