Who are we?

School of Digital Technologies was formed in 2015 by merging the former Institute of Informatics, Institute of Information Sciences and Department of Mathematics (of former School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences). The school focuses on development of five academic areas: Applied Informatics, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Sciences, Mathematics and Didactics of Mathematics, Technology Enhanced Learning. The school has one research centre – Centre for Educational Technology – and four laboratories: Game Lab, Interaction Design Lab, Software Lab and Technology Lab.

The school participates actively in international cooperation, organises regularly international conferences, summer and winter schools, and offers international study programmes individually –  Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Learning Games and Open Society Technologies master’s programmes and also Interaction Design master’s programme that is a joint programme with Cyprus University of Technology.

What make us stand out?

Our doctoral programme Information Society Technologies gives an opportunity to work closely with Estonian researchers in different projects.
About half of the students on these programmes are from a wide range of countries from different continents.

We warmly welcome students, staff and partners from all different backgrounds to include Your interpretations to our digital ideas!

Study level

Master’s Studies

Duration of study

2 years

Language

English

Cost per semester

2000 (EU/EEA citizens) / 3000 (non-EU/EEA citizens)

General requirements

• Completed Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
• Proof of English Proficiency

Please see the complete overview of general admission, application requirements and deadlines for Master’s level applicants

Entrance exams

• CV
• Letter of motivation
• E-portfolio of previous works (not mandatory)
• An interview with the admission committee (will be done via Internet, e.g. using Zoom, web-camera is required)

E-portfolio is not mandatory but will give a better overview of applicants background. Feel free to present Your previous work like games, game recordings, graphical design elements, photos, audio recordings, sounds, texts etc. Recommended format is web-based (easy to share and view) but all other formats are also acceptable (PDF, video, ZIP etc.). The portfolio and CV can be submitted by e-mail to dlg@tlu.ee, as a PDF file or as a web link.

Who are we looking for?

Game creation requires different skills and is usually a team effort. People from diverse backgrounds can contribute to this process, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. It is easier to find a place in a game team if you have skills in one or more of the following:

• Programming: software development, using game engines
• Visual art: 2D or 3D art, animation
• Audio: sound design, music composition and production
• Education: instructional design, educational technology, teaching
• Research: psychology, sociology of education, design theory, etc.

How is this programme structured?

We do not require applicants to have pre-existing programming knowledge or familiarity with game engines. If you wish to learn these skills, the programme will provide an opportunity to do that. If you already have them, you will certainly be able to put them into practice. And if you would like to focus on other aspects of game creation (design, asset creation, etc.), you are welcome to do so.

Digital Learning Games is a two-year programme taught in English. At the core of the programme is the Game Design Module, which includes the following courses:

• Introduction to Digital Learning Games
• Design of Game Logic
• Game Studies
• Level Design
• Design and Integration of Game Assets
• Learning Game Design
• Agile Project Management
• Research Methods

In addition, DLG students can choose between two specialisation modules.

The Game Development module focuses on programming and includes such courses as Math and Physics in Games; Graphics and Sound Programming; and AI Programming.

The Educational Psychology module focuses on the pedagogical and psychological aspects of game design and includes courses such as Psychological Aspects of Game Design; Games as Learning Environments; and Learning Analytics.

Please note that from the academic year 2023/2024 it is not possible to choose Interaction Design module.

Students can also choose from a variety of elective courses: 2D Graphics for Games; 3D Graphics for Games; Game Industry; Gamification Design; Interactive Storytelling; and others.

At the end of their studies, students will produce a research-based Master’s thesis, which may focus on designing and testing a digital game or gamified tool; using game-based approaches in educational and work settings; and other relevant topics.