Games Technologies Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The PhD in Games Technologies is a research-intensive programme that combines independent doctoral research with structured training in advanced research methods and professional development. While the core of the programme is the student’s original research project, the following components support the programme:\
\
1. Doctoral Research Project\
\
Students will undertake a substantial, original research project in a chosen area of games technologies, supervised by academic experts from the Medialab and relevant faculties.\
\
Research topics may include, but are not limited to:\
• Immersive Technologies: Development and application of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) in areas such as simulation, training, and entertainment.\
• Artificial Intelligence in Games: Machine learning for adaptive gameplay, intelligent agents, procedural content generation, and player modelling.\
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): UX/UI design, accessibility in games, and inclusive game design for diverse audiences.\
• Serious Games and Gamification: Game-based learning, health and therapeutic games, and gamification strategies for behavioural change.\
• Digital Twins and Simulation: Use of game engines and real-time rendering for urban planning, engineering simulations, and digital twin environments.\
• Virtual Production and Creative Media: Integration of game technologies in film, animation, and virtual production pipelines.\
• Ludomusicology and Game Aesthetics: Exploration of sound, music, narrative, and visual design in interactive media.\
• Socio-Cultural and Ethical Dimensions: Games and identity, representation, ethics in AI-driven games, and the politics of play.\
• Emerging Technologies: Internet of Things (IoT), haptic feedback systems, motion capture, and cloud gaming infrastructures.\
\
2. Research Training Modules\
\
All students will complete a suite of research training modules provided by the Graduate School, including:\
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods\
• Research ethics and integrity\
• Academic writing and publishing\
• Data analysis and visualisation\
• Project management and research planning\
\
3. Professional and Academic Development\
\
Students will have access to workshops and seminars on:\
• Innovation and entrepreneurship\
• Public engagement and science communication\
• Career planning for academia and industry\
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and networking\
\
4. Optional Specialist Workshops\
\
Depending on research focus, students may also participate in technical workshops on:\
• Game engine development (e.g. Unity, Unreal)\
• Virtual production pipelines\
• AI programming and simulation\
• Motion capture and 3D scanning\
• Sound design and interactive storytelling