| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Kingston University London's MA in Game Development (Design) equips students with the design skills necessary for the gaming industry. Through individual and team projects, students develop computer games using industry-standard software and facilities. The program emphasizes professional development through industry input, portfolio building, and optional professional placements, preparing graduates for careers as game designers, programmers, and other roles in the field.
Program Outline
The goal is to equip students with a professional presence, a strong portfolio, and a wide range of skills that will prepare them to impress potential employers.
Outline:
The program is delivered in a full-time format for either 1 or 2 years (including a professional placement) or part-time for 2 years. It includes core modules and optional modules:
Core Modules:
- Digital Studio Practice: Students work in multidisciplinary groups with other postgraduate students (User Experience Design MSc, Game Development (Programming) MSc, and Computer Animation MA) to create digital media projects responding to industry-driven briefs. This module also involves developing a professional online portfolio and CV. Students learn about connected games programming, design, and portfolio development.
- Game Design: This module covers game design principles such as narratology, ludology, interactive fictions, play and engagement, level design, game flow, motivation, jeopardy, reward, and presenting ideas through technical demos and graphics.
- Digital Media Final Project: This capstone project consolidates knowledge gained in previous modules and involves developing a substantial solution to a design-related problem. Students demonstrate their understanding of contemporary digital media practice through a critical report and practical work.
- Professional Placement: This module (optional) provides a 12-month professional placement opportunity, which students are responsible for finding and securing.
Assessment:
Assessment typically comprises exams, practical assessments (e.g., presentations, performances), and coursework (e.g., essays, reports, self-assessments, portfolios, dissertations).
- Year 1: 100% Coursework
Teaching:
The program is delivered through a combination of scheduled learning and teaching sessions and guided independent study.
- Guided Independent Study: Students are expected to engage in self-directed learning through reading, research, project work, coursework assignments, and presentations.
- Industry Practitioners: Regular input from industry professionals is incorporated, particularly through the games inKUbator, which features guest speakers and presentations. The teaching team includes experienced academics with industry backgrounds.
Careers:
Graduates are well-suited for roles such as:
- Games Designer
- Games Programmer
- Indy Developer
- AI Programmer
- Software Engineer
- User Experience Designer
Other:
- Facilities: The program offers access to dedicated games laboratories, a Centre for Augmented and Virtual Environments (CAVE), computing labs with high-performance workstations, development software and tools (Unity 3D Professional, Unreal Engine 5, Visual Studio, Maya, Photoshop), VR headsets (Oculus Quest 2s, PlayStation VR), PlayStation 5 development kits, and high-end digital cameras.
Home 2025/26 MA full time £11,400 MA part time £6,270 International 2025/26 MA full time £17,600 MA part time £9,680 Home 2024/25 MA full time £10,900 MA part time £5,995 International 2024/25 MA full time £16,900 MA part time £9,295
Kingston University
Overview:
Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.
Services Offered:
Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Guidance and resources for academic success.Career Services:
Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Wellbeing Services:
Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Library and Learning Resources:
Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.Student Union:
A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
Active Student Union:
Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.Vibrant Campus Life:
A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.Supportive Community:
A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.Location Advantages:
Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.Key Reasons to Study There:
TEF Gold Rating:
Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.Future Skills Focus:
Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.Strong Industry Links:
Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate Study:
A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.Postgraduate Study:
Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.Research:
Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:
Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.Entry Requirements:
- A 2:2 or above honours degree in humanities, art and design, multimedia, media production or the academic equivalent.
- All applicants must be able to demonstrate, either through qualifications or portfolio of works, a solid understanding of digital media.
- Exceptionally, applicants may have no first degree but more than five years working in the field and/or a portfolio of works. Experience in digital media or the games industry is particularly valuable.
- For non-UK applicants, you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.
- You must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests.
