Games & XR Management (M.A.)

Program Overview

The Games & XR Management (M.A.) program at Fachhochschule Dresden combines creative and technical education with product management in the games and XR sector, equipping graduates with skills in developing innovative applications and leading projects. Graduates are prepared for careers as product managers, consultants, or entrepreneurs in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The program emphasizes the transformative role of computer games and their technological dynamics, and its practical, application-oriented approach enables students to apply theoretical knowledge through project-based learning.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Games & XR Management (M.A.) program at the Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) is a 3-semester (or 4, depending on prior studies) Master's degree program designed to train experts who can leverage the innovative power of the games and new media sector into managerial and consulting roles within companies. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills to develop innovative applications and games, successfully lead projects and teams, apply research methods in business practice, and implement marketing concepts. The program focuses on combining creative, technical education with product management and development, oriented towards games & XR and associated design and research. It addresses the increasing importance of computer games in society and their pioneering role in virtual, augmented, mixed, and extended reality technologies, as well as the growing use of gamification in various sectors. The program's objective is to produce graduates capable of leading and developing these technologies at executive levels, particularly in product management and strategic development. The program emphasizes the need for managers with a sound understanding of human behavior (gaming and learning) and modern management methods to facilitate the design and development of products and services in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Outline:

The curriculum combines creative, technical education with a focus on product management and development within the games & XR field. Specific course content includes: In addition to these core areas, the program also covers management skills, business model development, financing and pricing, marketing, and business creation. Special subject areas include Human Resources and New Work, Project Funding & Pricing, and Leadership & Strategy. The program is structured into 3 or 4 semesters (depending on the student's prior Bachelor's degree). Students earn 90 credit points, with one credit point equivalent to 30 hours of work. The program involves lectures (including preparation and follow-up work), self-study, and examinations. Graduates of the FHD Bachelor's degree course in Graphic Design Screen and Print Media/Media Informatics & Media Design, or graduates from other universities with a Bachelor's degree of 210 credit points, can complete the Master's degree in 3 semesters. Those with a Bachelor's degree of only 180 credit points require an additional semester.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a practical and application-oriented approach, incorporating project-based learning. Students can apply theoretical knowledge through their own projects, utilizing the FHD's well-equipped studios, workshops, and laboratories (including the XR research lab and the biofeedback lab). The program benefits from the FHD's collaborations, providing access to the latest technology developments and a network of contacts through events, guest lectures, and internships. The program is taught by experienced lecturers from the real world, providing valuable feedback and input for student projects.

Careers:

Upon graduation, students will receive an internationally recognized Master of Arts (M.A.). Career opportunities exist in various sectors, including:

• Software companies (all sizes)
• Educational institutions
• Publishing houses
• Media and creative agencies
• Consulting companies
• Human resources services or departments
• Media educational institutions
• Communication departments
Graduates can work as product managers, responsible for the conception, production, and management of software-based products in games & XR and software. They will undertake responsibilities in product management, coordinating different company departments and supporting company decisions regarding market and customers. Self-employment is also a possibility, with the FHD's start-up consulting team providing support. A research career, including doctoral studies and an academic career, is also an option.

Other:

The program highlights the impact of digitization on society and media, emphasizing the transformative role of computer games and their technological dynamics in both professional and personal life. The program stresses the importance of combining design, management, and research to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the industry.