Gaming is the highest net-value entertainment medium on the planet, with the videogame market estimated to be worth $363 million by 2027. This rapidly-growing industry needs graduates who possess not only the necessary creative skills, but a cultural and theoretical awareness.
This exciting new programme builds on our popular Game Design BSc to equip students with the creative design skills that are in demand in this expanding industry. Online gaming and eSports – the most rapidly expanding areas – are a particular focus of this MA, as are inclusion and diversity.
You’ll develop a holistic suite of skills related to game design and development, such as proficiency in UI (User Interface)/UX (User Experience) Design and with popular game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. This strong practical element will be underpinned by theoretical content which will help you understand the core principles of designing games for a global and diverse audience. You’ll gain familiarity with advanced technologies – including machine learning, AI and XR (Extended Reality) – which will help you keep apace with this rapidly developing sector.
Employability has been embedded into every aspect of the programme. The skills you gain will be applied through a range of assessment methods, designed to culminate in the creation of an asset portfolio which you’ll be able to showcase to prospective employers.
This master’s is suitable for students from a creative background who aspire to a career in game design and/or development.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In your first semester, you’ll be introduced to the principles of game design and UX. We will also take a close look at online and e-Sports gaming.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED PRINCIPLES IN GAME DESIGN (MUSI701) | 30 |
| USER EXPERIENCE AND INTERFACE DESIGN (MUSI703) | 15 |
| ONLINE AND E-SPORTS GAME DESIGN (MUSI705) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In your second semester, you’ll deepen your practical and theoretical knowledge of design principles, UX, UI and relevant technologies. There will be a particular focus on creating inclusive game worlds.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ONLINE AND E-SPORTS GAME CULTURES (MUSI706) | 15 |
| ADVANCED PRINCIPLES IN GAME DEVELOPMENT (MUSI702) | 30 |
| CREATING INCLUSIVE GAME WORLDS (MUSI704) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your studies will culminate in a major project, either a substantial portfolio of assets (plus a written commentary) or a substantial piece of written work (plus illustrative practical outputs).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAJOR PROJECT: GAME DESIGN (MUSI700) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll be taught through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. The majority of teaching will be face-to-face, although some elements may be delivered remotely where this is considered appropriate. You’ll have opportunities to work collaboratively with your classmates on some projects, whilst others will be undertaken independently.
You’ll be assessed throughout the programme through various methods, including presentations (video and in-person), prototypes, portfolios and essays. These assessment methods have been carefully considered to reflect the type of outputs you will deliver as a professional game designer/developer, thus preparing you for future employment.
Your degree will culminate in the creation of a major portfolio of assets (with accompanying commentary) which you’ll be able to show to prospective employers.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
As a Game Design student, you’ll benefit from our expertise in creative subjects such as Music, and have access to new and recently refurbished facilities. This includes dedicated spaces featuring gaming consoles (e.g. Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch), high-spec gaming PCs, VR equipment and a diverse library of titles.
You’ll also have access to Windows and Mac labs. These suites have a range of different software for content creation, including Unity and Unreal (game engines), FMOD (middleware for game sound and music), and Blender (modelling and animation).
For sound production, the Electronic Music Research Studios provide fully sound-proofed and treated studio spaces for surround sound mixing, electronic music composition and sound design research.
This programme is the first of its kind in the Russell Group, offering you the opportunity to pursue a highly practical programme at an institution which is currently ranked amongst the world top 150 (QS World University Rankings 2026/Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026).
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Digital games represent one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment media. This programme aims to equip you with the technical, creative, and critical skills that will help you find employment in this dynamic and rapidly growing field, whilst assembling a professional portfolio of work.
You’ll be prepared for game industry roles related to level design, UI/UX design, 3D modelling, texturing, story/narrative design, and sound design/music composition.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a closely related subject, such as Game Design, Computer Science, Animation, Music Technology or Media Production. Professional industry experience may also be considered. Applicants from a non-traditional background may be invited to interview and/or to submit a sample of work. Applicants with a degree from another subject or non-traditional background are encouraged to contact the Programme Director before applying. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 105, speaking and reading not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 23 October 2025 / Programme terms and conditions