1. Demonstrate an advanced and systematic understanding of theoretical, technical or artistic concepts relevant to a specialist area of games practice, applying appropriate digital tools to support professional decision-making. Knowledge & understanding Digital literacy

2. Apply appropriate and rigorous research methods to investigate a complex problem within your specialist area, generating insights that inform creative, technical or design decision-making. Application & problem-solving

3. Produce an original, high-quality artefact or portfolio that demonstrates advanced discipline-specific skills and meets recognised professional standards. Personal development & entrepreneurship

4. Critically evaluate the processes, methodologies and outcomes of the project, drawing on academic literature, professional benchmarks and reflective analysis to justify decisions. Reflection

5. Critically design, conduct and reflect on a research process appropriate to the project context, evaluating gaps and biases in knowledge, methods and decision making in order to inform and improve professional research or research practice. Research Skills Communication

Assessment Component 1: Project Proposal [Learning Outcome 1]
Students will produce a formal project proposal that outlines the intended focus of the Major Project. The proposal will include a clearly defined research question or creative or technical aim, a rationale, contextual background, an initial literature review where appropriate, a proposed methodological approach, consideration of ethical issues, and a structured project plan.

The proposal must demonstrate an advanced and systematic understanding of the theoretical, technical or artistic concepts relevant to the chosen topic. It should evidence the informed selection of appropriate digital tools to support early decision-making and planning. The proposal will serve as the foundation for students’ subsequent choice between the Practice Route and the Dissertation Route.

As part of the project proposal, students will choose one of the two routes through the module; Option A: Artefact or Option B Dissertation. This is informed by the nature of the students work but both MSc and MA can do either option.

Assessment 2: Midpoint Review [Learning Outcome 2]
Students will also deliver a structured mid-point review that demonstrates progress to date. This will include evidence of development activities, refinement of methods, problem-solving processes, and an evaluation of challenges encountered.

The review must demonstrate critical reflection on early feedback, identification of risks, and clear justification of how the project direction is being refined. Students should evidence the application of appropriate research methods and the generation of insights that inform the ongoing development of the project.

Assessment 3: Practical Artefact (Option A) or Dissertation (Option B) [Learning Outcomes 3,4] Option A (Practice Route): Students will develop a substantial practical artefact, such as a game prototype, technical tool, visual development portfolio, or design system. The artefact must be grounded in research and demonstrate advanced discipline-specific skills through professional methods and techniques. Your work must be original and show significant independent study.

Option B (Dissertation Route): Students will produce a written dissertation of 6000 words that demonstrates rigorous academic inquiry into a theme relevant to games development, design, art, or computing. Your dissertation must exhibit methodological rigor, critical engagement with the literature, and a clear contribution to contemporary debates.

Both options must demonstrate originality, advanced expertise, methodological rigor, and alignment with Level 7 expectations.

Assessment 4: Development Report (Option A) or Presentation (Option B) [Learning Outcomes 5] You must communicate and critically evaluate the development of your Major Project.

Option A (Practice Route): Development Report, Students will produce a written report of 2,400 words that documents your research, methodological choices, decision-making processes, technical or creative workflows, iterations, and evaluation. The report must clearly articulate how and why decisions were made and show critical reflection on the project outcomes.

Option B (Dissertation Route): Dissertation Presentation, Students will deliver a formal 20-minute presentation summarising the aims, methods, findings, implications, and limitations of your dissertation project. You must be able to articulate and defend your work to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrating clarity, confidence, and professionalism.

Both routes require critical reflection, evaluation of outcomes, and demonstration of autonomy as a Level 7 practitioner. Students for both options must explicitly justify the research approach adopted within the project, critically reflecting on the suitability, limitations and potential biases of their chosen methods, sources or processes. Through evaluation and critical reflection, students must demonstrate how research insights have informed project decisions and contributed to the development of professional or research practice in response to complex and unpredictable challenges.

