Tuition Fee
EUR 13,250
Per semester
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
18 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Digital Arts | Game Design | Game Development
Area of study
Arts | Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
EUR 13,250
Intakes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
About Program
Program Overview
MA Game Design
Our interdisciplinary 18-month MA Game Design course—a dynamic and immersive programme tailored to elevate your expertise in the rapidly evolving world of interactive entertainment. Through advanced study, we aim to sharpen your research skills, cultivate a robust visual communication language, and empower you to specialise within the exciting field of game design.
Programme Overview
Our MA Game Design equips students for the dynamic digital games industry where rapid growth demands skilled practitioners to drive innovation. Taught by game studies academics and industry experts, this course delves into game development within an industrial context. You'll build your portfolio as a solo developer or collaborator, culminating in a final major project to create a digital game product.
Programme Fee
- Hamburg: Feb, October
- 2025: February/October: International students Price: €13,250 | EU students Price: €8,450
Key Programme Information
- Duration: 18 months
- Intakes: February, October
- Campus: Hamburg, Germany
- Degree awarded by: University for the Creative Arts
Programme Structure
This 18-month (Level 7) Game Design MA consists of three terms of study and six months dedicated to your dissertation.
- Term 1-2: Lectures and seminars, exploring your creative practice to inform the detailed development of your project proposal.
- Term 3: Developing your MA project, evaluating and testing out the aims of your proposal over a sustained period of self-directed study.
Modules
- Expressive Game Design: Games Research and Professional Contexts 1
- Prototyping Lab: Genre and Affect Games Research and Professional Contexts 2
- Games Design Project
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MA in Game Design course students should be able to:
- Develop the ability to create groundbreaking game concepts, design prototypes, and test ideas that push the boundaries of creativity, intersecting with genre and emotional impact.
- Gain practical and conceptual mastery across a diverse spectrum of game design and development concepts, principles, and techniques.
- Deconstruct games to analyse dynamics, mechanics, and aesthetics, proposing innovative solutions to elevate the overall gaming experience.
Career Progression
Successful Graduates: Navigating Lucrative Careers in the Gaming Industry.
- Concept designer
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Multimedia programmer
- Multimedia specialist
- Software engineer
- VFX artist
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age: 21
- Academic qualifications: Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
- English Requirements: Access the Proof of English Guide (UCA) here.
Portfolio Submission
- Your Portfolio Submission: A collection of your best work, showcasing what inspires you, how you develop your work, your creative thinking processes, and what makes you a unique creative individual.
- What should my portfolio contain?: Sketches, paintings, digital art and design, sound work, short films.
- How do I submit my portfolio?: Upload up to 12 pieces of work which can include audio or video files via our BSBI Applicant Portal.
Program Outline
MA Game Design - BSBI: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Degree Overview:
The goal is to cultivate specialists within the exciting field of game design through advanced study, sharpening research skills, and fostering a robust visual communication language. The program combines:
- Creative Practice: Hands-on experience in game development through individual and collaborative projects.
- Academic Research: Building a foundation in theoretical frameworks and critical analysis skills.
- The final outcome: A demonstrable body of work and a polished digital game product.
Outline:
- Structure: Three terms of study + six months for dissertation
- Modules:
- Term 1 & 2: lectures, seminars, creative exploration (informs development of project proposal for later terms)
- Term 3: MA project development, evaluating aims of the proposal through self-directed study
- Final Stages: Apply research to creating final project (generic approach OR specialization in Graphics Design, Illustration, Animation)
- Content: Game development principles and techniques, genre and affect research, prototyping lab experience, applying research methods to analyze video game form and content, project development, realization, dissemination
Assessment:
- Formative: ongoing feedback during lectures, seminars, workshops and project work
- Summative: Final project - digital game product (generic OR specialized), evaluated through a rigorous process which may involve presentations, play-testing and assessment against various criteria
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, independent study
- Faculty: Industry experts and academics with extensive game design and research experience
- Pedagogy: Collaborative, interdisciplinary, practical and research-driven
Careers:
- Potential Avenues:
- Concept designer
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Multimedia programmer
- Multimedia specialist
- Software engineer
- VFX artist
- Progression Support: BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service - personalized consultations, workshops, employer networking, job board, CV improvement, interview guidance
- Student Successes: Alumni secure positions with leading companies and independent studios
Other:
- Intakes: October
- Entry requirements: Technical & portfolio components, online application portal
- International students Price: €13,250
- EU students Price: €8,450 Find out more here.
