Course Summary

- Gain an understanding of the key developments in this major global industry - Critically examine central elements of video games – production, reception, and textual functions – within the context of wider media history and culture - Learn transferable skills, creative thinking, and have opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects through the use of media technologies - Study the impact of digital media and the convergence of old and new media - Use the Work Placement module to gain experience in an organisation relevant to your career aspirations and explore opportunities to study abroad in the USA. The rise of mobile gaming, the battle for the ultimate cloud gaming platform, and the role of virtual reality – there’s lots to play for in this fast-moving, hyper-creative, multi-billion pound growth industry. And that’s what makes it so fascinating and rewarding to study. We’ll get you started and provide you with the skills and confidence to navigate your way around the engrossing, cutting-edge world of video games. Our dynamic programme will help you develop critical thinking and a deep understanding of video games within the context of wider media culture. You will explore the history and development of video games, narrative and storytelling, representation and identities, gamers and audiences, the gamification of everyday life, and many other exciting areas. As a member of our Media and Communication department of widely-published experts, you will develop a strong understanding of the media industries and contemporary trends in media culture and communication. In addition, you will learn practical and transferable skills, creative thinking, and the chance to apply academic knowledge through the use of various media technologies. Year 1 introduces you to the academic study of the media, developing a broad understanding of key issues, concepts and debates in a variety of contexts. You will take modules such as: Introduction to Media, Culture and Society; Manipulating Media; Introduction to Design Thinking; Understanding New Media; and practical modules in Digital Media Skills and Digital Publishing. In Year 2, you will take dedicated video games and social media modules, as well as modules in Exploring Media Theory and an introduction to Media Research Methods. A Work Placement module will help you start planning for your future career as a graduate. Your final year will include a module called Video Game Worlds module and a year-long Extended Independent Project, where you will write an academic dissertation or create a large practical project, that will allow you to demonstrate the full range of your knowledge and skills in a deep and sustained fashion. You will also study modules such as Dark Side of the Net, Big Data and Algorithmic Cultures, Community Media, and Climate Crisis and the Media. A choice of optional modules in Years 2 and 3 include Exploring Teaching as a Career, Interrogating TV, Politics and the Media, Celebrity Cultures, and Documentary and Photojournalism. You will benefit from collaborating with fellow students from different programmes of study within the School of Media and Film in a friendly interdisciplinary learning environment. This will provide you with a wide range of knowledge and experience, which will give you an edge in your chosen graduate career. As well as roles in game production, design, marketing and testing, graduates are prepared for careers across the media and cultural industries, such as journalism, media management, social media branding, public relations and advertising.

Course Details - Modules

Modules are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: P950

Institution code: W76

Campus Name: Main Site

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

A GCSE A*-C or 9-4 in English Language is required.

We welcome applications from students who are completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma. We normally look for applicants to have studied a course that is in a similar subject and offers are usually made in line with our published tariff point range.

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of 2 x A-level or equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2 x BTEC National Subsidiary Diplomas) and we accept all A-level subjects, including Critical Thinking, General Studies and own-language A-levels. We welcome applicants who have completed the Extended Project (EP/EPQ) and points obtained from this qualification will be included in any offer. In addition, we accept a maximum of 32 points from level 3 qualifications below A2 that are included in the tariff (e.g. AS-levels not studied at A-level, music or dance qualifications). If you are a mature student, your application will be considered on its individual merits and work or other professional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of other published requirements.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic) 6.0 An overall score of 6.0, including 5.5 in writing is required. If you require Tier 4 sponsorship, you will require a minimum of 5.5 in all 4 components.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 60%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 75%

Go onto work and study: 100%

Fees and funding

England 9250.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 9250.0 Year 1
Scotland 9250.0 Year 1
Wales 9250.0 Year 1
Channel Islands 9250.0 Year 1
Republic of Ireland 9250.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

*Please note, the tuition fee for students from the rest of the EU (excluding ROI) are yet to be confirmed by the University. For further information about any additional costs associated with this course please see the individual course page on the University of Winchester website (www.winchester.ac.uk).

Provider information

Sparkford Road
Winchester
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Hampshire
SO22 4NR

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