• Graduation

    Certificate

  • ECTS-Points

    24

  • Learning format

    Blended Learning

  • Duration

    2 semesters, part time

  • Start

    Summer semester 2025

  • Costs

    EUR 3.500,--

  • Admission requirements

    According to curriculum

  • Language

    German

  • Study location

    Krems (AT)

  • Curriculum

    Curriculum (PDF | 322 KB)

  • Stackable Program

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The Certificate Program addresses the pedagogical dimension of games and play, from strategies of game-based learning to the promotion of "gaming literacy" and the pedagogical examination of social mechanisms and interactions in gaming communities.

The Certificate Program can also be credited as a specialization within the Master's degree program "Game Studies MA (CE)".
Quotation Marks

"The power of video games, for good or ill, resides in the ways in which they meld learning and identity..."

James Paul Gee: What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy (2004), p. 199

Next Info-Session

Please note that the information event is currently only being held in German.

Appointments

09.01.2025, 17:00 - 18:00,

online via Zoom

further information

Any questions?

We are here to help.

Karin Kirchmayer

Karin Kirchmayer

Administrative assistant

To contact form

Gaming in education - education in gaming

New cultural forms and practices have emerged from the fascination for digital games: Gamers create Let's Play videos and other game-based content, including modifications and stand-alone games, and they discuss their gaming experiences and trends online and offline; gaming communities are increasingly networked and can exert a growing influence on the games industry; but gaming culture is also beginning to shape future job profiles, ranging from streamer to e-sports athlete to gaming event manager.

All this is an expression of an increasingly active participation in a media landscape dominated by digital gaming. The pedagocical dimension of these developments (which is not limited to the use of games for learning purposes) can be described in the broadest sense as "game-based education".

In dealing with these topics, the main focus will be on the following perspectives:

  • Games and game culture in the context of education and society: Students explore core aspects of game-based education and learn to characterize and critically reflect on the socio-cultural dimensions of this diverse and comprehensive thematic field.
  • Applications of Game-based Learning: Students acquire the necessary competencies to analyze game media in terms of their pedagogical potential, to participate in game design processes from a pedagogical standpoint and to independently develop game-based learning methods.
  • Individual perspectives: Students carry out an independent project in the field of "Game-based Education", related to their own current or aspired professional practice.

  • for working professionals

  • practice-oriented

  • future-oriented

"Game-based Education" is of interest to anyone who seeks to develop a thorough understanding of the relevance of games and game culture in educational contexts.

ECTS
Game-based Education

  • Contents

    The module outlines the research area "Game-based Education" based on the following themes:

    • Games/play and associated practices in an educational context
    • Basic aspects of game-based learning, including:
    • Raising awareness of play as a cultural factor and its various societal impacts, specifically on pupils/children/youth.

  • Contents

    The module focuses on the socio-cultural dimensions of game-based education. This includes, firstly, the question of how the phenomena of a "gaming culture" and their identity-forming aspects can be addressed pedagogically.

    Secondly, strategies are examined that can support pupils and other target groups in developing a self-determined attitude towards games and game-related practices (keyword: game/gaming literacy).

  • Contents

    The module provides an advanced understanding of the various aspects of game-based learning. This includes (1) pedagogically oriented game analysis as a means of identifying the pedagogical potential of individual games, game-related practices or game-based phenomena, (2) game-based learning methods for the integration of games or game-based principles in pedagogical practice and (3) an examination of the principles and practices of pedagogically oriented game design.

  • Contents

    The module consists of carrying out a research or practice project in the field of “Game-based Education”.

Distance learning formats for all our study programs (in English) are currently in preparation. The first distance learning programs are scheduled to start in fall 2025. Check back here if you are interested, or fill out our enquiry form (see below) so we can keep you up to date. In the meantime, you may want to explore our study program in German.

Please use our enquiry form to contact us, order information material or register for the mailing list with news from the Center for Applied Games Studies.

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Nikolaus Koenig

Dr.
Nikolaus Koenig

Head - Center for Applied Game Studies

Natalie Denk

Mag.
Natalie Denk, MA

Head of Center (currently on maternity leave) - Center for Applied Game Studies

The Certificate Program "Game-based Education" can also be credited as a specialization within the Master's degree program "Game Studies MA (CE)".

Game Studies, MA (CE)

Sujet Game Studies

The master's degree program combines various academic perspectives on the broad thematic field of games & play and prepares students to work independently in game-related contexts. Elective specializations in the areas of education, technology, design, or culture & society enable students to shape their studies to suit their individual and/or professional interests and requirements and to develop their own practice-oriented and academically sound approaches.

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