Master of Science - Accounting
Aalto University’s Master of Science in Accounting program is de...
Master of Arts and Media - Game Design and Development
Aalto
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of Arts and Media in Game Design and Development at Aalto University is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the dynamic and rapidly evolving game industry. This program blends creative design with technical development, offering students a comprehensive understanding of game design, game development processes, and the broader industry. With a strong focus on both the artistic and technical aspects of game creation, students learn how to design, develop, and produce engaging, interactive experiences. The program also emphasizes collaboration and innovation, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the global game industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master of Arts and Media in Game Design and Development is structured to provide a balanced approach to both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core courses focus on game design principles, narrative design, interactive storytelling, and game mechanics. Students are also introduced to the technical side of game development, including programming, game engines, and the use of digital tools for game creation. Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mobile game development, game audio, and advanced 3D modeling. Additionally, students engage in group projects and workshops, giving them hands-on experience in creating real-world game prototypes. The curriculum also emphasizes critical thinking, user-centered design, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing gaming landscape.
Research Focus: The research focus of the Game Design and Development program at Aalto University is centered on understanding how games can influence and enhance user experiences, culture, and society. Research topics in the program include game mechanics, user experience (UX) design, interactive storytelling, and the impact of emerging technologies such as VR and AR on game design. Students are encouraged to undertake individual research projects that explore innovative game design concepts, new development techniques, and the evolving role of games in entertainment, education, and beyond. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research in the field of game design, with opportunities for students to contribute to projects on the forefront of technological advancements in the gaming industry.
Industry Engagement: Aalto University’s Game Design and Development program has strong ties to the game industry, providing students with ample opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals, studios, and startups. The university works closely with leading game companies in Finland and internationally, facilitating internships, workshops, and networking events. Students gain practical experience by participating in real-world game development projects, where they apply their learning in collaborative environments. Industry experts frequently visit the program to provide mentorship, guest lectures, and career guidance, ensuring that students stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in the gaming sector. This level of industry engagement also enhances students' employability, as they build valuable connections within the game development community.
Global Perspective: Aalto University’s Master of Arts and Media in Game Design and Development offers a global perspective by attracting students from diverse cultural backgrounds and maintaining international collaborations with universities and game companies around the world. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the global gaming market, including cultural influences on game design, the international distribution of games, and trends in gaming demographics. Students are encouraged to participate in international conferences, collaborate on global projects, and engage with the global game community through partnerships and events. Aalto’s international network and global outlook prepare graduates to work in the global gaming industry, with the skills and mindset to create games that appeal to audiences across different cultures and regions.
Location
Aalto
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 20000
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.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Overall score of 315 or higher is required.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Overall score of 600 or higher is required.
Aalto University in Finland offers a variety of scholarships to support international students who wish to study at one of the leading universities in Europe. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and help students focus on their studies while living in Finland.
Aalto University Tuition Fee Scholarships: Aalto University offers scholarships specifically for international students who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships cover either partial or full tuition fees for master’s degree students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarship amounts range from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the applicant’s academic achievements. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application and the applicant’s academic background.
Aalto University Scholarship for Living Expenses: While the primary focus of the scholarship program is to assist with tuition fees, some additional financial support is available for students to help cover living expenses. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who already receive a tuition fee scholarship but need further assistance to cover their living costs.
Graduates of the Master of Arts and Media in Game Design and Development from Aalto University are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the dynamic and growing gaming industry.
Game Designer: Graduates can work as game designers, responsible for creating the gameplay mechanics, rules, and features of a game. They conceptualize how players interact with the game world, ensuring engaging and challenging experiences.
Game Developer/Programmer: Game developers and programmers focus on coding and implementing the design elements of a game. They work with game engines, write the game’s source code, and troubleshoot issues to bring game ideas to life.
Narrative Designer: As narrative designers, graduates craft the storylines, characters, and dialogue in games. They ensure that the game's narrative enhances the player's experience, integrating the story seamlessly into gameplay.
Game Producer: Game producers manage the production process, overseeing the development team, ensuring deadlines are met, and managing budgets. They play a key role in coordinating between different departments to make sure the game is completed on time and within scope.
User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on the players' interactions with the game. They design intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and work to improve the overall experience, from ease of navigation to emotional impact.
Game Artist/Animator: Game artists and animators are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, including character designs, environments, textures, and animations. They bring the visual aspects of the game to life, contributing to the aesthetic appeal.
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: QA testers are responsible for identifying bugs, glitches, and other issues in games before they are released. They test the game for functionality, usability, and consistency, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
VR/AR Game Developer: With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, graduates can also focus on VR/AR game development, creating immersive and innovative experiences that leverage cutting-edge technologies.
Game Audio Designer: Game audio designers work on the sound design of a game, including sound effects, voice acting, and background music. They play a key role in enhancing the emotional impact of the game through auditory elements.
Freelance Game Developer/Consultant: Some graduates opt to work as freelancers or consultants, collaborating on a variety of game projects. This option allows for flexibility and the opportunity to work with different clients in diverse roles.
Game Marketing and Community Manager: Graduates may also pursue roles in game marketing or community management, where they are responsible for promoting games, building a player base, and managing communication between developers and players.
