Selecting and scoping a technical research question

Conducting a structured literature review in games development

Research design and methodological planning

Prototyping and technical investigation

Data gathering and analysis

Documentation of development processes

Evaluation, testing and validity in technical research

Academic writing conventions for dissertation projects

Ethical considerations and responsible innovation in digital technologies

Assessment 1: Midpoint Review 10% [Learning Outcomes 1,2]

Students will deliver a short presentation outlining their proposed dissertation project. The midpoint review should demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical concepts underpinning the research question and provide an overview of early investigation, planned methodology, and intended technical outputs. Students must communicate their ideas clearly and professional, using appropriate visual material to articulate the project rational and planned development path. Feedback from this review will support refinement of the project prior to further development.

Assessment 2: Technical Artefact 30% [Learning Outcome 3]

Students will design and develop a technical artefact that responds directly to their research question. The artefact should demonstrate the ability to integrate technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to implement a justified and coherent solution to the chosen development challenge. Artefacts may include gameplay systems, AI behaviours, rendering techniques, tools, simulations, analytics systems, or other implementations appropriate to the discipline. Students must produce supporting evidence such as prototypes, technical documentation, debugging outputs, performance metrics or demonstration videos as appropriate.

Assessment 3: Dissertation 50% [Learning Outcome 2,4,5]

Students will produce an academically rigorous written dissertation that documents the full research project from conception to evaluation. The dissertation must include:

A clearly articulated research question and project rationale
A critical literature review demonstrating understanding of relevant theories, technologies and practices
A justified research methodology and development approach
A detailed account of the technical implementation, drawing connections between design choices, research insights, and outcomes
A critical evaluation of findings, limitations, and developmental outcomes
Clear, professional communication using appropriate academic conventions

The dissertation should demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct structured research, integrate technical and theoretical knowledge, and critically reflect on the success and limitations of their project.

Assessment 4: Viva Presentation 10% [Learning Outcome 1,4,5]

Students will complete a viva presentation in which they defend their dissertation project and technical artefact. The viva assesses the student’s ability to communicate their research and justify decisions made throughout the process. Students must demonstrate clarity, critical awareness and the ability to respond to questions regarding methodology, implementation, evaluation and future development opportunities.

This assessment evaluates the student’s confidence and competence in articulating their findings to subject experts.

Learning will include a series of lectures introducing project planning, research methods, analysis and dissertation writing. Students also be supported through weekly project supervision meetings, small group seminars, and technical support as required. Activities will vary depending on the nature of each dissertation project and the methodological choices made by the student. Independent study will be guided in the delivery of the student’s dissertation and artefact.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of technical concepts, and practices relevant to your chosen area of games development and be able to critically discuss these ideas with your peers.

Knowledge & Understanding
Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

2. Conduct academic and technical research using appropriate methods, critically examining the accuracy, validity and limitations of your findings to grow and develop your knowledge.

Research Skills
Personal Development and Entrepreneurship

3. Integrate technical knowledge and transferable skills to produce an original artefact or portfolio of work that evidence discipline-specific skills.

Application & Problem Solving
Digital Literacy

4. Evaluate and reflect upon the processes, methodologies and outcomes of the project.

Reflection

5. Communicate your technical decisions, processes and research findings effectively.

Communication

Students will have access to the full suite of software and facilities available at their campus.

Creswell, J. and Creswell, J., 2018. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th ed. SAGE. ISBN: 1506386768

Bell, J. and Waters, S., 2018. Doing Your Research Project. 7th ed. Open University Press. ISBN: 033524338

Kuhn, Virginia and Finger, Anke. (2021). Shaping the Digital Dissertation: Knowledge Production in the Arts and Humanities. Open Book Publishers. ISBN: 1800640994

This module allows you to investigate an emerging area of game development through an independent technical research project. Working with a supervisor, you will define a research question, explore it through academic and technical investigation, create a practical artefact, and evaluate your findings in a written dissertation. The module is ideal for students seeking to deepen their technical expertise and produce a substantial portfolio piece that supports progression into industry, postgraduate study or research and development roles.