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Degree programme, curriculum year 2024–2025

Master's Programme in Game Studies, 120 cr

Tampere University
Learning outcomes

After completing the Master's degree you are expected to:

  • be familiar with scientific thinking and capable of applying scientific working methods in your own area of specialisation

  • be motivated for lifelong learning

  • be capable of undertaking scientific postgraduate studies

  • be capable of applying the knowledge acquired and of functioning in international working life

After completing the Master’s Degree Programme in Game Studies you will:

  • be able to identify, define, and analyse games and play in their various forms

  • understand and be capable of critically using the concepts and theories that relate to the fundamental character of games, play, and the phenomena around them

  • have in-depth understanding about the forms, practices, and contexts of games as cultural, social, technical, and commercial phenomena

  • be able to work in interdisciplinary teams as an expert of games and related phenomena (e.g. online cultures, game production, gamification)

  • be a domain expert in a specific subsection of cultural game studies (depending on the chosen topic of Master’s thesis)

Content description

Master's Degree Programme in Game Studies provides an in-depth view to the fundamental character of games and play. Expanding from entertainment to other areas of life, digital games have grown into a form of culture and human interaction that is a crucial part of our social life and current media landscape -- while analog games have a history longer than film, literature, or writing.

The programme is particularly targeted at the questions of analysis, contextual understanding, creation, and application of games from the interconnected perspectives of games, game players, game developers, and game cultures. It will give you the academic skills needed to analyse, observe, and understand the developments in this field of study while also encouraging a more pragmatic involvement and hands-on attitude with games and playful design.

Academic years
2024–2025, 2025–2026, 2026–2027
Degree titles
Master of Social Sciences
Credits
120 cr
Degree programme type
Master's Degree
Language of instruction
English
Campus
City centre campus
Classification
733299 Master of Social Sciences, Other or Unknown Field
Fields of study
  • Social Sciences
Persons responsible
Responsible teacher:
Paavo Arvola 1.1.2024 - 31.12.2028, Head of degree programme
Responsible teacher:
Kati Alha
Responsible teacher:
Jaakko Stenros