University of Applied Arts Vienna·Game Studies
Master of Arts (MA)
The Master's program in Experimental Game Cultures aims to critically reflect on the societal impacts of games while innovating game concepts beyond commercial industries. Students engage in interdisciplinary research addressing social dynamics and the potential of games to influence public understanding of complex issues. The program emphasizes the development of concepts that meld theory and practice within a collaborative educational framework.
Students focus on game culture from social, historical, and artistic perspectives, engaging deeply with both theory and practice. Topics include serious games, critical games, and educational design, emphasizing the interdisciplinary application of gaming in various contexts.
The program is organized into four semesters, combining core subjects with project-based learning. Students will work on individual projects leading to a Master's thesis culminating in the fourth semester.
Graduates are equipped with a deep understanding of social sciences, game design, and collaborative skills necessary for innovating games that resonate with contemporary societal challenges. They can analyze and reflect upon the multifaceted roles of games within culture.
Periods can differ for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants. Always confirm on the official site before applying.
Winter 2021/22
No tuition
EU/EEA students, within the standard study period (plus the ~€25 ÖH student union fee per semester).
€727 / semester
Non-EU / third-country rate. Always confirm on the official site.
€ 25,20 ÖH-Beitrag plus gegebenenfalls anfallende Studiengebühren im Umfang von € 363,36 bzw. € 726,72
Third-country (non-EU/EEA) applicants generally need to have their prior qualifications legalised and translated for the admission application. Exact rules depend on the country that issued each document — always confirm with the university's admissions office.
Program-specific items — a CV, letter of motivation, an entrance exam (e.g. GMAT, GRE, SAT) or a portfolio — vary by degree. Check this program's requirements above and its official page.
The level of legalisation your certificates need depends on your country of origin:
Apostille
If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille from the competent authority of the issuing country is sufficient.
No legalisation
A small number of countries have a bilateral agreement with Austria and need no further legalisation.
Full diplomatic legalisation
For all other countries: the full chain — pre-certification by the issuing country's authorities (e.g. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), then legalisation by the competent Austrian representation (embassy/consulate).
Translations are usually done after legalisation. Check the required order with the issuing authorities and the Austrian representation.
After admission: proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and the student residence permit are part of the visa process — not university admission. We cover those in the guides.
'Die Angewandte' is Vienna's university for art, design, and architecture, known for small studio-based classes and an entrance-portfolio admission model.
Visit university site€350–€650 / month (dorm room)
1040 WienSingle rooms, double roomsAkademikerhilfe
Mayerhofgasse 3, 1040 WienSingle & shared roomsAkademikerhilfe
1080 WienSingle rooms, double roomsHome4students