Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch

About this degree

Rapid advancements in digital technologies have brought the previously discrete fields of architecture, film and videogames closer than ever before. By employing innovative architectural design methods, students on the first programme of this kind in the UK will critically situate their work in relation to new developments in time-based digital technologies and the way these are shaping our culture, identity and politics.

Architecture has a long history of acting as an underlying structuring device for both film and videogames. From the construction of film sets to developments in film compositing techniques and innovations in computer graphics, the depiction of space has been a key challenge in arriving at our contemporary media landscape of film and videogames. In turn, the narrative and storytelling power of time-based and interactive media are reshaping not only how architecture is constructed and represented, but also how it is conceived and experienced.

The programme prepares students for the emerging futures of architectural design, developing skills also applicable to the film and game industries, and VR/AR environments.

Supported by a world-leading team of tutors and visiting industry figures, students will learn innovative design techniques using film, animation and game engine software, becoming architectural storytellers and worldbuilders who engage with the key issues facing our world. Students will develop their own creative practice through design projects and theoretical writing, culminating in the production of a final project that demonstrates their unique research methods through a film, game or interactive environment.

Hosted by the Bartlett School of Architecture the programme will draw upon the school’s established and internationally recognised expertise in teaching and its unique pedagogic and design research methods.

The programme is located at UCL East, UCL’s new campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London, the biggest expansion in the university’s history creating a new hub for teaching, learning and research to help find solutions to the biggest challenges facing people and the planet.

Along with the BBC, Sadler's Wells, the V&A and UAL: London College of Fashion, UCL East is a founding partner of East Bank, a brand-new destination for London with world-class culture and education at its heart.

This programme offers students a unique opportunity to design innovative projects at the convergence of architecture, film and videogames.

Typically a minimum of a second-class UK degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard or significant relevant industry experience (7+ years of employment). Applicants will be asked to provide a link to a portfolio of their design work once their completed application has been received, and should not send or upload work until it has been requested. Offers will be subject to an interview.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Students will gain technical skills and develop research agendas for careers primarily in architecture, but also applicable in the film industry, videogame design, the design of VR/AR environments and Metaverse technologies.