Interactive Storytelling Design: Video Games and Beyond University of Exeter

• Master the art of crafting engaging interactive 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 authorship across different media and technologies.
• Iteratively develop creative concepts-from design documents and storyboards to industry-standard prototypes - culminating in proof-of-concepts, MVPs and finished work for your professional portfolio.
• Enhance your skills in creative and analytical thinking, tech literacy, systems thinking, AI and data engagement.

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a subject that has some relevance to the precepts of the course (Creative Writing, English Literature, Narrative Theory, Game Design, Interactive Design, Media/Cultural Studies, Film, Journalism, Art, Games, Digital Media, History, Drama, Business, Design, UX/Interaction Design, Communication), and/or demonstrable professional experience in a related industry (film, television, gaming, cultural heritage etc.)

You should also submit a small portfolio of creative, story-focussed work which demonstrates your interest in the form. 

Helping you to apply

You do not need to have lots of experience in games design, programming or any existing technical skills to apply for this course, but some experience of creative coding and interactive story design will be beneficial. 

This could include some form of web design (using HTML/CSS), or the creation of small, simple interactive experiences using free, open-source tools such as Twine, Bitsy, RenPy, Downpour or similar. We would recommend that you explore some of these tools before you begin your studies.

Your submitted portfolio should include a short personal statement (maximum 300 words) explaining why you want to take this course and how you hope it will improve and evolve your creative practice and employability.

Your portfolio should also include between three and five examples of creative work that demonstrates your interest in interactive storytelling. These do not need to be code-driven projects but should demonstrate an aptitude and passion for storytelling in any form, and an understanding of how the opportunities and challenges of those forms inform the impact of storytelling.

Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.