Applied Games MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD

Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area.

Abertay University has longstanding interests and track record in Applied Games research, an umbrella term for practice-based, theoretical, and experimental research exploring how games can be used in contexts beyond entertainment. This includes but is not limited to games for social change, game-based learning, educational games, history games, games for science communication, games for health, and games for heritage.

At Abertay, researchers benefit from supervisory expertise encompassing not only Design and Computing disciplines, but also adjacent disciplines relevant to the study of Applied Games, like Psychology or Sociology. Many of our academic experts have games industry experience, and Applied Games research can also benefit from our Emergent Technology Centre.

Abertay University is the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry. Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs, and we have longstanding relationships with local, national and international game studios.

Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.

When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.

That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.

MSc by Research

The award of Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) demonstrates a practical ability to undertake research studies, a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought.

How long is an MSc by Research?

If you are studying full-time, you will be expected to complete the award in 12 months. The minimum period to receive this award is 10 months and the maximum is 14 months.

If you are studying part-time, you will be expected to complete the award in 24 months. The minimum period to receive this award on a part-time basis is 20 months and the maximum is 28 months.