Overview

The Games for Learning M.Sc. at New York University provides a comprehensive foundation in the design, development, and research of educational digital media. This programme enables students to examine how social, cultural, and cognitive factors influence the effectiveness of serious games across diverse learner groups. By combining theoretical study with hands-on production, the curriculum ensures graduates can lead innovation in the evolving field of educational technology.

Why Games for Learning at New York University?

Students benefit from a unique interdisciplinary environment that bridges the gap between the learning sciences and digital game design. A significant advantage of the programme is its connection to the Games for Learning Institute (G4LI), a research collective involving multiple universities dedicated to studying effective game patterns. This partnership provides students with exposure to emerging research and evidence-based design practices. Additionally, the school offers flexible specialisation tracks in areas such as game development and user research, allowing for a tailored academic experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 55254 per year
National fee: USD 55254 per year
Local fee: USD 55254 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core foundations in learning and design, supported by elective choices and a final capstone project. Modules may include:

Cognitive Sciences
Learning Sciences
Games and Play in Education
Designing Simulations/Games for Learning
Narrative, Digital Media, and Learning
User Research Methods
Media Practicum
Capstone Thesis

Careers with Games for Learning

Graduates are prepared for professional roles that require a deep understanding of how play facilitates knowledge acquisition and skill building. The programme equips students for careers as learning game designers, project directors, and educational researchers. Many alumni find success in diverse environments, including game design studios, university-based research centres, and non-profit organisations. The skills gained in usability testing and design-based research are highly valued by educational design firms and school systems looking to integrate digital innovation into their curricula.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Cognitive Science

Learning Sciences

Video Games and Play in Education

Designing Simulations and Games for Learning

Narrative, Digital Media and Learning

Research on Simulations and Games for Learning

Electives for your Area of Study, by Advisement

Research in Educational Communications and Technology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Cognitive Science View 75 other Masters in Cognitive Science in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Standardized Test Information – GMAT or GRE (and TOEFL if required);

Transcripts & Degrees;

Professional Information;

Essays;

EQ endorsements must be submitted online;

International Student Supplement.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Out-of-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Games for Learning.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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