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MA Games Design (Narrative)

University of Bristol

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University of Bristol

Course options

2 options available

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    Clifton Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    21-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

Videogames are a complex medium with rich narrative potential across traditional and emergent storytelling forms. They exist in a dynamic industry with interoperable teams. Narrative design sits at the heart of this, requiring designers to hold the entire game in their head as it develops, a process narrative designers have described as akin to building a plane while flying it. It is a collaborative endeavour that requires a comprehensive understanding of storytelling, game implementation, and how mechanics, worlds, and players shape the narrative experience.Co-designed with industry, the MA Games Design (Narrative) establishes a training framework to meet this challenge. Located in Bristol's vibrant community of indie game developers, housed in the world-leading School of Humanities, and supported by the internationally recognised Bristol Digital Game Lab, you will be taught by expert researchers and practitioners working at the forefront of narrative design.In the supportive game writers' room, you will learn and build rapport with your peers. Together, you will meet creative briefs, innovate through game jams, and create narrative game experiences. This master's degree grants you the opportunity to work across our campuses and the creative city of Bristol, providing you with your own Alienware gaming laptop to access the latest games and game engines.Through a range of innovative teaching and learning methods, you will:Master narrative frameworks and the components of narrative design.Become critical, playful consumers through weekly active play sessions.Experiment with creative ideas in rapid prototyping sessions that reward risk-taking, accommodate failure, and enable reflection.Explore issues of representation in games and trends in gaming culture, championing inclusivity and diversity through conscientious design.Build confidence in the use of industry-standard tooling and game engines, bridging theory and practice to tell your own stories through technology.Engage critical perspective on games and emerging technologies.Encounter research-rich teaching on the social impact of games.Connect with the Bristol Digital Game Lab's local, national, and international industry collaborators, ranging from renowned studios to exciting new ventures.Work across disciplines to understand the game development process and gain underpinning skills and resilience for a successful career in narrative design.

Application deadline

21/09/2026

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 29,300per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Bristol

University of Bristol

University of Bristol

  • University League Table

    15th

  • Campus address

    Main Site, Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1QU, United Kingdom

VIEW PROFILE
Bristol is one of the UK's leading research universities, with a curriculum informed by the latest research and degrees taught by expert academics.
Over a quarter of Bristol students are international, with students from more than 150 countries helping to create a friendly and diverse community.
The Careers Service offers advice, events and resources for international students during their studies and for up to three years after graduation.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Computer Science

    8th out of 117 4

  • Entry standards

    / Max 223
    187 84%

    13th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    95.0 95%

    8th

    15

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    2.99 75%

    74th

    5

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