Course content
Every module is focused on advanced games design practice, research-informed decision making and professional portfolio development. You’ll explore contemporary games design theory, gameplay systems, rapid prototyping, player experience, accessibility, ethical practice and evidence-based design methods.
You’ll work through studio-style projects that mirror the expectations of modern development teams. Through iterative design, playtesting, systems analysis and reflective critique, you’ll learn how to develop, evaluate and communicate sophisticated gameplay ideas.
The course culminates in a major masters project, where you’ll plan, implement and evaluate an original piece of games design work. This could include playable prototypes, systems frameworks, design documentation, research outputs or other specialist portfolio work aligned to your career goals.
Professional body accreditation
Accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a wide range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.
Modules
The modules listed below are an indicative list of the modules that make up the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run, we will advise you as soon as possible and provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Advanced Game Design Theory
How do game designers use theory to shape play, meaning and player experience? In this module, youll explore the ideas, frameworks and research that underpin modern game design. Youll study how mechanics, systems and narratives interact to create engaging and meaningful play, and analyse how design decisions influence player behaviour, accessibility and ethics. Youll experiment with these ideas through design documentation and prototype exploration, learning to connect design theory with creative practice while developing the critical and analytical skills needed for professional or research-based roles in game design.
Module code: GDEV70030
Game Masters Project Research And Planning
In this module, you will define the focus and direction of a substantial postgraduate project. You will develop a clear research question or creative/technical aim, explore relevant literature and professional practice, and plan an appropriate research or development approach. Through structured proposal development and a mid-point review, youll refine ideas, methods and project scope in response to feedback and critical reflection.You will be supported through one-to-one supervision as they explore advanced tools, research methods and professional workflows. This module establishes the intellectual, creative and technical foundations for the final Masters Project, ensuring you are well prepared to progress into independent project delivery.
Module code: GDEV70038
Industry Practice
In this module, youll work on an industry-aligned brief tailored to your specialist discipline, developing practical work that reflects professional standards and current sector expectations. Youll take part in multidisciplinary lectures on contemporary industry practice and attend focused lectures that support your technical, creative or design development. Through responding to a live-style brief, presenting your ideas and reflecting on your process, youll strengthen the professional skills, communication abilities and industry awareness needed for careers across the games sector.
Module code: GDEV70039
Game Prototyping & Iterative Development
In this module, youll design and build a series of experimental game prototypes that test different interactions, mechanics and aspects of game feel. Youll work through iterative development cycles creating, playtesting, analysing and refining your ideas to understand how small design decisions can transform the way a game plays or feels. Through hands-on experimentation and reflective practice, youll develop the technical, creative and analytical skills needed to prototype effectively in a professional game development environment.
Module code: GDEV70031
Studio Simulation
In this module, youll step into a fully simulated studio environment where you work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver a game prototype under the direction of academic staff acting as Game Directors. Youll take on specialist roles, use professional production tools, and follow industry workflows such as agile development, sprint planning and milestone reviews. Alongside creating a polished group project, youll also explore professional practice topics including communication, documentation, ethics, entrepreneurship and studio culture, helping you build the skills and confidence needed for the modern games industry.
Module code: GDEV70040
Game Masters Project Implementation And Evaluation
In this module, you will realise and complete a substantial, self-directed Masters project, producing either a professional-quality practical artefact or an academic dissertation. Building on the foundations established in Part One, you will apply advanced discipline-specific skills, research methods and professional workflows to deliver a coherent, original and well-evaluated outcome.Through iterative development, critical evaluation and regular supervision, you will demonstrate autonomy, problem-solving and research-informed decision-making. The completed project forms a central component of the postgraduate portfolio and prepares students for advanced professional or research-focused roles within the games industry and related fields.
Module code: GDEV70037