Program Overview

Game Design & Technology Master's Programme

The Master's programme in Game Design and Technology teaches students a blend of skills and techniques required to work in and around the game industry. These skills include the ability to meaningfully analyse gameplay systems and their impact, understand, develop and use game engines, and develop games with the intention of creating highly enjoyable player experiences.

Programme Details

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits: 120 credits (ECTS)
• Offered by: Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Technology
• Study pace: 100%
• Time: Day
• Location: Göteborg
• Study form: Campus
• Language: English

Autumn 2025

• Duration: 1 Sep 2025 - 6 Jun 2027
• Application period: 15 Oct 2024 - 15 Jan 2025
• Application code: GU-86008
• Tuition:
  • Full education cost: 284 040 SEK
  • First payment: 71 010 SEK
  • No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders and exchange students.

Autumn 2026

• Duration: 31 Aug 2026 - 4 Jun 2028
• Application period: 16 Oct 2025 - 15 Jan 2026
• Application code: GU-86006
• Tuition:
  • Full education cost: 290 000 SEK
  • First payment: 72 500 SEK
  • No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders and exchange students.

Summary

The programme teaches a blend of topics that cover the range of skills needed to work in the industry, including building a game engine, design considerations, analysing gameplay systems, and developing games.

About

Games have become a massive part of our global entertainment economy. The gaming industry produces more revenue than the music industry and the movie industry combined. This Master's programme combines creativity and technical skills in meaningful and satisfying ways.

Programme Structure and Content

The first semester introduces important aspects and characteristics of the game engine development field through mandatory courses. The second and third semesters contain one mandatory course each and the possibility for elective courses.

Mandatory Courses

• An Introduction to Game Research
• Computer Graphics
• Gameplay Design
• Simulation Engines
• Game Development Project
• Technology-Driven Experimental Game Design
• Requirements Engineering
• Agile Development Processes
• Master's Thesis in Computer Science and Engineering

Elective Courses

Students can specialize with elective courses within areas such as:

• Computer Graphics
• Distributed Real-Time Games
• AI and Game Agents
• Naturalistic Simulations
• Game Development on Mobile and Other Non-Traditional Platforms

Who Should Apply?

The programme is suitable for students who want to develop the skills needed to create complex, interesting games that meet the needs of a demanding audience. No specific training in games is required before applying to this Master's programme.

Prerequisites and Selection

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's degree 180 credits including 7.5 credits project or equivalent within the field of Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or equivalent.
• 4.5 credits in mathematics.
• 15 credits of programming, of which 7.5 credits is object-oriented programming.
• Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test.

Selection

Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.

After Graduation

Graduates of the programme receive the degree Master of Science with a major in Interaction Design. They can expect to be prepared for work in a wide range of gaming jobs, including in design, development, and quality assurance.

Facilities

The master's programme is given by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Division of Interaction Design and Software Engineering, which is located in the middle of Sweden's leading technology hub, Lindholmen Science Park, close to the city center in Gothenburg.