Masters Programme Transformative Game Design

Tuition fees for Masters Programme Transformative Game Design are 7,286 USD per year, while applications for the Apr 2027 intake are due by Jan 15, 2027.

Designed for change-makers, educators, therapists, and creative practitioners, this programme bridges the gap between leisure game design and professional transformative practice. Whether you are working in health, education, or social entrepreneurship, you will explore how tabletop, live-action (LARP), and freeform role-playing games can serve as catalysts for personal growth and social change.

You will cultivate the ability to design experiences that move beyond entertainment, focusing on how game mechanics, ritual, and safe framing structures can foster empathy, trust, and inclusivity within communities. By integrating academic research methods—including Research through Design and participant-observation ethnography—you will gain the tools to rigorously assess how play impacts the human condition and contributes to meaningful life experiences.

Designing for Impact

This is not just about making games; it is about mastering the art of facilitation and community building. You will investigate complex themes such as bleed, immersion, and social justice, learning to structure play environments that are safe, effective, and intentionally designed to achieve specific social or educational objectives.

Uppsala University, founded in 1477 and based in the historic city of Uppsala, is Sweden's oldest university and a leading global research institution. With about 50,000 students, including roughly 6,000 international learners, the university offers a broad portfolio of 119 programs across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and professional fields. Uppsala combines centuries of academic tradition with modern research facilities and a strong commitment to societal impact and sustainability.

The university is known for rigorous research, collaborative projects, and an inspiring campus life set amid cultural and scientific landmarks. Students benefit from extensive academic support, research-led teaching, and numerous student organizations that enrich personal and professional growth. Uppsala's partnerships with industry, public institutions, and international universities create pathways for internships, exchange, and postgraduate research.

International students find Uppsala welcoming, with services for housing, language development, and integration into Swedish academic life. The university's focus on sustainability and community engagement provides opportunities to work on real-world challenges through coursework and extracurricular initiatives. Graduates gain a qualification respected worldwide, practical experience, and access to a vibrant alumni and research network.