Degree Project in Experimental Game Design for a One Year Master Degree

15 credits

Syllabus, Master's level, 5SD327

Code
5SD327
Education cycle
Second cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
Game Design A2E
Grading system
Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Fail (U)
Finalised by
The Department Board, 18 February 2026
Responsible department
Department of Game Design

Entry requirements

Introduction to Experimental Game Design, 15 credits (5SD324); Methods for Advanced and Reflective Practice, 15 credits (5SD325) and 7.5 credits from Game Development and Communication, 15 credits (5SD326).

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • independently conduct a focused line of experimental inquiry where each stage builds methodically toward the creation of new, demonstrable knowledge for the game design discipline
  • critically reflect on their own artistic and technical approaches,
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge within the discipline in a final, experimental game project/artifact
  • clearly structure and present their experimental process and its context in a portfolio
  • defend their complete body of work, and articulate in writing and through an oral presentation how it contributes to advancing the discipline of game design.

Content

The degree project takes the form of a portfolio that includes the final experimental game project and the continuously maintained Design Journal. The portfolio also contains a written account and analysis of the project’s technical and artistic aspects and its contribution to the academic discipline of game design. Students work in teams to create and submit the portfolio, while the design journal is an individual submission.

Instruction

Instruction consists of group supervision and mentoring.

Assessment

The examination consists of a public presentation of the completed experimental game together with a formal presentation of the portfolio. Assessment is based on the overall quality of the complete body of work, and the group’s and each individual student’s oral presentation and defense of the degree project.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University´s disability coordinator.

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