Performance and Play 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.

Drawing upon the expertise of academic staff across Games an Arts, Abertay has track record in cutting-edge research that bridges the performing arts and videogames. This broad academic field encompasses academic support at Abertay from practitioner-researchers in disciplines such as game design, computer arts, theatre design, sound and music, and game and media studies.

Research in Performance and Play may cover studies of communities of practice, experimental practice-research utilising digital and traditional media, incorporation of screen technologies and extended reality (XR) applications into site-specific performance and art, and studies of performance audiences.

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.

PhD

The award of the Doctor of Philosophy demonstrates that the main focus of your work is your personal contribution to knowledge in your discipline or field, through original research or the original application of existing knowledge.

How long is a PhD?

If you are studying full-time, you are expected to complete the award in 36 months. The minimum period to receive this is award is 24 months and the maximum is 48 months.

If you are studying part-time, you are expected to complete the award in 48 months. The minimum period to receive this award on a part-time basis is 72 months and the maximum is 96 months.