(Please help spread the word) Open until 13th January 2017: http://www.uta.fi/admissions/mdp-internet-and-game-studies: University of Tampere MDP in Internet and Game Studies This master programme provides an in-depth view to the fundamental character and development of games and Internet. Games have grown into an important form of culture and human interaction, expanding from entertainment to other areas of life. Internet and social media form an increasingly vital part of communication, social life and distribution of media and services. The programme is particularly targeted at the questions of analysis, design and application of online services and digital games from user- and culturally focused perspectives. The programme directs you to develop academic skills like critical thinking, scientific writing and carrying out research projects while encouraging active and comprehensive involvement with the practical processes and phenomena related to games and Internet. UTA has high profile research groups that are focused on Internet and game studies. There has also been a long history of education in hypermedia and in Information Studies and Interactive Media that forms the basis of this programme. This programme approaches the wide range of its subject matter from the interconnected perspectives of games, game players, game developers and game cultures. It will give you the academic skills needed to analyze, observe and understand the developments in this field of study while also encouraging a more pragmatic involvement and hands-on attitude with games and playful design. After completing the Master’s Degree Programme in Internet and Game Studies you will: • be able to identify, define and analyse interactive media in its different forms • understand and be capable of critically using the concepts and theories that relate to the fundamental character of games and internet • have in-depth understanding about the forms, contents, practices in games and internet as cultural, social, technical and commercial phenomena • be able to independently acquire scientific knowledge • be able to communicate the results from research, work in interdisciplinary teams and act as an expert in the field of interactive media. Graduates typically combine the skills and knowledge derived from this programme with previous studies and proficiencies that enable them to work as experts of games and Internet in various professional roles, in research, public sector as well as in industry. The need for knowledgeable workforce is growing in the fields related to games and interactive media, but the students should adopt an active attitude in fashioning their own specific area of expertise and professional profile. As a graduate you can take up multiple work roles that relate to the research and development of games as well as to the application of game play and game design for various purposes. Working as a university educated expert in this rapidly developing field of interactive media requires solid research and communication skills combined with an active and independent mindset, and willingness to explore and innovate new approaches to understanding and applying interactive media into practice. The possible jobs of graduates include researchers, developers, critics and specialists working with the interpretation, evaluation or implementation of games and social media. This master's degree provides the required background if you wish to pursue doctoral studies in interactive media, internet research or in game studies, for example in UTA’s Doctoral programme in Information Studies and Interactive Media. More information about eligibility criteria, and links to admission forms and procedures at: http://www.uta.fi/admissions/mdp-internet-and-game-studies Best regards, — Frans Frans Mäyrä, Professor, Information Studies and Interactive Media ** INFIM/TRIM/Game Research Lab, http://gamelab.uta.fi ** Faculty of Communication Sciences, COMS, www.uta.fi/coms/ ** ** 33014 University of Tampere, Finland ** frans.mayra@uta.fi / gms 050 3367650 ** www.uta.fi/~frans.mayra www.fransmayra.fi www.unet.fi