
Master in Games, Aesthetics and Narration
Norrmalm, Sweden
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Jan 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
SEK 135,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* first instalment: SEK 67,500 | EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay tuition fees
Key Summary
Introduction
In the Master's Programme Games, Aesthetics and Narration, you will create; interactive and immersive storytelling experiences that bridge traditional narratives, games, and new media, games and interactive media. The programme takes a broad view of games and game technologies, with an emphasis on inclusive design, participatory storytelling and performance-centred experiences. Upon completion, you will have gained valuable hands-on experience as a storyteller with cutting-edge technology, as well as theoretical knowledge about creative processes that can be applied to a wide range of professions or serve as a foundation for further business development.
The programme features an innovative blend of practical and theoretical components, designed to optimise hands-on experience alongside critical reflection. It begins with two complementary courses that balance practice and theory. In the course Academic Perspectives on Digital Narration and Transmedia, you will engage in workshops and supervision sessions that culminate in a creative project, which may involve collaboration with an external client or be part of a research project within the institution. Simultaneously, the theory course Narratives in New Media as an Area of Research provides an in-depth exploration of the key theories in this field.
In the final course of the autumn semester, Academic Problem Identification in Production in New Media, you will develop an artefact or prototype based on your prior work in the programme. Here, you will specialise in your chosen area of study, conducting needs analyses with clients, identifying research questions, and testing your artefact or prototype.
During the spring semester’s degree project, you will combine your practical skills with theoretical insights through research-creation. This process requires demonstrating knowledge of relevant theory and methodology, as well as showcasing how your prototype engages with an audience.
The focus of your studies
The programme focuses on the intersection of games, game technology, and audience-centred storytelling. A key resource available to students on the programme is PlayLab, a space dedicated to experimentation in games, technology, and the performing arts. Co-directed by faculty members Lars Kristensen and Rebecca Rouse, PlayLab is a collaborative research centre that includes participation from many regional and national arts organisations such as Folkteatern in Gothenburg, Skövde Art Museum, and Riksteatern Väst. At PlayLab, you can have access to opportunities for collaboration with artists in residence and visiting researchers, or even pitch your own individual or group project. PlayLab can also facilitate collaboration with potential external clients, such as local independent game companies, artists, or cultural organisations such as tourist offices, museums, and science centres. All courses in the study programme provide opportunities for follow-up collaborative projects with an external partner after the course.
Research within this field
Active research within this field is being conducted at the University of Skövde. Current faculty members have a diverse range of research expertise including interactive narrative design, immersive storytelling, film studies and new media, mixed reality design, digital cultural heritage, inclusive design, serious games, new media in performing arts, and more.
Admissions
Curriculum
The study programme is provided by the University of Skövde and is named Games, Aesthetics and Narration - Master's Programme (Spel, estetik och berättande - magisterprogram). It comprises 60 credits and is a second-cycle programme. The main field of study is Media Arts, Aesthetics and Narration.
Semester 1
- Narrative in New Media as an Area of Research A1N, 7.5 credits
- Academic Perspectives on Digital Narration and Transmedia A1N, 7.5 credits
- Academic Problem Identification in Production within Media A1N, 15 credits
Semester 2
- Master's Degree Project in Media, Aesthetics and narration A1E, 30 credits
The course Narrative in New Media as an Area of Research provides an overview of the research; theories and concepts in the field of Media, Aesthetics and narration. The course discusses issues of media production and consumption; text, user, meaning and representation in various media, and contexts from different epistemological perspectives. Examples of such perspectives are, media and cultural history, history of technology, narratology, cultural studies, and gender studies.
The course Academic Perspectives on Digital Narration and Transmedia is based on the theoretical knowledge acquired in the course Narrative in New Media as an area of research. This knowledge is here applied to a design project. Our connection provides an extended theoretical basis for practical management, but it is also open to a reflective approach by the trans-medial and remediating element.
The first semester ends with the course Academic Problem Identification in Production within Media. Knowledge and experience from the introductory courses form the basis for the project where the potential of digital technologies is employed in a work that the student performs in collaboration with an external client. The acquired knowledge and perspectives form the basis for a needs analysis and design of a production design and prototype connected to the client's needs and desires. The work will be based on a scientific problem and the results are presented and discussed in a scientific report.
The second semester includes a thesis in which students are trained to identify and address a mediating problem in a digital environment with a scientific approach. The course provides in-depth theoretical knowledge and the scientific method, with a particular focus on current research in the area. Students have the possibility to use the ideas and results from previous courses, but can also formulate new, ones in light of experience and lessons learned.
Program Outcome
Objectives for Master's degree according to the Higher Education Ordinance
- Knowledge and understanding
- Proficiency and Ability
- Ability to Evaluate and Relate
- Local Objectives for the Study Programme according to the University of Skövde
Ideal Students
Is this program suitable for me?
Games, Aesthetics and Narration are suitable for students with an educational or occupational background in the fields of game development, media design, interactive storytelling, or similar. The key important thing is that you are curious about how games, game technology and media art can further strengthen storytelling to touch and engage audiences in new and dynamic ways. It is also helpful if you have an independent approach to postgraduate studies and are open to discussing ideas with teachers, supervisors and classmates. We seek to provide a lively environment where all voices are valued.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of your studies, you may work in fields including the games industry, film industry, performing arts, cultural organisations such as tourism offices, museums, and science centres, or even develop your own entrepreneurial company in immersive storytelling for interactive media. University of Skövde’s unique co-location with the Skövde Science Park and active games start-up incubation program means that you have easy access to resources for developing your own company following the degree program.
Program delivery
When? Where? How?
- Study period: 1 September 2025 - 7 June 2026
- Location: Skövde, Campus
- Pace of study: 100%