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About University
Berlin School of Business & Innovation
Overview:
Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI) is an international business school located in the heart of Berlin, Germany. It is dedicated to training students to become future leaders in the ever-changing business world. BSBI offers industry-relevant programs accredited by its academic partners, focusing on developing practical business skills for professional success.
Services Offered:
BSBI provides a range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support Centre:
- Offers academic guidance and resources.
Career Support:
- Provides career counseling, job fairs, and networking opportunities.
Virtual Student Lounge:
- A platform for online interaction and support.
Accommodation:
- Assistance with finding suitable accommodation options.
Visa and Immigration Information:
- Guidance for international students on visa and immigration procedures.
Online Study and Student Services:
- Access to online learning resources and student support services.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
BSBI fosters a diverse and international student community. Students can expect:
International Environment:
- Students from over 112 nationalities are represented.
Multilingual Community:
- 99% of students speak two or more languages.
Campus Events:
- Regular events, webinars, and workshops are organized.
Campus Locations:
- BSBI has campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, and Barcelona.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry-Relevant Programs:
- BSBI's programs are designed to equip students with practical skills needed for success in today's business world.
International Recognition:
- BSBI is accredited by reputable academic partners, ensuring the quality of its programs.
Diverse Student Body:
- The international and multilingual student community provides a rich learning experience.
Career Support:
- BSBI offers comprehensive career services to help students launch their careers.
Location:
- Berlin's vibrant and dynamic environment provides a stimulating backdrop for learning and personal growth.
Academic Programs:
BSBI offers a range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
- Bachelor's degrees in various business-related fields.
Postgraduate:
- Master's degrees in specialized areas of business.
Doctorate:
- Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).
Executive & Professional Education:
- Short courses designed to enhance industry-relevant skills.
Other:
Student Profile:
- The average age of BSBI students is 28 years old.
Awards and Recognitions:
- BSBI has received recognition for its commitment to excellence in education and innovation.
Partnerships:
- BSBI collaborates with various academic institutions, commercial partners, and organizations to enhance its offerings and provide students with valuable opportunities.
Newsroom and Blog:
- BSBI maintains a newsroom and blog to share updates, insights, and resources with students and the wider community.
Total programs
55
Admission Requirements
EU Students:
- Bachelor's Degree: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree (minimum of 180 credits) or an equivalent qualification, preferably relevant to Design, Creative Industries, or related fields. Other degrees will be considered if deemed appropriate by BSBI's academic staff and if applicants can demonstrate the required skills through their portfolio and personal statement.
- Portfolio: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio showcasing their creative abilities and design skills relevant to game design. The portfolio should illustrate a breadth of knowledge and skills in visual communication, design principles, and digital media production.
- Personal Statement: A well-written personal statement should be included in the application, highlighting the applicant's motivation and passion for game design. The statement should also showcase their relevant experience and skills, including software packages used and design processes employed.
- English Language Requirements: Applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. BSBI accepts IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all bands) or equivalent.
International Students:
- Bachelor's Degree: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree (minimum of 180 credits) or an equivalent qualification in any subject. Other degrees will be considered if deemed appropriate by BSBI's academic staff and if applicants can demonstrate the required skills through their portfolio and personal statement.
- Portfolio: Applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing their creative abilities and design skills relevant to game design. The portfolio should reflect a diverse range of knowledge and skills in visual communication, design principles, and digital media production.
- Personal Statement: A personal statement is required, outlining the applicant's motivation and passion for game design. This statement should also highlight their relevant experience and skills, including software packages used and design processes employed.
- English Language Requirements: International students are expected to have an IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all bands) or equivalent.
- Visa: International students from outside the EU will need to secure a relevant visa for studies in Germany.
- Financial Requirements: International students must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their studies in Germany.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants with relevant professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, even if they do not hold a formal academic qualification.
- BSBI offers an online portfolio review service, allowing prospective students to receive feedback on their work from experienced design professionals.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
As mentioned above, both EU and international students need to demonstrate English language proficiency. BSBI accepts IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all bands) or equivalent as proof of proficiency.
Location
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