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Overview
Develop the skills to design innovative, culturally relevant games in a rapidly evolving UK industry.
The MA in Games Design at Canterbury Christ Church University equips graduates from creative or technical backgrounds with the essential tools to design and develop compelling games. In an age where the UK’s gaming sector is one of the fastest-growing creative industries, contributing over £7 billion annually to the economy, there is a growing demand for professionals who can combine design thinking, storytelling, and technical knowledge to create impactful, engaging experiences.
This postgraduate course supports individuals with experience in areas such as illustration, creative writing, music, animation, programming, or game development who want to apply their expertise to games. Through practical learning, you will explore games design concepts, collaborative design, narrative structures, and critical analysis.
Whether you are aiming to transition into the games industry, refine your creative practice, or develop more ambitious game projects, this course offers a structured yet flexible environment. You will gain the confidence and creative autonomy required to contribute meaningfully to the games sector or to pursue independent work.
Studying Games Design at CCCU places you at the intersection of creativity and innovation, whilst benefiting from expert teaching, industry-relevant tools, and a supportive academic community.
This MA is an excellent way to build your skills in game design and development. Our focus on collaboration, professional skills, and a combination of long and short duration game projects, ensures that you learn through doing and can develop your creative vision.Dr Alan Meades, Principal Lecturer Games Design
Entry requirements
Undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above, or alternative qualifications and substantial relevant experience may be considered.
For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated IELTS web page.
Module information
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
Before starting the course, you will be invited to attend an induction session which will give you details about academic, research, and writing skills needed to study at postgraduate level.
The induction will include such elements as library skills, IT applications, relevant software skills, research skills and writing at Masters’ level. It is also an opportunity to meet with other students on the course.
The course is taught through a combination of intensive in person sessions, online interactive, and self-directed teaching, as well as group and individual tutorials.
Face to face sessions will take place in Canterbury on our main campus next to the city centre. Students will receive over 260 hours scheduled contact over their course and are expected to supplement this with independent study.
Our online Virtual Learning Environment allows students to interact with each other outside of the physical class time, allowing a lively culture to develop, even at a distance.
How you’ll be assessed
Throughout the course your knowledge and skills will be informally assessed through a variety of learning activities. You will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment and may be actively involved in peer assessment.
Formally, the course is assessed solely through coursework, including portfolio work, reports, essays, and presentations.
Your future career
Graduates of this course will be able to pursue careers in a variety of roles related to the games industry, including setting up an indie studio or joining an established team, and within related creative agencies, branding, charities, the arts, education. Others may use this as a way to start their own studios.
Students completing this MA might also go on to undertake a PhD in Games Design or a teaching qualification to take their practice into a school, FE or HE setting.
Games Design
Fees
Government loans are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.
The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 456.
Tuition fees for this course
| UK | Overseas | |
| Full-time | £9,545 | £15,500 |
20% Alumni Discount
We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.
Find out if you're eligible for the discount.
Important Information on Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.