University of Exeter United Kingdom

MA Interactive Storytelling Design: Video Games and Beyond

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Interactive Storytelling Design: Video Games and Beyond at the University of Exeter is your gateway to mastering the art of crafting compelling, code-driven experiences that resonate across games and numerous other industries. You will delve into the critical fields of narrative design, user experience (UX), creative writing, and creative coding, developing a sophisticated understanding of how to engage audiences through interactive media. This postgraduate degree is ideal for those who aspire to innovate at the forefront of narrative practice, creating impactful experiences that entertain, educate, and provoke thought.

This full-time, on-campus Masters programme, typically completed in one year, immerses you in a project-led environment where you will iteratively develop creative concepts from initial design documents to industry-standard prototypes. You will work alongside peers on team-led projects, enhancing your skills in project management, critical analysis, and technological literacy, including engagement with AI and data. You will graduate with a robust professional portfolio, ready to pursue diverse career paths in the games industry, digital media, and beyond, equipped with sought-after skills in interactive storytelling and design.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This course explores the principles and practices of interactive storytelling, examining its foundations and future frontiers. You will engage with core concepts through compulsory modules, including a dedicated project, and have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as interactive writing, non-screen narratives, plot development, screen studies, creative management, or the global perspective of gaming. This program offers a comprehensive understanding of how stories are crafted and experienced in interactive media.

1 Compulsory modules

The Foundations of Interactive Storytelling
The Frontiers of Interactive Storytelling
Interactive Storytelling Project

2 Optional modules

Writing Interactively
Beyond the Screen
The Poetry of Events - Building a Plot
Critical Debates in Screen Studies
Creative Management
Gaming in Everyday Life: A Global Perspective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

39% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingAmusement & Recreation ServicesArtificial Intelligence & Machine LearningCorporate Finance & TreasuryData Science & AnalyticsFilm & Television ProductionFinancial Technology (Fintech)IT Support & Systems AdministrationSocial Media & Content StrategyTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

BBC Studios

Barclays

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Microsoft

National Trust

University of Southampton

Why Study MA Interactive Storytelling Design: Video Games and Beyond at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MA Interactive Storytelling Design: Video Games and Beyond at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time if enrolled in a degree course. Full-time work is allowed during breaks without a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English test requirements vary by test. For example, a Duolingo overall score of 130 is required, while IELTS students need an overall score of 7.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Narrative Designers, UX Designers, Game Writers, Interactive Producers, or Creative Coders.

What will I actually study in this course?

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  • Master the art of crafting engaging, code-driven experiences for the games industry and many others, blending narrative skills with interactive design.
  • Gain sought-after skills in narrative design, UX, writing, creative coding and team-led project management, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
  • Work at the cutting edge of narrative practice, creating experiences that entertain, educate, inspire and agitate, while exploring new types of

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Intake for the MA Interactive Storytelling Design begins every September. Ensure you prepare your application in advance and meet all the necessary requirements.
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