Games MA

This unit launches your Masters’ study experience at Norwich by exploring the cutting-edge practices and emerging research in the games discipline, enhancing both critical understanding and creative skills. Focused on key game studies theory and narrative design, the unit emphasises understanding games as cultural and media artefacts. You will develop research methodologies to further knowledge, assimilate findings, and develop creative works informed by context, theme, intent, and meaning. Consideration will be given to the desired outcomes in relation to aspirations and career goals, including addressing global challenges or the United Nations’ 17 goals for Sustainable Development. Through experimentation, critical reflection, and practical application, you will refine your conceptual and contextual frameworks, preparing you to be critically engaged and reflective game designer.

This unit is designed to address emerging and evolving issues in the games industry, including sustainability, new technologies, and inclusivity. It promotes a creative, cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging students to experiment with various game design methodologies that challenge and expand their current practices. In a supportive environment, students collaborate on projects that may involve real-world scenarios, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals or live briefs from external clients. The focus is on teamwork, critical thinking, and developing a unique design voice, with guidance from industry-experienced tutors. The unit culminates in a group submission and an individual reflective summary, emphasizing independent study, practical skills development, and engagement with the dynamic landscape of game design and development.

This unit equips students with the skills necessary to design and develop creative or research projects within the games industry. It provides a diverse range of tools and methodologies, preparing students for major projects, as well as further academic or industry research. The unit introduces a wide array of research methods from the arts, humanities, and social sciences, tailored to suit the unique needs of game design projects. Through a blend of independent study and expert-led tutorials, students will gain a thorough understanding of project planning, ethical considerations, and the use of digital and analogue tools. By the end of the unit, students will produce a contextual review, a detailed project plan, and an ethics review, establishing a solid foundation for their major project. This preparation helps students cultivate a distinct creative voice, equipping them for professional success in the games industry.

This unit forms the culmination of your Master’s study in which you will design, develop, and execute a major project. The project offers a sustained period of self-directed study, allowing you to deeply explore your creativity and articulate your vision to diverse audiences. You may also pursue collaborative projects with supervisor approval. The unit encourages you to create and evaluate a professional-quality body of work, demonstrating advanced understanding and contextual placement within socio-cultural frameworks. You’ll develop skills in selecting research methods and innovative problem-solving, pushing the boundaries of your specialism and offering new insights. Regular consultations with your supervisor will help refine your project’s format and ensure its relevance to both local and global contexts, showcasing your potential for professional and research applications beyond your studies.