STUDY
COVID-19 information
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the degree programme Game Studies and Engineering will be held exclusively online in the upcoming winter semester 2021/2022.
Master Game Studies and Engineering
Contents of degree programme
The Master’s degree in 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’s 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 enrol in this programme. The focus of the curriculum is on the multi-faceted nature and contextualisation of games with regard to an array of different but interconnected areas of investigation.
The Master’s degree provides an ideal platform to study and create games and multimedia applications. Committed and motivated teachers and bottom-up teaching methods will motivate students to focus intensively on game studies and game engineering and production. The practical nature of the programme is underpinned by a project semester as an integral part of the curriculum and collaborating with international partners from the fields of research, teaching and industry allows students to establish connections to relevant partners in the spheres of research, culture and games.
Particularities
- The degree programme has a strong interdisciplinary design and high practical relevance
- Close cooperation between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Humanities
- A strong network of international partner universities and organisations will assist students in terms of their career and the content of the degree
- Relevant experience through project work
- The campus in Klagenfurt offers excellent supervision arrangements, small seminar groups and manageable working groups. It is quick and easy to find friends and establish connections here!
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
Special admission procedure: 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
Special admission procedure: Yes
Language of instruction: English
Contact details
Student Guidance Service
E-mail: studieninfo [at] aau [dot] at
Office of the Programme Director
E-mail: gse [at] aau [dot] 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.
Special admission procedure
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.
Registration period for the special admission procedure
11th of January to 31st of July 2021
Prerequisites
A Bachelor's degree in Computer sciences or Humanities, Social Sciences or Cultural Studies
Or: A comparable academic degree comprising at least 180 ECTS credits, e.g. a teacher training degree in English, in History, … etc.
English language proficiency in writing and speaking - level C1
A strong interest in video and computer games, analogue games and multimedia applications
Information on Bachelor’s degree programmes that are relevant for admission
Programme structure
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:
- A supervised research placement (worth 10 ECTS credits) to be completed as part of a predefined project at the university or at an independent research institution (domestic or foreign).
- 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.
PDF, German version
legally binding!
PDF, English version
for information purposes only!
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 also be able to work in the advertising and media industry.
Testimonials
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.
The special admission procedure takes place once per academic year!
Registration period:
11th of January to 31st of July
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 University of Klagenfurt?
