COVID-19 information
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the degree programme Game Studies and Engineering will offer a variety of online and on-campus courses in the upcoming summer semester 2022.
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E-mail: studieninfo [at] aau [dot] at
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E-mail: gse [at] aau [dot] at
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The University of Klagenfurt consistently achieves top positions in internationally renowned rankings. According to the THE Young University Rankings 2022, it ranks among the best young universities in the world and is currently ranked 77th in the world. The University of Klagenfurt also scored outstanding results in the THE Subject Rankings 2022: Social Sciences (ranking group 151-175), Computer Science (ranking group 201-250), Engineering (ranking group 201-250), Physical Sciences (ranking group 251-300), Business & Economics (ranking group 251-300).
Students will learn about narrative and aesthetic aspects of games and their history, the technical process of game production, engineering and tools used, the game development and design process as a complex system involving different roles and competences, as well as ethical considerations and responsibilities of game developers.
In Klagenfurt you can study at your own pace. To help you follow your path with confidence, we keep it clear of (bureaucratic) stumbling blocks and barriers. If you wish to reach your goal quickly and efficiently, we will always be there to support you. Our recommended course of study will guide you through the semesters. You work your way through the curriculum – making the most of opportunities to broaden your horizons and without wasting time. If you would like to know which courses await you before you start, take a look at the wide range of seminars and lectures.
Programme structure: a tabular overview
SUBJECT | DESIGNATION | ECTS |
---|---|---|
Required subjects | Supplementary subjects:
| 8 |
Game Engineering | 18 | |
Game Studies | 22 | |
Practical training | Game Production | 12 |
Elective subjects |
| 24 |
Options | 8 | |
Master thesis incl. research seminar | 28 | |
Total | 120 |
Recommended course of study – Technical background
Important note regarding lecture courses scheduled on a cyclical basis: Although certain lecture courses are only offered once a year, the corresponding examinations can be taken year-round on specific dates.
1. Semester (Starting in the winter semester)
SUBJECT | ECTS | Course number + title | Course type |
Supplementary Subjects 1.2 (for students of technical disciplines) |
8 | VO Media and Communication Theories | VO |
Literary Terminology and the Practice of Interpretation | VO | ||
Compulsory Subjects | 16 | Game Engineering | VO |
Practical Game Engineering | KU | ||
Game Studies | VO | ||
Practical Game Criticism | KU | ||
Issues in Game Studies | VC | ||
Restricted Electives | 4 |
See Curriculum §9 | |
Free Electives | 2 |
See Curriculum §10 | |
Total | 30 |
SUBJECT | ECTS | Course number + title | Course type |
Compulsory Subjects | 20 | Selected Topics in Game Engineering | VC |
Introduction to Computer Graphics | VC | ||
Selected Topics in Game Studies | VC | ||
Representation and Configuration in Games | VC | ||
Restricted Electives | 8 | See Curriculum §9 | SE |
Free Electives | 2 | See Curriculum §10 | |
Total | 30 |
Recommended course of study – Cultural background
Important note regarding lecture courses scheduled on a cyclical basis: Although certain lecture courses are only offered once a year, the corresponding examinations can be taken year-round on specific dates.
1. Semester (Starting in the winter semester)
SUBJECT | ECTS | Course number + title | Course type |
Supplementary Subjects 1.2 (for students of cultural disciplines) |
8 | VO Media and Communication Theories | VO |
Introduction to Media Technology | VO | ||
Introduction to Media Technology | KU | ||
Compulsory Subjects | 16 | Game Engineering | VO |
Practical Game Engineering | KU | ||
Game Studies | VO | ||
Practical Game Criticism | KU | ||
Issues in Game Studies | VC | ||
Restricted Electives | 4 |
See Curriculum §9 | |
Free Electives | 2 |
See Curriculum §10 | |
Total | 30 |
SUBJECT | ECTS | Course number + title | Course type |
Compulsory Subjects | 20 | Selected Topics in Game Engineering | VC |
Introduction to Computer Graphics | VC | ||
Selected Topics in Game Studies | VC | ||
Representation and Configuration in Games | VC | ||
Restricted Electives | 8 | See Curriculum §9 | SE |
Free Electives | 2 | See Curriculum §10 | |
Total | 30 |
Practical training
In order to strengthen practical and research skills, students must complete a placement, selecting one of the following two options:
Relevant professional activities conducted prior to or during the Master’s degree programme may be accredited as practical experience worth a total of 10 ECTS credits in certain justified cases.
The legally binding version of this curriculum is the german version!
There are no limits to your personal development. Enjoy the freedom that only a university degree can offer you and expand your horizons beyond your academic studies. You can pick and choose which competences will set you apart in the future. We have lots to offer, for instance:
To apply for the Master’s programme, applicants have to register online first. After they have created their personal account for registration, applicants have to upload a letter of motivation in English as well as further documents needed for the administrative procedure, such as a CV, a transcript of records, a Bachelor’s certificate as well as a copy of their passport. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Applicants have to go through a special admission procedure to start the Master‘s degree in Game Studies and Engineering in Klagenfurt.
Applicants must also meet the following conditions:
evidence of English language proficiency at the required level at the time of application.
Prospective students who apply for admission to a Master’s degree programme taught in English must provide
All applicants who have successfully concluded the special admission procedure can enrol up to the 31 October (for the winter semester) and up to the 31 March (for the summer semester). Enrolment (admission) takes place in person at the Admissions and Examinations Office.
General admission period for Bachelor’s programmes:
12 July to 5 September 2022
General admission period for other programmes:
12 July to 31 October 2022
General admission period:
10 January 2022 – 05 February 2022
Extended admission period:
06 February 2022 – 30 April 2022
We won’t abandon you, especially at the start of your studies!
Graduates will receive a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Arts (MA), depending on their chosen specialization during the programme. A degree in Game Studies and Engineering will allow students to work in the games industry as valuable team members with a wide range of skills. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme, combining technical, analytical, and critical competences, will give students an advantage over one-sided schooling. In addition, graduates will also be able to work in the advertising and media industry.
You’ll soon discover this: Graduates and students from the University of Klagenfurt have many interesting careers.
In general, students are encouraged to spend a period of time studying abroad.
Erasmus+ and Joint Study programs and the good relations of your professors allow students to study at numerous partner universities in Europe and across the globe.
When does the semester start?
The winter semester starts on the 1st of October and ends on the 31st of January. The summer semester starts on the 1st of March and ends on the 30th of June.
Further information is available in Term dates & deadlines.
How can I apply for the Master’s degree programme?
How can I prove English language proficiency?
For further information, choose the language level required by your degree programme:
Proof of English language proficiency at level B2 (CEFR) | Proof of English language proficiency at level C1 (CEFR)
Proof of English language proficiency at level B2 (CEFR)
The English language skills at level B2 (CEFR) must be supported by one of the items of proof listed below. The certificates mentioned under Item 2 must not be older than two years at the time of the application for admission.
Proof of English language proficiency at level C1 (CEFR)
The English language skills at level C1 (CEFR) must be supported by one of the items of proof listed below. The certificates mentioned under Item 2 must not be older than two years at the time of the application for admission.
Where can I find additional information? Who can I contact with questions?
Please refer to the Curriculum (PDF) and our website for further information on all aspects of studying. If you have additional questions, you can also contact the Student Representatives of the Austrian National Union of Students or the Programme Director directly.
Once you have completed the Master’s degree programme in Game Studies and Engineering you can continue straight on to the following degree programme:
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