Serious Games and Virtual Reality
Glasgow Campus, United Kingdom
MSc Serious Games and Virtual Reality
Glasgow School of Art
Games Technology & Virtual Reality
MSc Serious Games and Virtual Reality at Glasgow School of Art
The MSc Serious Games and Virtual Reality at the Glasgow School of Art equips students with the transferable skills to design, develop, and analyse games and simulations for a range of application areas. Students conduct interdisciplinary research in the serious applications of games technology, particularly in healthcare, education, and training. Running since 2014, this was one of the first MSc programmes in the UK to specialise in the educational, industrial, and commercial applications of Virtual Reality.
As Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and other novel interaction technologies approach mainstream adoption, new opportunities for the application of immersive games technologies in engineering, medicine, and the home are putting games at the forefront of innovation worldwide. The programme is delivered by the School of Innovation and Technology, which brings years of experience working on serious games projects for industrial, medical, heritage, and education clients.
All GSA degree programmes are validated by the University of Glasgow, ensuring internationally recognised academic standards. The programme is highly interdisciplinary in nature and accepts students from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment in one of Europe's most vibrant creative cities.
Key Programme Highlights
- One of the first UK MSc programmes specialising in educational, industrial, and commercial applications of Virtual Reality
- Hands-on experience with motion capture technology, game engines, 3D modelling, and Extended Reality (XR) applications
- Interdisciplinary programme with applications in healthcare, education, training, heritage, and social change
- Delivered by the School of Innovation and Technology with strong industry and research partnerships
Curriculum and Modules
The MSc Serious Games and Virtual Reality is structured across three stages, progressing from core research and design foundations through to advanced development and a final research project. Students gain practical skills in game engines, 3D digital technologies, data acquisition, and commercial visualisation software throughout the programme.
Academic Skills for Masters Research
20 creditsDevelops core academic research skills essential for postgraduate study, including research methodologies, critical analysis, and academic writing to support your dissertation and professional practice.
Serious Game Design and Research
20 creditsExplores the theory and practice of designing games with purpose beyond entertainment, covering areas such as edutainment, health games, training simulations, and games for policy and social change.
Games Programming
20 creditsProvides foundational and intermediate programming skills for game development, enabling students to build interactive applications using industry-standard game engines and development tools.
HCI and Extended Reality
20 creditsCovers Human-Computer Interaction principles alongside Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the broader ecology of Extended Reality (XR) applications across diverse fields and contexts.
Game Development Project
20 creditsA practical project module where students design, develop, and present a serious game or interactive XR application, integrating skills acquired across earlier modules in a collaborative setting.
MSc Research Project
60 creditsThe capstone research project allows students to undertake an independent, in-depth investigation into a serious games or virtual reality topic, culminating in a dissertation and practical output.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
This programme is highly interdisciplinary and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Applications are reviewed through portfolio submission and interview. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on preparing your application and to confirm the latest entry criteria.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationGood Honours degree (typically 2:1 or equivalent) in a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
- Relevant Disciplines3D art and design, product design, digital media, digital arts, 3D modelling and animation, computer games programming, game development, game design, or interactive systems
- Other DisciplinesHigh calibre graduates from other fields may be considered if they demonstrate interest and ability in serious games development or virtual reality
- PortfolioA portfolio of relevant work is required as part of the application review process
- InterviewShortlisted candidates may be invited to attend an interview as part of the admissions process
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 80+ with minimum component scores: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 22
- Other TestsOther recognised English language qualifications may be accepted. Contact Uni4Edu for details.
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The Glasgow School of Art offers a range of scholarships to support both domestic and international postgraduate students. These include merit-based and need-based awards. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest information on available funding and application procedures.
Governor's International 12-Month Postgraduate Scholarship
GBP 5,000 tuition fee discountAwarded annually by the Board of Governors to exceptional international students undertaking one-year Masters programmes at GSA. This merit-based scholarship recognises outstanding applicants from around the world.
GSA International Merit Scholarship
Varies (tuition fee reduction)Open to international fee-paying students who have received a conditional or unconditional offer to study at GSA. The scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction based on academic merit and application quality.
GSA Financial Support Scholarships
Varies (contribution toward tuition fees or maintenance grant)A range of need-based scholarships administered by GSA, some offering contributions toward tuition fees and others providing maintenance grants to support living costs during your studies.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSc Serious Games and Virtual Reality are well-positioned to enter one of the fastest-growing sectors in the creative and technology industries. The programme equips you with transferable skills in game design, XR development, and interdisciplinary research that are highly valued across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, entertainment, and engineering.
Potential Career Roles
Industries and Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The Glasgow School of Art is internationally recognised as one of Europe's leading institutions for visual creative arts. Founded in 1845, GSA has been consistently ranked among the top art and design schools globally and is the only institution in Scotland to feature in the top 20 worldwide for Art and Design.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #8 (2026) |
| Art and Design (Top 20 streak) | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 20 for 11 consecutive years |
| Arts, Drama and Music | Complete University Guide | #7 (2025) |
| Business and Management Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #12 (2025) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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