Internet and Game Studies

The Master's Degree Programme in Internet and Game Studies aims to provide an in-depth view to the fundamental character and development of games and Internet. Games have grown into an important form of culture and human interaction, expanding from entertainment to other areas of life. Internet and social media form an increasingly vital part of communication, social life and distribution of media and services.

Degree Programme in Internet and Game Studies is particularly targeted at the questions of analysis, design and application of online services and digital games from user- and culturally focused perspectives. The programme directs students to develop academic skills like critical thinking, scientific writing and carrying out research projects while encouraging active and comprehensive involvement with the practical processes and phenomena related to games and Internet.

• Coordinating School: School of Information Sciences
• Duration: two academic years
• Extent: 120 credits/ECTS credits
• Programme period: autumn semester 2015 (late August) - spring semester 2017 (May)
• Specialization: Information Studies and Interactive Media

The programme is offered by the School of Information Sciences. The school has high profile research groups that are focused on Internet and game studies. There has also been a long history of education in hypermedia and in information studies and interactive media that forms the basis of this degree programme.

After completing the programme a student is expected to be able to:

• identify, define and analyse interactive media in its different forms
• have in-depth understanding about the contents, operation and fundamental character of Internet and digital games
• independently acquire scientific knowledge and reach eligibility for postgraduate studies in interactive media studies
• communicate the results from research and act as an expert in the field of new media

Graduates typically combine the skills and knowledge derived from this degree programme with studies and proficiencies that enable them to work as experts of games and Internet in various professional roles, in research, public sector as well as in industry.

The need for knowledgeable workforce is growing in the fields related to games and interactive media, but the students should adopt an active attitude in fashioning their own specific area of expertise and professional profile. The possible jobs of graduates include researchers, developers, critics and specialists working with the interpretation, evaluation or implementation of games and social media.

Eligible to apply is an applicant who has a completed suitable university level Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Information Studies and Interactive Media, New Media, Game Studies, Communication, Cultural or Art Studies, Interaction Design, Psychology, Sociology, or other relevant field for studies in interactive media. Please note that a programming degree (e.g. one in Engineering or Computer Science) does not alone qualify applicants for this programme. In addition, studies that relate to the content and use of interactive media, e.g. Game Studies, Information Studies, Interactive Media or Hypermedia are required.The Bachelor's degree or equivalent must be completed by the time the programme begins. If the degree is not completed by the end of the application period, an applicant can be accepted to the programme on the condition that s/he sends an attested copy of the degree certificate to the School office by the end of July. A successful applicant will, in this case, first receive a notification on conditional acceptance and later an official letter of acceptance once an attested copy of the degree certificate has reached the School office.Language requirementsApplicants must submit evidence on a good command of English for academic purposes.The programme accepts the following ways of indicating English language proficiency: TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language: Minimum score: 90/Internet-based, 575/paper-based IELTS Academic, International English Language Testing System: Minimum score: 6.5 with no individual score below 5.5 PTE, Academic English Language Proficiency test by Pearson: Minimum score: 62For information on how to submit a language test score, please see the UTA Admissions webpage http://www.uta.fi/admissions/degreeprog/applying/language_requirements.html.Other acceptable ways of indicating English language proficiency: A Bachelor's degree in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States, excluding online degrees, with the applicant having stayed in the respective country when studying for the Bachelor's degree. Secondary education in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States. Applicants who have taken their pre-university education (yläaste, lukio) in the Finnish language are not required to submit an international language test score but they must provide other sufficient evidence of their English language proficiency (for example information on studies conducted in English or work experience with English as the working language). It is possible to take some exams and complete the Master's thesis in Finnish. NB: a Bachelor's degree taken in English in Finland does not alone exempt from sending a language test score.Admission criteria by admission groupCandidates for admission should be well qualified and capable of benefiting from the programme of study. The selection of new students is based on the success and the relevance of the applicant's overall study record in the completed Bachelor's degree and other studies evidence of a good command of English for academic purposes the quality of the statement of purpose (motivation letter)In addition, work experience relevant to the programme, and other relevant merits and qualifications may be taken into account.Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from a Finnish AMK university of applied sciences must have a thesis graded no less than 3/5.Relevance of prior studies and the applicant's motivation are carefully considered. Applicants are expected to explain their reasons for applying to this programme specifically.Applicants who have not yet completed a Master's Degree or equivalent will be given priority in student selection.Complementing studies may be required depending on the student's previous studies. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90