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University of Skövde Master in Games, Aesthetics and Narration
University of Skövde

Master in Games, Aesthetics and Narration

Norrmalm, Sweden

1 Years

English

Full time

15 Jan 2025

01 Sep 2025

SEK 135,000 *

On-Campus

* first instalment: SEK 67,500 | EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay tuition fees

Key Summary

    About: The Master in Games, Aesthetics and Narration focuses on the interplay between games, storytelling, and visual aesthetics. This program encourages students to explore the artistic aspects of game design and how narrative shapes game experiences. It typically spans two years and includes both theoretical and practical components, preparing graduates for various creative roles.
    Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue careers in game design, narrative design, art direction, and interactive media production. With a solid understanding of aesthetics and storytelling, they can work in diverse sectors, including video game development, film, and digital media.

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.

Read more on the institution's website

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