Specialisations
Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences – Game Design and Development will graduate with a Master of Science (Technology) degree (in Finnish, "diplomi-insinööri"). Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture (ARTS) offers a sibling Game Design and Development programme that leads to a Master of Arts degree. The Master of Science (Technology) path is recommended for students with a strong technical background, but applicants can apply to either/both programmes according to the academic degree they wish to have. By their content, the two programmes are alike and organised in close collaboration with one another.
The Game Design and Development programme is tailored so that students have the freedom to put together a highly personalised study plan based on their specific areas of interest. The major compulsory courses intend to give students a broad understanding of game design, i.e. set the foundation for their unique expression. Optional courses allow students to complement their core competencies with fields such as 3D animation, interactive storytelling, sound design, interaction design, and machine learning and AI tools for art and design.
Additionally, students may choose courses from all Aalto schools according to the personal study plan. It is strongly suggested that students venture outside their comfort zone as the greatest ideas often happen at the intersection of disciplines.
Through the courses in the Master’s Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences – Game Design and Development, students are immersed in a wide range of topics such as level design, game balancing, games user research, and game design psychology. To give concrete examples of the topics covered, here are some courses picked from the programme’s extensive curriculum:
- Games Now! (3-5 ECTS)
- Game Design (5 ECTS)
- Computer Graphics (5 ECTS)
- Human-Computer Interaction (5 ECTS)
- Introduction to 3D Animation (4 ECTS)
- Introduction to Sound Design and Music (1-5 ECTS)
See the curriculum
Doctoral track
The Game Design and Development major offers also a competitive doctoral track where a limited number of top students can be admitted. Students selected for the doctoral track can tailor their studies towards pursuing PhD studies and can start working towards a PhD in one of the department’s research groups already during their Masters’ studies. The best doctoral track candidates will be interviewed. Read more >>