| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA/MSc by Research in Interactive Media at the University of York is a research-focused program that provides students with advanced research skills in interactive media. Students work independently with an academic supervisor to design and implement a research project of their choice, culminating in a thesis. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia or the interactive media industry, including roles such as academic researcher, web designer/developer, and game developer/programmer.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MA/MSc by Research in Interactive Media
offered by the University of York's School of Arts and Creative Technologies, provides students the opportunity to explore their interests in interactive media within a research context, guided by an expert in the field.
Objectives:
- Equip students with advanced research skills to enhance their undergraduate degrees and prepare them for research-based careers.
- Provide a foundation for further study towards a career in academic research.
- Develop practical and research skills to succeed in the fast-growing and competitive interactive media industry.
Program Description:
The MA/MSc by Research in Interactive Media is a research-focused program with no taught element. Students work independently with support from their academic supervisor.
MA by Research:
- Investigates an area of interactive media or digital culture through critical theory, close reading, or other appropriate approaches.
- Culminates in a thesis of 15,000-20,000 words.
MSc by Research:
- Designs, implements, analyzes, and evaluates an interactive media system of choice (e.g., VR, mobile apps, interactive cinema, interactive websites).
- Culminates in a thesis of 15,000-20,000 words.
Outline:
Program Content:
- MA by Research: Critical theory, close reading, interactive media studies, digital culture studies, research methodology.
- MSc by Research: Interactive media design, programming, analysis, evaluation, research methodology.
Structure:
- Independent research project guided by a supervisor.
- No taught element.
- Regular meetings with supervisor.
- Attendance at research seminars and workshops.
Course Schedule:
- 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Thesis (15,000-20,000 words).
- May include oral presentations, research proposals, and other coursework depending on individual research project.
Assessment Criteria:
- Originality of research.
- Depth and breadth of research.
- Critical analysis and evaluation.
- Clarity and coherence of written and oral communication.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Individual supervision.
- Research seminars and workshops.
- Independent research.
Faculty:
- Expert academics in the field of interactive media.
Unique Approaches:
- Opportunity to work on a research project of your choice.
- Close guidance and support from an academic supervisor.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Academic researcher
- Web designer/developer
- Content developer
- Game developer/programmer
- User experience (UX) designer
- Project manager
- Digital marketing manager
- Storytelling/script writing for interactive and immersive production
- Freelance work
Career Opportunities:
- Research institutions
- Interactive media companies
- Game development studios
- Web design and development agencies
- Digital marketing agencies
- Freelance work
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates develop advanced research skills and knowledge in interactive media.
- Gain experience in research methodology and independent research.
- Build a strong portfolio of research work.
- Prepare for further study or careers in academia or the interactive media industry.
Other:
- This program is particularly aimed at individuals who wish to develop advanced research skills to enhance their undergraduate degree and/or as a prelude to developing a research-based career.
- May enable transfer to PhD study depending on the research project's quality and potential for further exploration.
- Provides access to professional theatres and performance spaces, TV studios, audio suites, production and post-production equipment, cinema and interactive media labs.
- Offers dedicated careers support and workshops for professional researcher development.
