MSc Psychology in Game Design and Digital Innovation at University of Surrey

Programme overview

In an increasingly digital and immersive world, understanding how people think, feel and behave within interactive systems has never been more important. Learn to understand and apply psychological science to interactive systems, serious and entertainment games, educational tools and digital innovation – and learn how to design and evaluate engaging experiences grounded in human behaviour.

Department: School of Psychology | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Guildford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

This course combines psychological theory with applied methods to prepare you to analyse, design and evaluate interactive experiences. You won’t be expected to learn programming; instead, you’ll focus on why people interact with digital systems the way they do and how to measure and improve that interaction. Motivation, emotion, cognition, attention and social behaviour as they relate to user experience and interactive environments How psychological insights inform the creation of immersive and engaging digital experiences that can be beneficial in education, health, behaviour change and research contexts Core modules include Psychology and Game Design, Academic Research Training, Advanced Research Methods and Design, Enhancing Engagement with Gameful Design, Advanced Topics in Game and Digital Experiences, Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Analysis, Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis, Msc Dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates from this MSc develop a blend of psychological insight and design thinking that is relevant to the gaming sector and increasingly sought after in areas beyond entertainment games. Career pathways include roles where human behaviour, research and digital experience intersect.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An interest in human behaviour and game design with a minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in psychology, product development, art and design, communications and multimedia, game design, computer science, or a recognised international equivalent. We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet the typical requirements. If you have at least one year of relevant experience in a full-time graduate-level role (or a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant graduate-level part-time role) please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application. Applications with other degree subjects, or those without relevant GCSEs, may be considered by the faculty on a case-by-case basis. IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.5 in each component

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,700 a year (2027/28). Annual tuition fee, full-time route, September 2027 start Source

International applicants: GBP 23,600 a year (2027/28). Annual tuition fee, full-time route, September 2027 start Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/postgraduate

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