COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Game Design with Advanced Practice programme combines advanced game design theory with practical development experience to prepare students for professional careers in the games industry. Students study Advanced Game Mechanics, where they design engaging gameplay systems, develop game concepts, and transform ideas into playable proofs of concept. Advanced Mission Design focuses on creating immersive missions and levels, producing professional design documentation and implementing playable scenarios within modern game engines. The Game Design Optimisation module develops expertise in gameplay balancing, performance optimisation, system refinement, and adapting games for different platforms while maintaining technical quality and player engagement. Through the Game Group Project, students collaborate in teams to create a fully playable game prototype from concept to completion using contemporary development workflows and game engines. Games Management introduces project planning, budgeting, scheduling, production management, and team leadership using professional project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, ShotGrid, and Basecamp. Rational Game Design explores core gameplay systems, player learning, playtesting, accessibility, and iterative design methods to create engaging and sustainable player experiences. The programme concludes with a substantial Master's Project, where students independently research, design, and develop a major games-related artefact supported by a reflective report and viva presentation. The Advanced Practice element provides an additional internship opportunity through either an industry placement or a university research internship, allowing students to gain valuable professional or academic experience, strengthen their CV, and build industry networks. Graduates are prepared for careers in game design, gameplay design, level design, mission design, production, and project management within the global games industry.