MA Award Alignment For MA students, the Masters Project is assessed through a creative or practice-led lens, emphasising artistic, design-led or experiential outcomes supported by reflective analysis and creative research methodologies.

MSc Award Alignment For MSc students, the Masters Project is assessed through a technical or research-led lens, emphasising scientific methodology, technical implementation, analytical evaluation and evidence-based research outcomes

In this module, you’ll take ownership of a substantial, self-directed investigation into a specialist area of games practice. You’ll begin by crafting a formal project proposal that defines your research question or creative aim, outlines your methodology, and sets the foundation for either the Practice Route (Option A) or Dissertation Route (Option B). As your project develops, you’ll present a structured midpoint review to demonstrate progress, reflect on feedback, and refine your direction.

Depending on your chosen route, you’ll either produce a high-quality practical artefact, such as a game prototype, technical tool, or visual portfolio, or a written dissertation that explores a relevant theme through rigorous academic inquiry. You will communicate and critically evaluate your work through a Development Report (Option A) or a formal Presentation (Option B), showcasing your strategic thinking, professionalism, and readiness to contribute to the games industry.

Define your project focus in a formal proposal that includes your research question or creative aim, rationale, methodology, and project plan.

Choose your route:
o Practice Route (Option A) – develop a substantial artefact.
o Dissertation Route (Option B) – produce a written research dissertation on a relevant theme.
Present a midpoint review to demonstrate progress, reflect on feedback, and refine your direction.
Deliver your final output:
o Option A – submit your completed artefact.
o Option B – submit your dissertation.
Communicate and evaluate your work:
o Option A – write a Development Report documenting your process, decisions, and reflections.
o Option B – deliver a formal Presentation articulating your research and findings.
Demonstrate originality, critical thinking, and professional standards throughout the project lifecycle.

In this module, you’ll define and deliver an ambitious piece of work that showcases your specialist skills. You will shape your own research question, plan your approach, and build a substantial artefact or dissertation through iterative development and critical evaluation. You will explore advanced tools, research methods and professional workflows, supported through one-to-one supervision and reflective practice. This project becomes the centrepiece of your postgraduate portfolio and prepares you for advanced roles across the games industry.

Most of your time will be spent in self-managed learning. You will be expected to manage the project by using a suitable project methodology and use this to manage your time and reflect on your progress. An important part of the learning strategy is the direct one-to-one supervision of your project by a supervisor. Contact hours would typically be 60 minutes per week.

Creswell, J.W., Creswell, J.D., 2023. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, Sixth edition, international student edition. ed. Sage, Los Angeles London New Delhi Singapore Washington DC Melbourne.

Drachen, A., Nacke, L.E., Mirza-Babaei, P. (Eds.), 2018. Games user research, First edition. ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Funk, T., 2022. Video Game Art Reader: Volume 4. Amherst College Press, Erscheinungsort nicht ermittelbar.
Kara, H., 2015. Creative research methods in the social sciences: a practical guide. Policy Press, Bristol.
Wisker, G., 2010. The postgraduate research handbook: succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, 2. ed., [Nachdr.]. ed, Palgrave study guides. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Course Specific
Reference to the Module welcome page for study guidance.
Access to University of Staffordshire library
Access to internet sources through University of Staffordshire library.
Provision, as appropriate, of case materials by tutor and/or external organisations.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module.
Details will be supplied on the Module Welcome page.

Software
Games Development Software (Autodesk, Creative Suite, Blender, ZBrush, SpeedTree, Substance Suite)
Game Engine Software (Unreal Engine, Unity, etc
Image Editing Software (Photoshop, Krita, etc)
Video Editing Software (Adobe After Effects, etc)
Simulation Software (Houdini, Marvellous Designer)
Photogrammetry Software, e.g. Meshroom
Suitable IDE (Visual Studio, Rider, etc).
Microsoft Office
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload System