MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement
The MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church Uni...
MA Games Design
Canterbury
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Games Design program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, offers a cutting-edge postgraduate degree tailored for aspiring and established game designers who wish to advance their skills and understanding of the rapidly evolving games industry. This program blends theoretical rigor with extensive practical experience, equipping students with the advanced knowledge and creative techniques required to innovate in game design, development, and production. It encourages a deep exploration of the game development process, from conceptualization and narrative design to programming, asset creation, and project management. The course emphasizes both the artistic and technical aspects of game creation, fostering critical thinking and collaborative practice essential for success in this dynamic global sector. Students benefit from engaging with a curriculum that is responsive to industry trends and allows for the development of a strong, professional portfolio.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Games Design program is structured to provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience. Key modules typically include "Narrative Games Design," "Games Development Practice," "Games World Building," "Game Analytics," and a substantial "Final Project" (60 Credits), which often takes the form of a major game design or development project. The program emphasizes practical production, teaching students to utilize industry-standard software and tools for various aspects of game creation, including 3D modelling, animation, programming, and sound design. Learning methods often involve intensive workshop sessions, interactive online learning, and both group and individual tutorials, fostering an environment of collaborative creation and critical feedback. Assessments are predominantly coursework-based, including practical portfolio submissions, game prototypes, presentations, written reports, and essays, allowing students to build a robust body of work.
Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University, particularly through its School of Creative Arts and Industries, maintains a strong research focus that directly informs the MA Games Design program. Academic staff are actively engaged in research within various areas of games and digital media, including exploring emerging technologies, interactive narratives, game studies, and the cultural impact of games. The program encourages students to engage with current research and theoretical debates, culminating in their "Final Project," which often involves a significant research component. This emphasis on research-informed practice ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge developments in game design and are encouraged to contribute to the scholarly understanding of games as a medium.
Industry Engagement: The MA Games Design program at CCCU demonstrates significant industry engagement, crucial for preparing students for professional roles. The course has been developed in collaboration with industry professionals who often contribute through guest lectures, workshops, and by helping to shape assignment briefs, providing real-world insights and networking opportunities. The university has established links with various creative industries, including opportunities for students to engage with "client briefs" and potentially apply to be freelance creatives within the university's "Creatives Agency." Students are encouraged to develop a strong portfolio of their work, a vital component for securing employment in the games industry. The program's focus on collaborative projects and a production pipeline mirrors professional studio environments, enhancing practical readiness for the industry.
Global Perspective: The MA Games Design program inherently adopts a global perspective, acknowledging the international nature of the games industry and its global markets. The curriculum explores game design principles and development practices that are applicable across diverse cultural contexts and caters to a global audience. Canterbury Christ Church University attracts a diverse international student body, enriching classroom discussions and fostering a broader understanding of global game trends, player communities, and cultural influences on game design. The program equips students with skills that are highly transferable and relevant to game development studios and publishers worldwide, preparing them to contribute to an industry that transcends national borders and embraces a global creative economy.
Location
Canterbury
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 60.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of their university experience.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance and achievements. It provides a significant discount on tuition fees, making it more affordable for high-achieving students from abroad to study at CCCU.
Global Students Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting international students who demonstrate excellent potential and their studies. It offers a percentage reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Postgraduate International Scholarship: For postgraduate students, CCCU offers specific scholarships that provide financial assistance for those pursuing a master’s or doctoral program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide an opportunity for international students to study in the UK at a reduced cost.
Graduates of the MA Games Design program from Canterbury Christ Church University are uniquely positioned to enter a burgeoning and innovative global industry. This advanced degree cultivates not only a deep understanding of game design principles but also practical skills in research, production, and collaborative development using industry-standard tools like Unity and Unreal Engine. The program's emphasis on creativity, technical proficiency, and a studio-based learning environment equips students for diverse roles in the competitive games sector and beyond.
Game Designer: Conceptualizing and defining core gameplay mechanics, storylines, characters, and overall game structure for various platforms (console, PC, mobile, VR/AR). This often includes specializations like Level Designer, Systems Designer, or Narrative Designer.
Games Producer: Overseeing the entire game development lifecycle, managing budgets, schedules, and teams, and acting as the central point of communication between different departments to ensure the game is delivered on time and within scope.
QA (Quality Assurance) Tester: Playing games extensively to identify and report bugs, glitches, and usability issues, ensuring the final product meets quality standards before release. This is a common entry point into the industry.
Technical Designer: Bridging the gap between design and programming, implementing game mechanics and systems within game engines, and often scripting gameplay events or creating tools for designers.
Game Artist/Animator: Specializing in visual aspects of games, including character design, environment art, UI/UX elements, 3D modeling, texturing, and animation, bringing game worlds to life. This can include roles like Concept Artist, 3D Artist, or Animator.
UX/UI Designer (Games): Focusing on the player experience and user interface, ensuring games are intuitive, engaging, and accessible. This involves designing menus, HUDs, and overall interaction flows.
Indie Game Developer/Studio Founder: Leveraging the program's emphasis on independent development and practical skills to create and launch original games, potentially establishing a small studio and marketing their own titles.
Learning and Development Specialist (Gamification): Applying game design principles to create engaging and effective training modules, educational software, or employee engagement platforms for businesses and educational institutions.
Content Creator/Video Game Journalist: Using in-depth knowledge of games and the industry to create reviews, analysis, streaming content, or journalistic pieces for websites, magazines, or online platforms.
Simulation Designer: Developing interactive simulations for industries outside of entertainment, such as healthcare, aviation, architecture, or military training, utilizing game design principles for realistic and effective learning environments.
