COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Game Design course is structured to build advanced skills and deep understanding through practical, collaborative, and research-driven modules. In the first study block, students engage with Development Practice, where they work in interdisciplinary teams to create small-scale game artefacts, while also completing a personal reflective case study to expand their practice. Alongside this, the Prototyping for Games module focuses on rapid development, challenging students to produce a series of playable prototypes using diverse tools and approaches. Peer and academic feedback is integral to refining these projects and shaping future work.In the second block, the Experimental Game Design module invites students to push creative boundaries by experimenting with new or unconventional ideas in game design. Whether exploring character development, world-building, unique game mechanics, or custom interfaces, students are encouraged to research and develop an original project in a medium of their choice. This is complemented by the Game Development Project, where students collaborate across disciplines to design and refine a game prototype. This work simulates real-world development and results in a pitch-ready product suitable for commercial or crowdfunding presentation.The final study block centers on the Major Project. This is a substantial, self-directed research and development task, where students apply everything they’ve learned to create a fully polished and professional-standard game or design concept. Whether working independently or within a team, students produce a finished piece that demonstrates creativity, technical proficiency, and the potential for industry impact. Through these interconnected modules, the course prepares graduates to confidently enter the games industry with a portfolio of innovative, high-quality work.