MSc in Electrical Engineering - Smart Grids
The MSc in Electrical Engineering - Smart Grids at Tampere Uni...
Masters in Social Sciences - Game Studies
City Centre
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Masters in Social Sciences - Game Studies at Tampere University, Finland, offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to the study of games and their impact on society. This program combines perspectives from sociology, psychology, cultural studies, and digital media, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of games as cultural, social, and technological phenomena. Students will explore how games influence human behavior, society, and culture, as well as how they can be used in various professional fields, from entertainment to education. The program prepares graduates to critically engage with the gaming industry, work in academia, or apply their knowledge in the development of socially responsible games.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Masters in Social Sciences - Game Studies at Tampere University is designed to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core courses cover topics such as game design, game mechanics, interactive storytelling, and the social and psychological effects of gaming. Students will also explore the history of gaming, the evolution of gaming cultures, and current trends in game development. Elective courses allow for specialization in areas such as game marketing, user experience, and the ethical implications of gaming. Additionally, the program includes hands-on projects, case studies, and opportunities to work with industry professionals, ensuring that students gain valuable practical experience alongside their academic learning. The curriculum is structured to help students develop critical thinking and research skills while also preparing them for careers in the rapidly growing gaming industry.
Research Focus: Tampere University’s research focus in Game Studies emphasizes the social, cultural, and technological aspects of gaming. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge research in game design, game culture, and the impact of games on society. Students in the program can engage with a variety of research topics, including game-based learning, the role of games in mental health, social interactions within gaming communities, and the study of game narratives. The university’s research also explores the intersection of games and other digital media, such as virtual reality and augmented reality. Students have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects, collaborate with faculty members, and contribute to the development of new theories and methods in the field of game studies.
Industry Engagement: Tampere University’s industry engagement for the Masters in Social Sciences - Game Studies program is strong, offering students the chance to connect with key players in the gaming and tech industries. Through collaborations with local and international game developers, researchers, and educators, students gain insights into the practical applications of their studies. The university also provides opportunities for internships, industry projects, and participation in game-related events, such as conferences and game festivals. These engagements allow students to build valuable professional networks and gain hands-on experience in various areas of the gaming industry, including game development, research, and marketing. The close ties with the gaming sector also ensure that the program stays aligned with the latest trends and innovations.
Global Perspective: Tampere University offers a global perspective in the Masters in Social Sciences - Game Studies program by attracting students from all over the world and fostering a diverse academic environment. The program addresses global trends in gaming, such as the rise of esports, the growth of mobile gaming, and the increasing cultural influence of video games. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different cultural backgrounds, gaining valuable insights into how games are perceived and experienced in different parts of the world. Tampere University’s strong international connections with universities, research institutions, and gaming companies further enhance the global outlook of the program. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a globally interconnected gaming industry.
Location
City Centre
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 12000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
Tampere University in Finland offers various scholarship opportunities to help international students finance their education and living costs. The university is supporting talented and motivated students from around the world, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent them from pursuing higher education in Finland.
Tampere University Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students: Tampere University offers scholarships to international students from non-EU/EEA countries applying to Master's degree programs. These scholarships are designed to cover tuition fees and help students with the cost of living in Finland. The scholarship covers either partial or full tuition fees, depending on the student's academic merit and the specific program applied to.
Tampere University Scholarship for Excellence: The Tampere University Scholarship for Excellence is awarded to exceptional students based on their academic achievements. This scholarship aims to recognize the outstanding academic performance of students during their studies and provide them with additional financial support. The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of achievement, and students who maintain excellent academic performance may be eligible for renewal during their studies.
Finland Scholarship: The Finland Scholarship is a government-funded initiative aimed at attracting top talent to Finland from abroad. Tampere University participates in this scholarship program, which is available to non-EU/EEA students who apply for Master's degree programs in Finland. The Finland Scholarship covers tuition fees and provides an additional grant to help with living expenses during the first year of study. This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and is designed to make studying in Finland more accessible to international students.
Scholarships for Exchange Students: Tampere University also offers limited scholarships for exchange students from partner universities. These scholarships help cover travel costs, accommodation, and other living expenses during the exchange period. Exchange students should check with their home university’s exchange program office to inquire about the available scholarship opportunities.
External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarship opportunities provided by the Finnish government, private organizations, and other funding bodies. These scholarships may be available for both undergraduate and graduate students. International students are encouraged to research and apply for other scholarships to support their studies in Finland.
Graduates of the Masters in Social Sciences - Game Studies from Tampere University, Finland, have access to a broad spectrum of career opportunities in the ever-evolving gaming industry, as well as in academia and research. With a strong foundation in game design, cultural analysis, and social impact, graduates are well-prepared to work in a range of sectors that value digital media expertise.
Game Designer: Crafting engaging and innovative games by applying principles of user experience, game mechanics, and storytelling to create immersive player experiences.
Game Researcher: Conducting research on the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of gaming, contributing to academic knowledge or working with game development companies to improve game design.
Community Manager: Managing and fostering relationships with online gaming communities, helping to build strong, supportive player bases for games and gaming platforms.
Game Writer/Narrative Designer: Writing scripts, dialogue, and storylines for games, ensuring that the narrative is compelling and integrates smoothly with the gameplay.
Game Marketing Specialist: Developing strategies to promote games, including digital marketing, branding, and audience engagement, and working closely with game developers and publishers to drive sales.
Esports Manager: Managing competitive gaming events, teams, and organizations, ensuring the success and growth of esports initiatives, from team coordination to event promotion.
Interactive Media Consultant: Providing advice and strategies on the use of games and interactive media for various purposes, including education, training, and health applications.
Game Production Assistant/Project Manager: Overseeing the development process of games, coordinating between designers, developers, and marketers to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Educational Game Designer: Designing games for educational purposes, using game mechanics and storytelling to enhance learning experiences and engagement in academic environments.
Behavioral Analyst in Gaming: Studying how players interact with games, including analyzing player behaviors, preferences, and engagement patterns, to inform game design and marketing strategies.
