Games Studies, Games – Media, Culture & Society

Program Overview

This research degree program in Game Studies explores digital games from a humanities perspective, utilizing critical, historical, and social research methods. Students benefit from collaborations with Abertay's Games programs and Dundee's status as a UNESCO City of Design, providing access to research opportunities and industry professionals. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, academia, and various roles outside of academia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please make contact with the Dean to discuss your proposal. Game studies as an academic field investigates digital games from a humanities-oriented perspective, utilising critical, historical, and social research methodologies. Prospective projects may explore issues such as narrative, ethics, audiences, and semiotics, and apply theoretical approaches such as literary theory, philosophy, postcolonialism, political economy, or psychology. Game studies at Abertay benefits from close collaboration with Abertay's leading Games programmes as well as Dundee's status as a UNESCO City of Design. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry. Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs, and we have longstanding relationships with local, national and international game studios. Abertay has hosted international games conferences including Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) and Foundations of Digital Games (FDG) as well as world-leading game studies scholars for seminars and lectures. As a member of SGSAH, a collaboration of Scottish universities whose goal is to provide the highest quality postgraduate education and research experience, Abertay is well-placed to deliver effective supervision. The programme will prepare you for a career as a researcher and academic, as well as an exciting range of roles outside of academia.

Assessment:

The final assessment is by examination of your submitted thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).

Teaching:

As a postgraduate research student, you will carry out an original, independent research and/or practice-based project, whilst being guided and supported by a team of expert academic supervisors. As you do this, you will benefit from an extensive programme of researcher development tailored to your background, needs and future ambitions. This will in turn help you develop the skills required to deliver research excellence.