MA Games Design

Program Overview

The MA in Games Design at Canterbury Christ Church University equips students with the skills to create games, regardless of their background. Through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, students gain a comprehensive understanding of game design principles, software, and collaboration techniques. The program culminates in a final project where students develop and market their own video game, preparing them for careers in the game industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The MA in Games Design program at Canterbury Christ Church University aims to equip students with the necessary skills to create games, regardless of their prior knowledge in the creative or technical fields. It's designed for individuals passionate about game creation, who possess expertise in areas like creative writing, music, illustration, or prior game design experience.

Objectives:

• Develop and apply existing skills to create and launch finished games.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of game design principles and techniques.
• Acquire proficiency in various game design software and tools.
• Collaborate effectively with fellow designers and developers.

Description:

The MA Games Design program offers students a comprehensive and practical approach to game creation. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their learnings to real-world projects. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual/group tutorials, students acquire a solid understanding of various game design aspects, including narrative design, level design, character design, and game mechanics. The program emphasizes collaboration, encouraging students to work effectively in teams, mirroring the professional game development environment.

Outline:

Course Duration:

1 year (full-time)

Program Structure:

6 core modules delivered over the academic year

Course Schedule:

Intensive in-person sessions on Canterbury campus alongside online interactive and self-directed learning

Modules:

• Creativity, Culture, and Community (20 credits)
• Thinking Like a Game Designer (20 credits)
• Digital Game Development Essentials (20 credits)
• Collaborative Practice (40 credits)
• Professional Development (20 credits)
• Final Project (60 credits)

Module Descriptions:

• Creativity, Culture, and Community: Explores the cultural context and impact of video games, examining their relationship with broader cultural movements and communities
• Thinking Like a Game Designer: Introduces core principles of game design, delving into game mechanics, player engagement, and effective storytelling
• Digital Game Development Essentials: Provides students with hands-on experience in using industry-standard game development software
• Collaborative Practice: Emphasizes teamwork and project management skills through collaborative game development projects
• Professional Development: equips students with essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in the game industry
• Final Project: A culminating project where students conceive, design, develop, and market their own video game

Assessment:

The MA Games Design program utilizes a variety of assessment methods throughout the academic year, including

• Portfolio work
• Individual and group projects
• Reports and essays
• Presentations

Teaching:

The program is delivered by experienced game design educators, theorists, and industry professionals. The teaching approach balances theoretical foundations with hands-on experience through personalized group and individual tutorials. The program utilizes a blended learning format, combining intensive in-person sessions with interactive online learning modules, enhancing collaboration and engagement.

Careers:

• Game Designer
• Level Designer
• Narrative Designer
• Programmer
• Artist
• Sound Designer
• QA Tester
• Project Manager
• Marketing Specialist
• Educator

• UK: £9,090
• Overseas: £15,500
• Part-time: £4,545
• Full-time with Extended Masters: £15,500 + £3,500