The MSc in Digital Games brings together students from many backgrounds to create innovative and exciting digital games.

Students are encouraged to explore their personal approach to game creation by combining their game design education with either critical analysis or technology specialisations. In all cases, students fully engage with the processes of game design and creation, as well as logistical concerns such as project and business management. The degree culminates in producing a completely developed digital game or a theory-based dissertation.

The programme is taught by experts from a variety of fields, providing students with diverse perspectives on game creation and criticism. As digital games continue to evolve, the programme will also expand to provide the skills and knowledge needed in industry, independent development, and academic games research.

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of one of the following:

(a) a Bachelor degree from this University with at least Second Class (Honours) in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering, Communications, and the Humanities, or in any other area which the Board deems as appropriate or

(b) a Bachelor degree from this University with at least Category II in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering, Communications, and the Humanities or in any other area which the Board deems as appropriate or

(c) a professional qualification/qualifications and/or experience as evidenced by a substantial portfolio of recent works, deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to satisfy in full or in part the admission requirements of the Course, provided that such applicants may be required to complete a preparatory theoretical programme as specified below.

The admission of applicants under sub-paragraphs (b) and, if necessary, (c) may be made conditional on the results of an interview conducted for the purpose.

The Board shall recommend to Senate the number of applicants that may be allowed to register for the Course, depending on the availability of resources. The Board shall announce the number of available places at the time of the call for applications.

When the number of places is so limited and the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be selected using the following criteria, the weighting of which shall be published at the time of the call for applications:

(a) degree type and classification
(b) experience in the area of the proposed study and
(c) performance during an interview.

Interviews, when necessary, shall be conducted by a board composed of at least three members appointed for the purpose.

For the purpose of selection, applicants who fully satisfy the entry requirements by 31st August preceding the commencement of the Course shall be considered first.

Preparatory Programme

Applicants admitted under sub-paragraphs (b) and, if necessary, (c) shall be required to complete a preparatory programme, comprising not less than 30 ECTS credits and not more than 60 ECTS credits, and to obtain an overall average mark of 55% or better, prior to their registration as regular students on the Course.

The Board may grant students full or partial exemption from the requirement of the Preparatory Programme if it is satisfied that the students possess post-first cycle qualification work experience that is relevant to the Course.

The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in October 2012. For more detailed information please refer to the bye-laws for the course available here.