Master of Science in Digital Games

Master of Science in Digital Games

Course Title

Master of Science in Digital Games

MQF Level

7

Duration and Credits

8 Semesters

120 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Day

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

A Bachelor degree from this University or from a university recognised by Senate for the purpose, in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering, Communications, the Humanities, the Social Sciences, or in any other area which the Board deems as appropriate.

All applicants shall also submit a portfolio of recent works as well as a letter of motivation in order to demonstrate their experience and/or substantial talent and motivation.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

Need help? Request more information

Apply

Applications for our February and October intakes have been officially open since the third week in November. You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

The MSc in Digital Games brings together students from many backgrounds to create innovative and exciting digital games. You are encouraged to explore your personal approach to game creation by combining your game design education with either critical analysis or technology specialisations. In all cases, you will 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 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 taught component will be covered during the first two years whilst the research component will be covered during the latter two years.

During their first year of studies, students are required to register for a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. Students following either Stream A (Game Technology and Design) or Stream B (Game Analysis and Design) are required to register for the compulsory taught study-units (25 ECTS credits) for each stream and for 5 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year, for a total of 30 ECTS credits.
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units

Stream A: Game Technology and Design
 
IDG5156 Game Design 10 ECTS    
IDG5301 Game Artificial Intelligence 5 ECTS    
 
Stream B: Game Analysis and Design
 
IDG5158 Methods for Games Research 5 ECTS    
IDG5201 Formal Properties of Games 10 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
DGA5010 Research Methods in Art and Design 5 ECTS    
DGA5011 Initiating a Digital Art Project 5 ECTS    
DGA5012 20th Century Art and Design 5 ECTS    
DGA5013 Art and Critical Theory 5 ECTS    
DGA5015 Professional Practice 5 ECTS    
DGA5017 Reflective Writing 5 ECTS    
IDG5631 Game Programming Fundamentals 5 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units

Stream A: Game Technology and Design
 
IDG5157 Game Development 10 ECTS    
 
Compulsory Units

Stream B: Game Analysis and Design
 
IDG5202 Analysing Player Experience 10 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ATS5002 Film, Technology and the Literary Canon 5 ECTS    
DGA5014 Perception and Consumption of Art 5 ECTS    
DGA5016 Art Practice and the Production of Culture 5 ECTS    
DGA5301 Drawing and Colour Workshops 5 ECTS    
DGA5302 Digital Imaging, Photography and Illustration 5 ECTS    
DGA5304 Digital Animation and Graphics 5 ECTS    
DGA5305 Graphic Narrative and Storytelling 5 ECTS    
IDG5152 Games and Narrative 5 ECTS    
IDG5252 Experimental Game Design 5 ECTS    
IDG5313 Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Games 5 ECTS    
MCS5411 Critical Studies in Journalism 5 ECTS    

 

During their first year of studies, students are required to register for a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. Students following either Stream A (Game Technology and Design) or Stream B (Game Analysis and Design) are required to register for the compulsory taught study-units (25 ECTS credits) for each stream and for 5 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year, for a total of 30 ECTS credits.

Students cannot register for elective study-units already chosen during their first year.
 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units

Stream A: Game Technology and Design
 
IDG5158 Methods for Games Research 5 ECTS    
IDG5304 Foundations of Game Studies 5 ECTS    
IDG5631 Game Programming Fundamentals 5 ECTS    
 
Stream B: Game Analysis and Design
 
IDG5156 Game Design 10 ECTS    
IDG5160 Designing Gameworlds 5 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
DGA5010 Research Methods in Art and Design 5 ECTS    
DGA5011 Initiating a Digital Art Project 5 ECTS    
DGA5012 20th Century Art and Design 5 ECTS    
DGA5013 Art and Critical Theory 5 ECTS    
DGA5015 Professional Practice 5 ECTS    
DGA5017 Reflective Writing 5 ECTS    
IDG5631 Game Programming Fundamentals 5 ECTS    

 
 
Semester 2
 
Compulsory Units

Stream A: Game Technology and Design
 
IDG5259 Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Games 10 ECTS    
 
Stream B: Game Analysis and Design
 
IDG5157 Game Development 10 ECTS    
 
Elective Units (Elective units are offered subject to availability, a minimum number of student registrations and time-table constraints)
 
ATS5002 Film, Technology and the Literary Canon 5 ECTS    
DGA5014 Perception and Consumption of Art 5 ECTS    
DGA5016 Art Practice and the Production of Culture 5 ECTS    
DGA5301 Drawing and Colour Workshops 5 ECTS    
DGA5302 Digital Imaging, Photography and Illustration 5 ECTS    
DGA5304 Digital Animation and Graphics 5 ECTS    
DGA5305 Graphic Narrative and Storytelling 5 ECTS    
IDG5152 Games and Narrative 5 ECTS    
IDG5252 Experimental Game Design 5 ECTS    
IDG5313 Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Games 5 ECTS    
MCS5411 Critical Studies in Journalism 5 ECTS    
TTI5015 Inclusive Arts and Media 5 ECTS    

 

 
Semester 1
 
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
 
IDG5000* Dissertation 60 ECTS    

* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in semester 1 of academic year 2025-26 and continue up to semester 2 of academic year 2026-27.
 

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Digital Games - M.Sc. - under the auspices of the Institute of Digital Games.

The following are a sample of learning outcomes that you will achieve by the end of the programme, where you will be able to:

  • Develop efficient, functional and well written documentation both for internal documents (design document, treatment document) and for external ones (concept document) + demonstrate well-honed presentation and pitching skills.
  • Identify the appropriate quantitative or qualitative research methodology for a particular games research task.
  • Critically analyse how human creativity affects the creative facets of games.
  • Analyse player experience using a variety of theoretical and empirical tools.
  • Implement and describe fundamental algorithms used in game graphics.
  • Use software tools and development methods appropriate to their roles.

Non EU Applicants:

Fee per academic year: Eur 6,700

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a successful holder of this masters' degree, you will be able to enter a career in the digital games industry. The option of pursing a doctorate at the University of Malta is also available if you wish to further your studies.

Technology Stream

 

Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.

Hello there. We noticed that you are searching from an overseas country. Do you possess any overseas qualifications?

Hello there. We noticed that you are searching from outside the European Union.

Are you an EU/EEA national?

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmscdtgpdt4-2024-5-o/