Indie Game Development MA

Program Overview

Falmouth University's Indie Game Development MA (Online) equips students with the skills and knowledge to become confident and daring indie game developers. The program focuses on production, business, creative process, technical skills, research and development, and critical reflection. Graduates have successfully pursued careers in various roles within the gaming industry, including game developers, creative AI specialists, researchers, and designers. The program offers a dedicated virtual learning environment, accessible online content, and various resources and support to ensure student success.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Indie Game Development MA (Online) at Falmouth University

is a program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to become confident and daring indie game developers. The course focuses on:

• Creative Process:
Analyze the principles involved in the creative process, from ideation and design to delivery and dissemination.
• Technical Skills:
Integrate design tools, programming languages, game engines, middleware, and frameworks into your game development practice.
• Research and Development:
Conduct research and development through a major project, either independently or with others.
• Critical Reflection:
Develop the ability to critically reflect upon and evaluate working methods to find the most effective ways to collaborate on projects. The program is delivered by Falmouth's Games Academy, which has been ranked #1 for game design in England by The Princeton Review (2023).

Outline

The MA Indie Game Development Online program consists of four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit major project (totaling 180 credits). There is also a PGDip option that consists of four 30-credit modules (totaling 120 credits) without the major project.

Modules:

• Development Practice:
This module delves into the process of creating original and creatively distinguished games based on your own intellectual property. You will experiment with new approaches to challenge your existing ideas and create a personal case study demonstrating your development practice.
• Game Development:
This module focuses on the fundamentals of game development. You will learn how to develop and combine skills from art, design, and programming disciplines to create a small indie game.
• Co-creative Design and Development Practice:
This module will challenge you to work in a multi-disciplinary team on a problem-led creative project, such as a small game or creative app. You will collaborate to design, implement, evaluate, and manage the project, culminating in a polished and original artefact that demonstrates your engagement with an audience.
• Indie Game Start-Up:
This module equips you with the skills needed to launch your own indie game development business. You will identify market opportunities, investigate and assess different business models, and learn how to manage your business effectively, including cash flow management, enterprise planning, incorporation, seeking investment, and marketing.
• Final Major Project (MA only):
This module allows you to undertake a significant research and development project, focusing on expanding and consolidating your skills in devising, developing, and executing an extended development project. You can build upon your previous projects or develop a new concept, aiming to complete a polished project with publishable quality.

Assessment

The Indie Game Development program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These include:

• Projects:
Students will create and submit various projects throughout the course, demonstrating their understanding and application of the learned concepts.
• Portfolios:
Students will compile portfolios showcasing their best work and development projects, demonstrating their skills and creative capabilities.
• Pitches:
Students will present and pitch their game ideas and concepts to potential investors or audiences, practicing their communication and persuasive skills.
• Papers:
Students will write academic papers exploring specific topics related to game development, demonstrating their research and analytical skills.

Teaching

The program is delivered online through Falmouth's dedicated virtual learning environment. This environment allows for the delivery of lectures, webinars, guest talks, and online forums. Students also have access to extensive learning resources, course documentation, and announcements. The program utilizes a blend of online and face-to-face teaching methods. Online learning includes interactive lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks, and discussions facilitated by online tutors. Students also have access to extensive learning resources and support staff. Additionally, the program offers optional face-to-face events twice a year, typically on weekends, to enhance the learning experience and provide networking opportunities. The program boasts a team of expert instructors with extensive industry experience across various disciplines, including art, animation, audio, design, programming, production, and writing. These instructors bring their real-world knowledge and expertise into the classroom, providing students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education.

Careers

Graduates of the Indie Game Development program have successfully pursued careers in various roles within the gaming industry, including:

• Game Developers:
This role involves developing and designing games for various platforms, utilizing acquired skills in programming, design, and art.
• Creative AI Specialists:
This role involves using artificial intelligence for game development, leveraging skills in AI and game development to create innovative and interactive experiences.
• Researchers and Developers:
This role involves researching and developing new technologies and applications for the gaming industry, utilizing skills in research, programming, and game design.
• Designers, Developers, and Programmers:
These roles involve various technical and creative contributions to the development of video games.
• Doctoral Researchers in AI and Data Science:
This path involves conducting research in artificial intelligence and data science, aiming to contribute to advancements in these fields and their applications in the gaming industry. These include:
• Extensive Library:
Students have access to Falmouth University's vast online library, providing access to relevant books, journals, and research materials.
• Online Software Tutorials:
Students have access to online software tutorials through LinkedIn Learning, enhancing their technical skills and knowledge.
• Student Union:
Students can participate in the Falmouth University Students' Union, offering additional support, networking, and social events. The program also values student engagement and interaction. In addition to the online learning platform, the program offers optional in-person events and alumni events to foster a strong community and provide opportunities to connect with other students, faculty, and industry professionals.

£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course Tuition fees for September 2025 will be confirmed in summer 2024. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs