Games Design MA
Farnham
Course overview
MA Game Designs at UCA Farnham combines the latest creative practice and academic research, placing you at the cutting edge of the global games industry.
You'll be prepared for the needs of the digital games industry, as we guide you through the various aspects of game development in an industrial context, allied to a rigorous research programme exploring and applying the latest theory in game studies.
You'll develop your portfolio in large teams, culminating in a final major project to produce and ship a complete digital game product. Not only will you gain valuable experience in games production, you'll gain a scholarly understanding of the creative industries more generally, and enhance invaluable skills such as interdisciplinary communication, project management, collaboration and also marketing and public relations skills so you can develop your own professional profile and presence.
A one-year course of advanced study for furthering your research skills and specialising within your discipline.
A year-long preparatory course of study to ready you for your Master’s, developing your specialist skills, research acumen and confidence in working autonomously.
The Integrated Pre-Masters course has been suspended for 2022 entry.
A year-long preparatory course of study to ready you for your Master’s in the UK, developing your English speaking and writing together with your specialist skills, research acumen and confidence in working autonomously.
Accredited by:
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Course details
The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.
Get ready for your chosen postgraduate course with this preparatory year of specialist study. With a mix of online and face-to-face learning, UCA’s Integrated Pre-Masters is designed to give you insight into the study skills required to complete a Master’s, within the context of your creative subject. You’ll build skills in autonomous learning, forming your own targets and goals, honing your research skills, time management and professional practice.
For our students coming from a non-UK educational background, UCA has launched an Integrated International Pre-Masters year. On this course you’ll prepare for postgraduate study with a mix of online and face-to-face learning that will give you the study skills required to complete a Master’s, and you’ll also improve your English for academic study.
- Game Design 1 – Mechanics, Dynamics & Aesthetics
- Game Studies 1 – History, Culture & Society
- Game Design 2 – Interactive Storytelling
- Digital Game Prototyping Lab 1 – Unity design and coding, part 1
- User-centred Design 1 – Player, Context & Platform
- Game Studies 2 – Psychology & Phenomenology
- User-centred Design 2 – Experience & Evaluation
- Digital Game Prototyping Lab 2 – Unity design and coding, part 2
- Final Major Project
Tuition fees - 2022 entry
UK students:
- Integrated Pre-Masters course - £10,500
- MA course - £10,500
EU students:
- Integrated International Pre-Masters course - £10,500 (see fee discount information)
- MA course - £10,500 (see fee discount information)
International students:
- Integrated International Pre-Masters course - £17,500
- MA course - £17,500
The fees for 2023 entry will be available here shortly.
Additional course costs
In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials. These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make.
Further information
For more detailed information about our course fees and any financial support you may be entitled to please see our fees and finance pages.
The fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only. Costs may increase each year during a student’s period of continued registration on course in line with inflation (subject to any maximum regulated tuition fee limit). Any adjustment for continuing students will be at or below the RPI-X forecast rate.
To support our students and alumni to progress to the next level of study, we have developed a new range of fee discounts across a range of courses.
Course specifications
Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.
Facilities
Our outstanding computer games studios have high-end PCs dedicated to games design with games systems and interactivity software including Maya, Photoshop and Substance, and Unity and Unreal games engines. There are also sound production studios, a Foley studio and pro tools suites. There is a modern library with a wealth of books, journals, special collections and online resources.
Games studios, UCA Farnham
Games studio, UCA Farnham
Sound studios, UCA Farnham
Library, UCA Farnham
Entry requirements
MA course
- An honours degree or equivalent qualification in the subject or a related discipline
and/or
- Relevant work experience, demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level.
Consideration will also be given to applicants who can make a strong case for admission in relation to a particular project and can demonstrate their potential to satisfactorily complete the course.
MA course with Integrated Pre-Masters course
MA course with Integrated International Pre-Masters course
A recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject.
Don't meet the international entry requirements or English language requirements?
You may be able to enter the course through the following entry pathways:
MA course
MA course with Integrated Pre-Masters course
MA course with Integrated International Pre-Masters course
For these courses, we’ll need to see your visual or written portfolio for review. We’ll invite you to upload your portfolio online via your Applicant Portal – further information will be provided once you have applied. If you would prefer to meet the Academic Team in person for a review of your work on campus, this can also be arranged for you.
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