Upon finishing a degree someone may want to further their education by studying for a Masters’s or Ph.D. Usually, this is in a similar field to what they qualified their degree in, and there are usually entry requirements.
Reasons for studying for a Masters
Masters are usually 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Pros
- Progressing a career path or improving employers’ interest
- Progressing to a PhD
- Developing a personal interest or learning new skills
- Entering a profession or meeting job requirements
Cons
- Can be costly unless funded
- Courses are shorter than a degree so very intense
- Entry requirements and sometimes work experience needed.
- Games specific and covers concepts, character design, and world-building which is a mix of things I’m familiar with and things I need to work on
- Lots of optional units to tailor interests
- Covers a wide range of games, VR, Mobile, etc which means I can apply for more studios
Hertfordshire MA Games Art and Design
- Holding a virtual event for postgrads 7-11 March
- Excellent reputation with students and the industry
- Partnered with big names in the industry
- Can be done online
- Described as a fusion of technical skills and visuals, so will be a good push for the generalists. Also, the choice to develop practical skills in my chosen area. Also describes the course as a gateway for making industry contacts
- Advertising video is amazing and shows incredible environments at a level way above my current skillset
- Study online or on-campus so great flexibility
- covers a wide area and also does console and mobile, opens more job opportunities
- Dedicated aftercare for finding a job
- Modules include things I want to develop, lighting, texturing, PBR workflows, world buidling
A Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy) involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field. It is usually 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time. Most institutions offering a Ph.D. require the candidate to have a master’s and degree but sometimes a candidate can be successful with a relevant portfolio and experience.
- First Year – Discussing research proposal, agreeing deadlines, completion of literature review
- Second Year – Gathering research, developing a thesis, collaborations in the industry
- Third Year – Writing thesis, oral exam (viva voce) to defend a thesis
Where to find a PhD
Can search by location, discipline, Ph.D. type
Searching individual University
Universities that offer degrees and masters in gaming-related disciplines normally offer PhDs. You can browse and see if they are requiring candidates or pitch your own research. This would mean pitching your idea, how it will apply to the industry, proposed methodology, etc in document 6-8 pages long. Remember to choose something you can study and develop for 3 years straight and will often refer back to in your career.