Master of Science in Game Development and Management
North Point, Hong Kong
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
HKD 165,000 **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* First round: 17 Nov 2025 - 30 Jan 2026; Second round: 1 Mar 2026 - 30 Apr 2026
** around USD 21,200
The Master of Science in Game Development and Management (MSc-GDM) addresses the complexity and specialisation of the gaming and digital entertainment landscapes, which have created a demand for new managerial personnel who can understand, apply, develop, research, and manage innovative explorations, technological applications, and production strategies (e.g., game design, game programming, production cycles, artificial intelligence, and eSports). The MSc-GDM programme aims to tackle various socio-economic applications and real-world challenges in business, education, sports, arts, healthcare, and social and community services. In response to market demands, the curriculum design of the MSc-GDM programme incorporates a series of core courses aimed at nurturing talent in these areas.
The MSc-GDM programme offers a distinctive Dual-Cluster Approach, which is 70% Digital Game Development (DGD) courses and 30% Strategic Management and Analysis (SMA) courses, that emphasises digital gaming, entertainment development and artificial intelligence for robotics (AIR), as well as strategic innovation management. This unique combination ensures that graduates possess a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both technological proficiency and strategic managerial thinking, respectively.
The MSc-GDM programme aims to nurture game production managers who can oversee collaborative game development, manage the project effectively, and create competitive solutions for the creative industries.
Graduates of the Programme are equipped to pursue careers as game designers, game producers, AIR managers, digital game data scientists, eSports managers, digital entertainment producers, game and AIR programmers, UX/UI designers, and indie game and AIR developers.
The MSc-GDM is designed to accommodate students from diverse digital backgrounds who have a strong passion for tackling game engines (e.g., Unity or Unreal Engine) and possess certain computer programming skills (e.g., Python, C#, or JavaScript). While these skills will be taught as part of the curriculum, students with a fundamental knowledge of them will have an advantage in exploring these skills at an advanced level.
Core Courses
- Trend Analysis on Gaming and Entertainment
- Game Design and Programming
- Advanced Research Methods on Usability and Playability
- Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Creative Industry
- Advanced Digital Processes: From Innovative Computation to Production
- Research Project in Innovative Gaming and Entertainment
Elective Courses
- Elective Course 1 from DGD Cluster
- Elective Course 2 from SMA Cluster
- Elective Course 3 from DGD Cluster
Research Component and Industry/Technical Research-Informed Project
Research Methodology for Game Development
During the final stage of the MSc-GDM programme, specifically the second semester for full-time students and the fourth semester for part-time students, it is expected that students will have successfully completed a minimum of 15 credits (18 credits for part-time students). At this stage, students will engage in the study of research methodology and undertake an industry/technical research-informed project focused on game design, development, and production. To enhance students' industry/technical research skills, particularly usability and user playability, a core course titled "GDM516 Advanced Research Methods on Usability and Playability" will be introduced. This course aims to facilitate students in developing their own research subjects, fostering higher levels of intellectual ability, critical analysis, rigour, and independent thinking.
Industry/Technical Research-Informed Project in Innovative Gaming and Entertainment
In the final term, MSc-GDM students will be required to undertake an individual Industry/Technical Research-Informed Project through the course titled “GDM 517 Research Project in Innovative Gaming and Entertainment”. This technical research-informed project offers students the opportunity to apply scientific research, experiment with product development, and creatively address real-world challenges in the creative industries. Through active participation in this project, graduates of the programme will gain advanced game development experience that combines academic research with professional practice, giving them a competitive edge in the creative industry sectors. The research-informed project ensures that students are well-prepared for professional practices and equipped with comprehensive research expertise.
Non-credit-bearing Industrial Field Trip (Optional)
During the winter break between the fall and spring semesters of their studies (Year One for full-time students and Year Two for part-time students), students will be given the opportunity to participate in a non-credit-bearing industrial field trip (Optional) organised by the Industrial Attachment Coordinator (IAC). This optional industrial field trip is designed specifically for MSc-GDM students to gain practical industry experience and insights by visiting and exploring various game development companies and related organisations. There will be on-site visits to different game studios, production companies, industry conferences, and other relevant institutes. These visits aim to expose students to the real-world workings of the game development industry and provide them with valuable networking opportunities. Students are encouraged to interact with industry professionals, learn from their experiences and best practices, and gain a deeper understanding of the game development process from inception to release.
- The top private university in Hong Kong by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Asian University Rankings for 7 consecutive years
- Ranked as 360 at QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Asian University Rankings 2026
- Ranked as 175 at QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Asian University Rankings - Eastern Asia 2026
- The first private university in Hong Kong
- The world top 2% most cited scientists at HKSYU
The MSc-GDM curriculum goes beyond the scope of traditional game design and digital entertainment, covering a wide range of areas including analytics and research, production and project management, eSports and events, and Artificial Intelligence for Robotics (AIR).
Graduates of the MSc-GDM programme are well-prepared to embark on careers in various fields such as game development, production management, digital entertainment production, game and AIR programming, UI/UX design, and research positions within the creative industries.