MProf Professional Masters in Games Development

at Abertay University

Modules

Year 1

Game Design as Culture and Business (DES503) 

• Provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the concepts and theories which inform game design that will enable them to form and disseminate cogent analyses and critiques. Module content includes: critical theory and analysis; histories of games; culture and politics of games; game development roles; culture and intellectual property; recent controversies in the culture and industry of games.
   

Professional Development in Context (DES504) 

• Students will develop advanced skills in the execution of computer games concepts, evaluating how ideas and proposals should most effectively be approached and executed within the evolving professional landscape.
   

Professional Portfolio (ART501) 

• Supports students’ understanding and appreciation of professional portfolios and the most appropriate methodologies and practices they may employ to best represent themselves and their own professional aspirations.
   

Innovation and Professional Practice (DES505) 

• Students are supported to develop an original and creative line of research within video game development practice. Module content includes: professional development; innovation – propose, develop and present an innovative topic, methodology or technique; present at a professional level.
   

Professional Development for Commercial Practice (DES507) 

• This Module supports the students as they appraise their own skillset and develop strategies to ensure alignment with the demands and expectations of industry.
   

Development Project (DES506) 

• Students are enabled to bridge the gap between undergraduate study and professional practice. Through opportunities to appraise their own skills and critically evaluate their experiences within industry relevant scenarios, students develop the ability to formulate and defend effective responses to the challenges faced by professional developers.
   

Research Methods (2) (GRS501) 

• An introduction to research methods and statistical analysis for postgraduate students. Combines theoretical, historical and statistical concepts with hands-on practical lab sessions using both qualitative and quantitative techniques to put theory into practice.

Applicants must have a minimum of upper second class (2:1) honours degree in Art, Code, Design, Game Production or Audio. We will also consider applicants with a lower second class (2:2) in these subjects, if there is sufficient evidence of ability demonstrated in the Portfolio of Evidence supporting their application.

All applicants must submit a personal statement that includes a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) for review as part of their application.

The purpose of the Portfolio of Evidence is to allow the Programme Team to determine whether there is satisfactory evidence of ability - or potential ability - within at least one key computer games development role. These key roles* are Programming, Game Design, Art and Animation (preferably digital), Software, Project or Team Management, Digital Audio and Sound Design.

Content provided must be digital, preferably directing the Programme Team to external websites, galleries, testimonials or other bodies of work that can be viewed remotely - rather than any physical submission.

Of particular interest are references to:

• An academic or similar qualification in a game related area
• Professional Industry experience
• Professional Accreditation
• Self-directed work in a game related discipline
• Testimonials from professional developers

* Please note that experience in Quality Assurance (QA) or Marketing are not considered as key roles within this context, as there would be no appropriate opportunity to focus upon them in the programme.
 

If English is NOT your first language, you will need to show that you meet our English language requirements. This means you need a valid, recent, English language qualification.
 

Accepted English language qualifications include:

• IELTS - overall score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5

• TOEFL - overall score of 78 (individual elements: L-17, R-18, S-20, W-17)

• Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE - overall score of 169 on Cambridge Grading Scale

• Skills for English (SQA/PSI) - B2 with Pass with Merit 

• International Baccalaureate - English B at S5 or H4, English A no specific grade required

• European Baccalaureate - English Language 1 at grade 6 or English Language 2 at grade 7

The fees for Postgraduate Degree Programme is £17000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.