A person sits in front of a large, futuristic computer setup overlooking a vibrant, sci-fi cityscape.

(Mdes) Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments

Design Virtual Worlds for Gaming and Beyond with an Entrepreneurial Edge!
Duration10 months
LanguageEnglish
LocationMadrid
IntakeSeptember
Mode of StudyFull-Time
FormatIn-person
Duration10 months
LanguageEnglish
LocationMadrid
IntakeSeptember
Mode of StudyFull-Time
FormatIn-person

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VIDEOGAME DESIGN AND XR

This intensive program immerses students in the dynamic world of videogame design and virtual environments, covering a wide spectrum of skills and knowledge essential to the field.

The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios.

Throughout the program, students engage in practical projects and collaborative ventures within the vibrant gaming community, culminating in a thesis project focused on pushing the boundaries of gaming and virtual environment design.

An advertisement for a Master in Videogame Design and Virtual Environments program at IE University.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?

EXPLORE THE (MDes) Master in Videogame design and virtual environments PROGRAM

The Study Plan of this program is divided into two distinct parts: the Design Innovation Platform and the Design Studio.

The Design Innovation Platform is the shared stage, where you will absorb the fundamentals of design principles through courses on materials, sustainability, design for social impact, business, and communication skills. It includes subjects such as Methodologies for Creativity, Graphic Communication Skills, Materials and Methods, and Presentation Skills. You will also study Design for Social Impact, The Business of Design, and Design Research Methods.

The Design Studio is the project-based space where you will truly delve into the world of videogame design and virtual environments. Here, you will learn Creative Coding, Realtime Software, Physical Computing, AR and VR, Animation, Principles of Game Design, Interactive Storytelling, Game Art and Art Direction, Sound Design and Composition, and Level Design.

The Design Studio will prepare you for your pre-thesis by equipping you with tools for thorough and effective design research, ensuring you are ready to push the boundaries of gaming and virtual environment design.

Program Structure
10 MONTHS
This image shows a curriculum layout for a master's program in design, detailing courses and topics divided across three terms.

Presentation

The structure of the program is divided into four parts: the Start-Up Bootcamp, an optional preliminary course designed to lay the groundwork for the program; Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3. 
  • Term 1 is divided into two main sections—the Design Innovation Platform First Term and Design Studio 1: Virtual and Hybrid Environments. 
  • Term 2 also comprises two main sections—the Design Innovation Platform Second Term and Design Studio 2: Game Design and Development.
  • Term 3 features advanced topics such as AI for GamingSerious GamesVisual Effects, and culminates in the Design Thesis, the program’s capstone project, where students integrate everything, they have learned.

*Please note that our program content is continually updated to remain in sync with market demands. Therefore, we advise you that the content is subject to change and it can be dependent on student demand.

THREE KEY AREAS AT IE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

  • Two men working on a computer design of a drone in a modern office environment.
  • An artistic representation of a female head profile, covered and blended with various types of greenery and moss.
  • Five people having a casual meeting on wooden bleachers in a creative office space labeled 'area 31'.

FAQs

  • Our (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments equips you with the diverse skill set to pursue a successful career in game development. The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes a detailed focus on game development, preparing you to stand out as you create and manage diverse projects across a wide range of roles.

  • Salaries for both roles can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, company and the specific role. Compensation can be competitive in both areas, particularly if you possess specialized skills. Our (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments is an innovative program that gives you the skills you need to stand out in these ever-evolving fields.

  • While it depends on your ambitions for specific roles, knowledge of coding is highly beneficial if you want to pursue a career in game design. Don’t worry if you don’t already have coding knowledge: our (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments includes an optional, start-up bootcamp that includes a course on Coding Fundamentals.

  • Game design can be a very worthwhile career. If you’re passionate about game design and are ready to drive innovation and make an impact on the future of the industry, there are a wide range of fulfilling opportunities available. The (MDes) Master in Videogame Design & Virtual Environments gives you the skills and hands-on experience you need to succeed.