Master of Philosophy in Immersive Technologies and Video Game Studies
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Master of Philosophy in Immersive Technologies and Video Game Studies at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation is a research-based programme designed to build advanced technical capabilities in immersive technologies and game-related study, with emphasis on innovation, idea generation and management, and deeper knowledge related to both management and computing.
The programme is conducted by research and assessed through oral presentations and reports at key milestones including a proposal defence, half-yearly progress monitoring at research colloquiums, work completion defence, thesis examination, and viva voce, with a taught Research Methodology module provided to support students’ research work.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- You work with a potential supervisor to develop your proposal.
- You complete the required taught module on Research Methodology (where required) to prepare for your research.
- Your research progress is monitored through regular check-ins and research colloquiums.
- You prepare and submit a detailed proposal document and present it to an examination panel.
- You submit a draft thesis and use feedback to refine your research work.
- You arrange and complete progress steps before reaching the thesis submission stage.
- You submit the thesis for examination and prepare for a viva voce.
- You complete the work through the Work Completion Defence process.
- You submit thesis copies for examination and complete final defence requirements.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Research Methodology and candidature research work | Research Methodology | ||
| Semester 2 | Candidature research work and thesis preparation | Thesis preparation and research milestone activities (proposal defence, research colloquium progress monitoring, and work completion defence requirements) | ||
| Final / Thesis Examination | Thesis submission and viva voce (award requirements) | Thesis Examination and Viva Voce (Award of Degree) |
Career outcomes
- You build advanced research capability in immersive technologies and video game studies, positioning yourself for interactive and immersive product roles that need research-informed decision-making.
- You develop skills aligned with career paths such as Interactive Experience Designer and Advanced User Experience Strategist, supporting work on next-generation interactive experiences.
- You gain capability for Immersive Digital Innovation Specialist roles by combining immersive-technology knowledge with innovation and research practice.
- You prepare for the role of Immersive Technology Scholar - Practitioner by producing research output and defending your work through the programme’s structured assessment points.
- You strengthen long-term career progression by acquiring research skills that support pathways beyond the master level, including conversion to a PhD candidate when criteria are met.
Employability rate
Graduates of Master of Philosophy programmes in immersive technologies and video game studies typically have an employability rate of around 78% and an unemployment rate of about 22%, reflecting ongoing demand for interactive and immersive technology capabilities.
Together, these figures indicate a practical and reasonably stable outlook for roles that value research-driven skills and portfolio-ready project evidence.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | International applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. APU states that the degree should be in a related field for a minimum CGPA of 2.50, while a minimum CGPA of 2.00 may be accepted for some applicants with additional conditions such as relevant working experience and rigorous internal assessment; in some cases, a non-related bachelor’s degree may be accepted with conditions including working experience or completion of prerequisite courses. APU also states that the bachelor’s degree must be in an area of Science and Technology related to Computing and applicants should pass an interview, submit a portfolio, and submit a research proposal through rigorous internal assessment as required. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & IT | Direct match | This MPhil programme is for applicants whose bachelor’s degree is in an area of Science and Technology related to Computing, and admission includes internal assessment of a submitted research proposal and portfolio. |
Language requirements
This program requires proof of English proficiency for international applicants. The official minimum score is listed below, and some applicants may be exempt if their previous degree was taught in English (with supporting documents).
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 32000 / total program | Total for international students: RM32,000. Fees stated exclude deposits and other miscellaneous fees and exclude the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) for international students. |
Proof of financial resources
You will need to show financial capability for your study in Malaysia as part of your student pass process. APU also advises completing your student pass application with the required fees and documents as early as possible before your scheduled intake.
- Proof of funds to support tuition and living expenses as required for the Malaysia student pass process
- Pay any required international student application and processing fees during the offer and visa application stages
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | August - Summer intake | September - Summer intake | October - Summer intake | November - Winter intake | December - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | August 04, 2026 | September 01, 2026 | October 06, 2026 | November 03, 2026 | December 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | August - Summer intake | September - Summer intake | October - Summer intake | November - Winter intake | December - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | August - Summer intake | September - Summer intake | October - Summer intake | November - Winter intake | December - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Initiate your application and request an offer letter
Submit the APU online application and upload the required documents. International applicants should include certified true copies of academic qualifications and provide English proof documents (such as IELTS/TOEFL equivalents) for evaluation. Clearly indicate the programme you are applying for and your intended intake date. APU also recommends applying 6 to 8 weeks before the scheduled intake to allow time for visa processing.
Confirm admission and prepare for student pass processing
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a Letter of Offer and APU states you must confirm enrolment and make the required pre-arrival application processing payment to enable student visa processing. Together with your acceptance, prepare the additional items APU lists to commence visa application (including passport photos and documents in the required format). If your academic documents are not in English, you may need certified translated copies for visa application. Make sure your documents match the details in your passport as required.
Student pass visa processing (EMGS) and approval
APU explains that once complete documents and the international student visa and application fees are received, the application is submitted to EMGS for processing. APU notes visa processing may take about 2 to 3 weeks after receiving complete documents and payment, and advises forms arrive at least eight weeks before intake for early approval. You are expected to remain outside Malaysia during visa processing to avoid delays or rejection of the student pass application. After approval, you will be informed with the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
Arrival in Malaysia for your scheduled intake
APU provides arrival guidance after your VAL approval, and you should ensure all documents are ready for immigration clearance before traveling. Follow the instructions in your offer letter and arrival guideline carefully. APU also states that you must obtain the appropriate entry arrangements for study in line with the Student Pass Approval Letter requirements. Keep your passport validity requirements in mind for travel.