Games Design (16 Months) MA
Teesside University, United Kingdom
Games Design MA (16 Months)
Teesside University
Games Design
Program Overview: MA Games Design at Teesside University
The MA Games Design at Teesside University covers both advanced theoretical and practical strands, ensuring you are fully literate in areas such as complex gameplay design, project management, advanced mission design, and gameplay implementation. The 16-month route, starting in January, gives you additional time to develop a strong professional portfolio and master advanced game development techniques.
You develop key transferable skills such as advanced presentation skills and are encouraged to creatively experiment with ways of conveying concepts and information. The course develops your prototyping skills and knowledge in relation to game design, including the utilization of advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality, to prepare you for a career in the games industry.
Teesside University has been ranked the number 1 video game design and development school in the UK and number 5 in Europe in the GAMEducation 2025 rankings. The university is also ranked the top North East University for Animation and Game Design in the Guardian University Guide 2026, making it one of the most respected institutions for games education in Europe.
Key Program Highlights
- Ranked number 1 video game design school in the UK by GAMEducation 2025
- Access to fully equipped VR studios and contemporary game engines for hands-on prototyping
- Study at Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus with extensive digital creative resources
- Strong industry partnerships with leading UK games development studios
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Games Design curriculum is structured to take you from advanced game mechanics theory through to a substantial independent master's project. You progress through modules that build your expertise in design, prototyping, project management, and research, culminating in a 60-credit master's project where you design and develop a large-scale game design artefact.
Advanced Game Mechanics Design
30 CreditsThis module discusses advanced concepts and theories involved in game mechanics design and implementation. You develop creative game design pitches which communicate concept, mechanics, gameplay, and user experience with clarity and visual impact.
Advanced Mission Design
30 CreditsThis module analyses advanced concepts and theories involved in advanced game mission design and implementation. You gain skills required for creating complex mission structures, gameplay scenarios, and professional design documents.
Games Project Management
15 CreditsThis module introduces you to a broad range of skills and techniques required for effective project management and the role of the project manager in the day-to-day management of teams and production pipelines.
Game Prototyping
15 CreditsThis module builds upon fundamental concepts involved in the creation of a game prototype with reference to industry-level design roles, employing critical analysis and research to develop functional prototypes using contemporary game engines.
Research Methods for Games
30 CreditsThis module enables you to use advanced research methods in relation to game design, allowing you to pursue a career in games research or to prepare for advanced study in MPhil or Doctorate programmes.
Master's Project
60 CreditsA large-scale piece of individual coursework completed under the supervision of a project supervisor and a second reader. The project culminates in a written reflective report and a viva where the artefact is presented and defended.
Elective and Specialization Options
Admission Requirements
The MA Games Design program welcomes applicants with a strong foundation in games or related disciplines. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu, where our admissions team will guide you through every step of the process and ensure your application is complete.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA first degree (2.2 minimum) in a relevant subject such as games design, games development, games programming, or computer science
- Relevant ExperienceApplicants with relevant professional experience or equivalent qualifications may also be considered
- PortfolioA portfolio demonstrating design skills and creative ability may be requested to support your application
- Personal StatementA personal statement outlining your motivation, career goals, and relevant experience in games design
- ReferencesAt least one academic or professional reference supporting your application
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.0 or equivalent
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current accepted score equivalents
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current accepted score equivalents
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Teesside University offers several scholarships to help international students fund their postgraduate studies. These awards are designed to recognize academic excellence and support talented students from around the world. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and how to maximize your funding opportunities.
Global Excellence Scholarship
GBP 2,000A one-time award available to outstanding international bachelor's and master's students. Most students are automatically considered based on their admission application without a separate scholarship form.
Deans' International Scholarship
GBP 3,000A tuition fee reduction offered to exceptional international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, recognizing strong academic achievement and potential.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
Minimum GBP 10,000Offered in partnership with the British Council, this scholarship provides substantial financial support to international students pursuing a one-year postgraduate taught programme. Awarded based on exceptional academic merit.
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 MA Games Design program are well-prepared for senior roles in the global games industry. The program equips you with advanced design, prototyping, project management, and research skills that are highly sought after by games studios and creative technology companies worldwide.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Teesside University has earned significant recognition for its games design programs and continues to rise in global and national university rankings. The university was named University of the Year by Times Higher Education in 2025 and holds a Gold rating across all areas in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Animation and Game Design | Guardian University Guide | Top in North East England |
| Video Game Design and Development | GAMEducation | #1 UK, #5 Europe |
| Teaching Quality | Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide | #23 of 131 UK Universities |
| Overall UK Ranking | The Times Good University Guide | #84 |
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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