Games Design MA

Program Overview

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The MA Games Design at UCA Farnham combines creative practice and academic research to prepare students for the digital games industry. Through modules in game design, game studies, and prototyping, students develop their skills in design, development, and theory. The program culminates in a final major project where students produce and ship a complete digital game product, showcasing their knowledge and abilities.

Program Outline

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MA Games Design at UCA

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Degree Overview:

The MA Games Design at UCA Farnham combines the latest creative practice and academic research, placing you at the cutting edge of the global games industry.

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Objectives:

• Prepare you for the needs of the digital games industry.

• Guide you through the various aspects of game development in an industrial context.

• Explore and apply the latest theory in game studies.

• Develop your portfolio in large teams.

• Culminate in a final major project to produce and ship a complete digital game product.

• Gain valuable experience in games production.

• Develop a scholarly understanding of the creative industries.

• Enhance invaluable skills such as interdisciplinary communication, project management, collaboration, marketing, and public relations skills to develop your professional profile and presence.

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Outline:

The program blends theory and practice through modules delivered in two terms, followed by a final major project in the third term.

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Term One:

• Game Design: Introduces the frameworks of design and game play dynamics, mechanics, and aesthetics.
Explores the history of game development and develops small practical prototypes. Analyzes the role of collaborative working in game design and project management tools.
• Game Studies: Explores the history and culture of games and game play, audience experience, and research methodology.
Investigates the intersection of game design with ethical perspectives, representation, and game cultures.
• Prototyping Lab 1: Genre: Investigates the impact of genre on game development, player expectations, and design decisions.
Explores the game design cycle through practical prototyping and develops a game prototype under the guidance of industry professionals.

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Term Two:

• Prototyping Lab 2: Affect: Focuses on understanding and experimenting with game affect in design and player experience.
Develops game prototypes exploring affect and hones the application of the game design cycle through individual and team projects.
• Human Centred Design: Introduces the principles of human-centered design and applies them to game development.
Emphasizes creating inclusive and diverse game experiences through critical analysis of user models and player diversity.

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Term Three:

• Final Major Project and Professional Practice: Develops an original game design project encompassing the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program.
Showcases the project in a professional portfolio and develops an online professional presence. Explores career opportunities within the Games industry and receives guidance on networking and professional development.

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Assessment:

• Term One: Modules assessed through individual and group assignments, presentations, and critical reflective essays.
• Term Two: Modules assessed through individual and group assignments, presentations, game prototypes, and critical reflective essays.
• Final Major Project and Professional Practice: Assessed through the full development and documentation of the final major project, including a critical dissertation, public presentation, and online professional portfolio.

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Teaching:

• Experienced faculty with expertise in game design, development, and theory.

• Guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals.

• Small class sizes fostering discussion and personalized feedback.

• State-of-the-art facilities including games studios, VR motion capture, and sound production studios.

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Careers:

• Concept designer
• Game designer
• Games developer
• Multi-media programmer
• Multi-media specialist
• Software engineer
• VFX Artist

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Other:

• Scholarships and fee discounts available.

• Strong alumni network in the games industry.

• Opportunities for internships and work placements.

• Close industry links with companies like LEGO and Supermassive Games.

• Assistive technology resources and learning support.

• Dedicated disability advisors.

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Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 (see fee discount information) Tuition fees 2024/25 entry (MA): £18,000 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750