PhD in
PhD in Digital Games Development IADE
Introduction
Nowadays, Digital Games have roles that transcend ludic and entertainment aspects and have been gaining increasing relevance in society. Solutions based on digital games are now fundamental tools in simulation and training and are used in diversified areas, such as economics, environmental protection, and health.
The evolution in the use of Artificial Intelligence in digital games has transformed them into complex simulation systems, ideal for strategic analysis at the level of environmental, financial, and even political ecosystems. At the same time, the constant search for ultra-realistic graphics has been increasingly expanding the boundaries of Computer Graphics.
For example, in health and particularly in mental health, new clinical approaches take advantage of this type of platform to stimulate patients with memory and attention disorders, to combat depression, to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, and in the treatment of phobias.
Ideal Students
- Professionals and students who want to explore new technologies in computer science, namely in the areas of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality, and digital games.
- Professionals and students who wish to expand their areas of knowledge, investigating technologically based scientific solutions.
- Holders of a master's degree or legal equivalent, wish to progress in their professional careers.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Bolsas internas
Bolsa IADE
Os novos estudantes que oficializem, pela 1ª vez, a sua pré-matrícula ou inscrição até às datas estabelecidas previamente para cada tipo de programa, podem beneficiar automaticamente da Bolsa IADE que será aplicada à propina anual.
Merit Students Program
Os novos estudantes que ingressem via regime normal de acesso com média igual ou superior a 16 valores beneficiam de uma redução até 50% do valor da propina base da Licenciatura de interesse.
Bolsa Alumni
Os antigos estudantes da Universidade Europeia / IADE / IPAM, que tenham concluído um ciclo de estudos completo na instituição, podem beneficiar automaticamente da Bolsa Alumni que será aplicada à propina anual durante, pelo menos, o seu 1º ano.
Bolsas externas
Bolsas Sociais de Estudo
Em cooperação com a DGES – Direcção Geral do Ensino Superior, o IADE contribui para a eficácia das candidaturas dos seus estudantes que procuram o apoio das Bolsas Sociais de Estudo, através de um acompanhamento próximo e de uma análise eficiente das circunstâncias individuais de cada um.
A Bolsa de Estudo da DGES – Direcção Geral do Ensino Superior – consiste num apoio económico do Estado para que os estudantes consigam suportar os encargos inerentes à frequência da Universidade.
Curriculum
1st Year
1st Semester
- Games and Interactive Media Development
- Digital Games and Society
- Research Project Immersion I
- Research and Data Analysis
- Optional 1
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Games and Interactive Applications
- Computer Graphics for Creative Applications
2nd Semester
- Research Methodologies
- Emergent Technologies for Games and Interactive Media
- Research Project Immersion II
- Optional 2
- Machine Learning for Digital Games and Interactive Environments
- VR, AR, and Mixed Reality for Creative Applications
- Optional 3
- Sound Design for Games
- Interaction Design in Creative Applications
Note: Optional Course Units will be selected by the Coordination.
2nd Year
3rd Semester
- Thesis Project
4th Semester
- Thesis Project
3rd Year
5th Semester
- Thesis Project
6th Semester
- Thesis Project
Research Group
The Ph.D. in Digital Games Development, offered by IADE - Faculty of Design, Technologies, and Communication of Universidade Europeia in association with IPCA - Polytechnic Institute of Cávado e Ave, is an innovative project, a pioneer in Portugal, which brings together two institutions with a strong tradition in game development and in the areas of innovation, technology, and creativity.
The students of this Ph.D., which is unique in Portugal, integrate an immersive research environment, through their association with the research centers of these two institutions: UNIDCOM/IADE and 2Ai/IPCA.
The program promotes applied scientific research through the use of games as a tool to address real-world problems, through design innovation, or through the development of new technologies and processes for the creative industry.