Programme description for Multimedia and Game Technologies, Master's Programme (2026–2028)

On successful completion of the programme, the student should have the following learning outcome defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate:

can review multimedia and educational technology as a research field

understands the relationship between interactive design and learning theories

has advanced knowledge of deliverance platforms for multimedia content

has a thorough understanding of 3D visualization

can assess the value of games and simulation in E-learning systems

has advanced knowledge of human-machine interfaces

has advanced knowledge about how to apply theoretical models to identified research problems

SKILLS

The candidate:

can design and create an advanced and effective educational multimedia system, using state of the art technologies, based on acknowledged pedagogical and aesthetical principles

masters multimedia technology, software and hardware, on a professional level

can create and use interactive content and web design to promote and enhance media projects

has control of the formatting and distribution of content across major digital media platforms

has the programming skills to produce advanced educational technology content

can carry out an independent, limited research or development project in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

is able to design and create a digital game with educational purpose

can identify and utilize transferable skills

can use basic AI tools and decide when it is the best option

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate:

can apply their knowledge and skills to new areas to pursue advanced task and projects

can communicate extensive independent work by mastering the relevant forms of expression used in research and development in multimedia and educational technology

can disseminate their knowledge of applied and theoretical problems and solutions, orally and in writing, to their peers and to a general audience

can evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology

can contribute to innovation in academic and industrial projects

can analyse relevant professional and research ethical issues

Can apply their knowledge into creating game-based projects in different fields using relevant theory and tools and be able to understand the implications of AI

The admission requirements are:

• A 3 year bachelor’s degree in Academic esports
• or
• A 3 year bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Technology and Design, or similar.
  or
• A 3 year bachelor’s degree in engineering. The applicant must have passed courses in basic object-oriented programming and 3D-modelling or technical drawing.
  or
• A 4-5 year teachers education and 60 credits of multimedia courses, basic object-oriented programming and 3D-modelling.

A weighted average grade of C or better is required.

Admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2021-11-24-3370?q=uia

The programme delivers candidates with high competence in multimedia and game technologies. The emphasis in the programme is on knowledge of both existing and new and emerging technologies, new tools and new methods for dissemination of knowledge using modern educational technology. The teaching reflects on the wide range of branches the candidate can work in after graduation, ranging from the development of E-learning material for traditional school and university education, training of employees in firms and as employees in companies using E-learning and educational technologies.

The program offers two distinct tracks, one of which focuses on multimedia and learning technologies. The other track focus on the use of transferable skills through Academic Esports and a focus on game development. The programme’s main focus is on educational technology, and all topics help underpin the knowledge necessary to develop good E-learning modules and topics. A thesis of 45 credits in the third and fourth semester, gives the students the possibility for specialization in a particular field of industry. The multimedia track emphasizes the design and evaluation of user interfaces, as well as the development and implementation of virtual and augmented reality applications. The program also offers a specialized tracks for engineers and students with an academic esports background. The academic esports and game development track enables students to develop further skills in the development of games and the laws, regulations and governance connected to this field. This allows fo a master’s degree that opens up a variety of pathways moving on.

Multimedia is an area where companies and professionals both cooperate and compete internationally as well as nationally. The literature in the programme is in English, and English is the language of teaching. This will prepare the students for an international working life and teach them to communicate about their field of expertise in an international environment. Many of the students will also come from international programs initially.

The students are given the opportunity to take parts of the programme at partner universities abroad. Full-time master´s students can take the third and/or fourth semester at a partner university abroad. Credits awarded at the foreign university may be transferred into the student´s programme at the University of Agder (UiA). In order to become an exchange student, the courses/thesis work that the student is planning to undertake at the foreign institution must be given a preliminary approval by the student´s programme manager at UiA, and a written student contract must be signed with the International Education Office. The Faculty of Engineering and Science has a large number of partner universities with which student exchange can be arranged in an efficient manner. The master´s programme is open to incoming exchange students from foreign universities, who may follow one or two semesters of the programme.

Students who have been given conditional admission to the programme must meet all the admission requirements before they can pass into the 2nd year of the programme. The student must have passed at least 45 ECTS in the Master´s programme before registering for the Master´s Thesis. All courses that lead directly to the thesis work must be successfully completed. Every semester the students must prepare and update individual education plans. Students are expected to take full responsibility for their own learning and personal progress in keeping with their individual education plans.

The requirements that the students have to meet in order to graduate are described in the different course descriptions under the headline "Examination requirement"and "Assessment methods and criteria".

On successful completion of the master's degree, candidates will be able to move directly into the field of multimedia industry and enterprises where information is central. Central areas of work will be development of digital learning systems for the public and private sector, for example the public education system, the movie-, TV- or other media industry, the structural engineering, offshore industry, museums/galleries and advertising agencies. The Master´s programme in multimedia and game technology provides the basis for continuing in education and research in Norway or abroad, for example with a doctorate.

The Faculty has its own doctoral programme in engineering and science, and a candidate from a master´s programme in multimedia and educational technology can be qualified for this programme.

The Academic Esports and game technology track also opens up for a wider variety of areas in which the program might be beneficial.

Together with the students the university regularly arranges trips abroad for the students to visit relevant firms and universities. These trips are voluntarily and not a requirement in the study programme. The students must cover the expenses of the trip themselves.

If a student gets the opportunity to work with a company in their location, or if a student chooses to work together with a company in a course, the student will have to cover the travel expenses.

A compulsory course in Health, Safety and Environment is required for students admitted to the programme.

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (laptop) for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d