Game Technologies MSc by Research

Program Overview

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Game Technologies

Overview

Undertake postgraduate research while drawing on university expertise. Our specialisms include VR, AR and MR, IoTs, mobile technology, gamification and serious games, user experiences and user interface development.

We have a strong applied research focus and particular interests in work that engages with the concerns of the user, the needs of businesses and the rapid developments within the IT industry and engineering sectors.

Research Environment

Our School of Computing & Engineering is active in pure and applied research, knowledge transfer and industrial projects. There are a number of dedicated laboratories for researchers and you’ll be joining a group of about 35 research candidates – all involved in extending both new knowledge and professional practice.

We offer a range of further research training events, postgraduate researcher-led seminars, conferences and summer schools – as well as training offered through other universities and bodies.

This diverse range of events helps you gain the skills and confidence you need to underpin your research journey.

This research contributes to the research priority area Applied Business and Technology, discover the research projects you could be involved in.

Study Style

Your postgraduate research study is mainly carried out through an unique project with both theoretical investigation and practical application, which leads to your contribution to new knowledge generation. Your study will be an effective combination of your independent investigation and support from your supervisors with the required expert knowledge through regularly meetings with them.

Academics staff will also provide any necessary support to your study. Dependent on your individual project, there will be an element of software application for system modelling, analysis and optimisation and an element of verification and validation test of the new algorithms, methods, models, frameworks and approaches etc.

Study can be either full-time or part-time. If you are an international student, you can study remotely.

Entry Requirements

• MA or MSc by Research/MRes
  • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area
• PhD
  • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.
• Applications from a range of diverse backgrounds
  • We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 writing, 5.5 all other components)
  • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.
• Research proposal
  • Your application should include a research proposal up to 1,000 words (excluding references/appendices) which follows the structure outlined in the research proposal guide.

Fees and Costs

You're viewing fees for the PhD Full Time (4 years) course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Please be aware that students may have to pay a continuation fee if their study continues after the expected duration of their programme.

Start date | Course code | Fee (UK) | Fee per year | Fee (international) Fee per year ---|---|---|--- February 2026 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 October 2025 | — | £5,350 | £13,425 February 2027 | — | TBC | TBC March 2027 | — | TBC | TBC May 2027 | — | TBC | TBC October 2026 | — | TBC | TBC

International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Careers

Our postgraduate research students cultivate a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally, preparing them for successful careers within academia and beyond.

As a postgraduate research student at UoG, you’ll develop and refine a range of skills across research, academic practice, project management and critical analysis to equip you for your future. Whether it’s contributing to ground-breaking academic research or applying problem-solving skills in the workplace, we’ll ensure you’re ready to take on your next challenge.

This versatility opens doors to opportunities across various sectors, from education and research institutions to commercial organisations and NGOs, where you’ll have the confidence to apply your researcher skills and develop innovative solutions to meet your ambitions.

Teaching Staff

Academic Course Leader

Prof Abigail Gardner

Academic Course Leader for Game Technologies

Visit academic course leader's profile

Can't see your research area listed?

With research submitted in each of our research areas judged to be internationally excellent according to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), our research supervisors have a broad range of specialisms across a diverse range of subjects.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your research interests.

Gain support from expert supervisors

We may be able to offer you effective supervision for cross-disciplinary projects that link to business management. As a research degree candidate, you will be supported by a supervisory team with expertise in your subject and/or research approach.

Join our academic community

You’ll be able to draw on a wide range of expertise from more than 50 academic staff. Join our community of around 30 research candidates involved in extending knowledge and professional practice.

School of Creative Arts

Explore and collaborate with creatives from across the spectrum. We offer the perfect environment to practice your craft and prepare you to graduate career-ready.

Visit the School of Creative Arts

Program Outline

Game Technologies PhD: A Detailed Extraction

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Degree Overview:

• Program Type: PhD
• Study Modes: Full-time or Part-time
• Duration: 4 years (Full-time), 6 years (Part-time)
• Study Location: Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
• Key Research Areas: VR, AR, MR, IoTs, mobile technology, gamification and serious games, user experiences, and user interface development.

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Program Objectives:

• This PhD program fosters independent research in game technologies while offering expert supervision and guidance.
• It emphasizes practical applications and user-centered design.
• The program aims to contribute to new knowledge generation in game technologies and related fields.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• The PhD program consists of individual research projects that combine theoretical investigation and practical application.
• Studies can be conducted full-time or part-time, with remote study options for international students.
• The program requires students to take and complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods.

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Modules:

The program offers a diverse range of modules depending on the chosen research focus. Unfortunately, the specific modules are not listed in the provided context.

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Assessment:

The PhD program utilizes various assessment methods, including:

• Thesis: The primary assessment element is the final thesis, which demonstrates the culmination of research findings and contributions.
• Regular meetings with supervisors provide ongoing feedback and guidance throughout the research journey.
• Additional assessment methods may be implemented depending on the individual project, such as software applications, system modeling, and analysis, as well as verification and validation tests.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Staff:
• The program is led by Dr. Shujun Zhang, the Academic Course Leader.
• A diverse group of academic staff with expertise in various areas of game technologies provides guidance and support.
• Students have access to expert supervisors with relevant subject and research approach knowledge.
• Teaching methods:
• The program promotes independent research with regular guidance and support from supervisors.
• A range of research training events, postgraduate researcher-led seminars, conferences, and summer schools are offered to enhance research skills and knowledge.
• Students can also access training opportunities offered by other universities and bodies.

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Careers:

The PhD in Game Technologies opens doors to various promising careers, including:

• Research scientist in academia or industry
• User Experience (UX) designer or researcher
• Developer of VR, AR, MR, and mobile technologies
• Game designer or researcher
• Consultant in game technologies or related fields

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Other:

• The program welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds, encouraging individuals with relevant research experience and achievement to apply.
• International students require IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component).
• Research projects can be linked to business management, with expert supervision provided for cross-disciplinary projects.
• The University of Gloucestershire boasts over 50 academic staff and around 30 research candidates in diverse fields, providing a rich environment to collaborate and exchange ideas.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Fee (UK)

£5,100 per year

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Fee (international)

£12,775 per year International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.