Master in MA Games Design (Narrative)

For Master in MA Games Design (Narrative), the tuition fee is 29,300 GBP per year.

Overview

Do you love crafting worlds, characters, and stories that players care about? Join us and design the next generation of games narratives.

We sought input and built on learnings from leading narrative designers; from the writing team at Larian Studios to game designers at The Chinese Room and Creative Assembly; to bring you a programme with a unique fusion of creative vision and technical expertise. In addition, we are formally collaborating through the Bristol Digital Game Lab with the local companies Meaning Machine and Time Machine Designs.

Imagine building a plane while flying it. That’s how narrative designers have described the development process: simultaneously evolving the storyline for a game as you create it. Narrative design anticipates the entire game experience, from mechanics and worlds to player actions.

We know that the industry is looking for four highly desirable skills that you’ll be able to demonstrate on completion of our MA Games Design (Narrative): teamwork, storytelling, technical implementation, and critical thinking. Our teaching draws directly on collaborative research and development projects we've run with industry partners such as Meaning Machine, as well as the Bristol Digital Game Lab pioneering game making as research across heritage and mental health. This will support you to you hone your strengths across both systems design and storytelling - giving you a unique edge in the sector.

Our MA Games Design (Narrative) graduates leave us with a career-ready portfolio that showcases their strengths in narrative design. Through the dedicated portfolio unit, you can choose from options such as: Pitching a Game; Meeting an Industry Brief; Industry Placement; and Developing a Serious Game. Each option supports you in creating a polished narrative game demonstrator that highlights your creative and technical abilities. Your portfolio becomes a distinctive asset in a competitive jobs market and the foundation of your future job applications.

The University of Bristol, founded in 1909 and located in the lively city of Bristol, United Kingdom, is a research-intensive institution with a broad portfolio of programmes. Its historic campus and strong academic reputation make it an appealing choice for international students seeking rigorous study across humanities, sciences, engineering, law and the creative arts.

With more than 300 programmes, the university combines research-led teaching with opportunities for practical learning, work placements and interdisciplinary study. Students benefit from access to research centres, professional networks and a range of support services designed to enhance learning outcomes and employability. Bristol's urban setting provides cultural vibrancy, industry connections and a platform for student societies and community engagement.

International students are supported through dedicated services, orientation and career guidance to help navigate academic expectations and life in the UK. The university’s emphasis on research impact, global partnerships and transferable skills prepares graduates for competitive careers and further study. For those seeking a dynamic academic environment in a culturally rich city, the University of Bristol offers a blend of scholarly excellence and practical opportunities.