The admission procedure takes place once per academic year!
Application period:
1 May to 24 September 2017
Master Game Studies and Engineering
Contents of degree programme
The new Master’s degree programme Game Studies and Engineering is an interdisciplinary programme, instructing students on technical as well as analytical and ethical issues regarding video- and other games. Students with a bachelor degree in Computer Sciences or/and Humanities, an interest in the development, analysis, critical reflection of videogames and proficiency in spoken and written English, are encouraged to enroll in this programme. The focus of the curriculum is on the the multifold nature and contextualisation of games with regard to an array of different but interconnected areas of investigation.
The programme provides students with a platform to learn, study, and create games and multimedia applications. Engaged and motivated teachers and bottom-up teaching methods will involve students in game studies and game engineering and production. The practical nature of the program will be underpinned by a project semester as an integral part of the curriculum and international partners – including universities and companies – will connect students beyond campus limits.
Particularities
- Interdisciplinary master programme game studies and game engineering
- Taught entirely in English
- Engaged and motivated lecturers
- International partner universities and companies
- Practical work, ie. a semester-long project, as part of the curriculum
- Bottom-up teaching methods to involve students in game studies and game making
- A platform to learn, study and make great games and multimedia applications
Fact Box
Duration: 4 semesters
ECTS: 120
Level of qualification: Master’s degree programme
Degree: Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA)
Prerequisites: Yes
Supplemental examinations: Yes
Entrance examination: Yes
ECTS: 120
Level of qualification: Master’s degree programme
Degree: Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA)
Prerequisites: Yes
Supplemental examinations: Yes
Entrance examination: Yes
Language of instruction: English
Contact details
Student Guidance Service
E-mail: studieninfo [at] aau.at
Office of the Programme Director
E-mail: gse [at] aau.at
Facebook
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Study objectives
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.
Entrance examination
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 passports. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Applicants who meet the requirements will be considered by the committee and invited to a personal interview. This interview may also be carried out in the form of a video conference via Skype.
Application period for the entrance examination
1 May to 24 September 2017
Prerequisites
A bachelor degree in computer sciences or humanities
Or: A comparable academic degree of at least 180 ECTS, e.g. a teacher training degree in English, in history…
English language proficiency in writing and speaking - level C1
A strong interest in video and computer games
Programme structure
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 | 28 | |
| Total | 120 |
Practical training
In order to strengthen practical and research skills, the students must complete a placement (within the scope of the Elective “Game Production”), selecting one of the two options:
- A supervised research placement (worth 10 ECTS credits) to be completed as part of a predefined project at the university.
- A supervised industry placement (worth 10 ECTS credits) in a domestic or foreign business, a body of public administration, a non-profit organization or an independent research organization to be completed as part of a predefined project with a minimum duration of two months.
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.
Periods of study abroad
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.
Careers and occupational profiles
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 be able to work in the creative and media industry with or without relation to videogames.
Testimonials
My first encounter with computers and programming was through video games. Engineering games is a great domain and motivation to apply everything learned in computer science in a tangible way.
“Videogames are the leading medium of the 21st century, so we need to see diversified, creative, and critically reflected designs. We provide our students with the competences it takes to effectively shape the future of the medium.”
“The program offers the best possible foundation of the Humanities and Computer Science to understand the complexity of videogames: Students learn to construct games as interactive experiences and deconstruct them as an influential modern medium.”
Continuing your studies
Upon successful completion of the Master’s degree programme Game Studies and Engineering, students can continue their studies in the Doctoral degree programme.
Specialist courses
Within the scope of the free electives and in accordance with the respective curriculum, students can receive credits for individual courses or for entire modules from other subject areas.
Information for international applicants
If you have questions about applying for a visa, please visit the following sites:
International Office of the Alpen-Adria-Universität
HELP.gv.at
OEAD (Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research)
MIGRATION.gv.at
FAQs
Do you have questions about the Game Studies and Engineering programme at the Alpen-Adria-Universität?
Please check the FAQs for answers!
