MA in Game Development - Design
Kingston University
Key Information
Campus location
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,860 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* home full-time: £9,860 | international full-time: £16,200
Introduction
Why choose this course?
This course focuses on the design skills necessary for the field of game development. You will create and develop computer games both alone and as part of a team. Excellent facilities include Sony PlayStation 4 developer kits and software such as Unity Pro, Unreal and Maya. You will also have access to our new Centre for Virtual and Augmented Reality. There is regular input from industry practitioners, particularly through the games inKUbator, and the chance to participate in Game Jams and Hackathons. With a professional presence, portfolio and a range of skills, you will be ready to impress potential employers.
- This course has been developed in consultation with our industry panel, and we are an educational partner of Sony Interactive Entertainment through PlayStation First. We are also an active member of TIGA, the games industry's representative body.
- This course has been designed to use the best digital media expertise and resources from across the University. It will prepare you for employment in the digital media industry, where teams of specialists work together to develop and author innovative digital media projects.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- Kingston University is an active member of The Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA) and has been developed in consultation with industry.
- Kingston is an educational partner of Sony Interactive Entertainment through PlayStation First. You will learn to develop games for PlayStation 4.
- You will use first-class facilities, such as gaming PCs, development consoles and VR and AR kit.
Sony PlayStation First
Kingston University is an educational partner of Sony through PlayStation First. Through this partnership you will have the opportunity to learn how to develop games for the PlayStation 4 as part of this course.
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Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
You will design and create computer games, alone and in teams, using industry-standard production management tools and techniques that stimulate a professional environment of collaboration to deliver a product on time. You will also develop vertical-slice prototypes using new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, and will learn how to present yourself to potential employers through your professional presence and portfolio.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module the first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Core modules
Modules
- Digital Studio Practice
- Connected Games Development
- Game Design
- Digital Media Final Project
Optional modules
Modules
- User Experience Design (Content)
- Character Animation for Film and Games
- Professional Placement
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
What this course offers you
Game Development (Design) MA is part of the Digital Media Kingston suite of courses providing students with a unique mixture of creative and technical skills.
Students will have access to first-class technical facilities such as our Games Lab, with state-of-the-art computers, moving image studios, 3D workshops and other specialist resources. These include a number of Sony PlayStation 4 developer kits. In addition, other software is available including Unity Pro, Unreal and Maya. Students also have access to our new Centre for Virtual and Augmented Reality (CAVE).
This industry-facing course aims to hone your workplace skills including:
- team-work;
- time management;
- communication (oral, written and electronic);
- data collection, review and synopsis; and
- computing.
Input from industry practitioners and experts will add a valuable dimension to your studies, particularly through the games inKUbator which feature regular industry speakers. There is also the opportunity to participate in Game Jams and Hackathons.
How we work with industry partners
Digital Media Kingston courses have been developed in consultation with an industry advisory board, which so far includes members of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, DreamWorks, the BFi, Alloy, The Other Media, Sunrise Software, Abelton Live, Tonic, and Active Ingredient.
The course content for the Game Development (Design) MA has been developed in consultation with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and we have an academic agreement with them that allows students to develop for Sony PlayStation Portable. Together with them, we are also planning a 'buddy' scheme for students in production where a member of the SCEE production staff can offer support and guidance to students in their final projects.
Some work placements, live projects and other opportunities will be available at the discretion of the industry panel for students on this course.