Interactive Storytelling

The master’s curriculum in Interactive Storytelling is centred on stories and the process of creating them. The curriculum combines literary and cultural studies, narrative theory, creative writing, and game studies to understand and experiment with the possibilities of modern storytelling. During the studies, you will explore interactive literature, narrative-driven video games, transmedia storytelling, and other participatory narrative formats. In addition, you can learn to analyse narrative structures, develop characters and fictional worlds, create branching narratives and dialogues, and use digital tools for interactive storytelling.

Theory and practical creative work complement one another throughout the academic year. Knowledge gained at lectures and seminars can be applied in creative processes and workshops, where you can develop your ideas, try out different solutions, and get feedback from experts. The studies culminate in a master’s project that combines creative work with academic analysis.

Your lecturers will include researchers in literary, cultural, and narrative studies, as well as game writers and narrative designers. Guest lectures and practical workshops will help you gain insight into the working practices and the latest developments in the creative industries.

The curriculum is suitable for creative professionals as well as those interested in academic research on interactive narratives. The programme welcomes writers, editors, dramaturges, screenwriters, game developers, designers, and professionals in the cultural and media sectors who wish to develop their skills further or expand their storytelling possibilities.

The one-year, 60 ECTS curriculum guides you from the theoretical study of narrative to creating an independent creative project. The studies begin with analysing stories and progress to creating characters, fictional worlds and interactive narratives using digital tools for creative practice. The curriculum comprises four interconnected modules and offers a range of elective courses that allow you to tailor your studies to your interests.

Institute of Cultural Research

The studies in Interactive Storytelling take place in the centre of Tartu, at the University of Tartu Institute of Cultural Research. The teaching combines lectures, seminars, creative workshops and independent work. The programme takes a discussion-based, practical approach, allowing you to test your ideas, collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, and receive feedback from teaching staff and experts in the field. International guest lecturers and creative professionals contribute to the programme through their expertise and practical experiences.

Throughout your studies, you will have access to the University of Tartu libraries and specialised literature. The Institute of Cultural Research provides dedicated computers and an enhanced collection of specialist literature to support the programme. You will be assigned a supervisor who will support you in planning and carrying out your master’s project.

Student life

Estonia’s leading university city, Tartu, is an ideal environment for those interested in storytelling, culture, and creative experimentation. As a UNESCO City of Literature, Tartu offers a lively cultural scene that brings together literature, theatre, film, contemporary art and digital forms of creative expression.

Events such as the international literary festival Prima Vista, the Draama theatre festival and the Tartuff film festival offer opportunities to discover storytelling in different forms, and meet authors, directors, artists and other creative professionals. Tartu’s theatres, art galleries, cultural centres, performing arts projects and experimental events provide inspiration throughout the year.

Tartu is also home to an active game development community. During the year, game jams, meetups and other creative events are held regularly, bringing together writers, artists, designers and programmers to experiment with new ideas and create games and interactive experiences. Also, the University of Tartu organises game jams every year.

Tartu’s compact urban environment, vibrant student life and diverse cultural programme make it easy to connect with people in your field. Here, you can find like-minded people, initiate collaborative projects and pursue your creative interests beyond your studies.

Interactive storytelling skills are highly valued in the games industry, digital media, and the wider cultural and creative industries. The master’s curriculum provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to analyse, create and develop interactive narrative worlds, and work on creative projects across disciplines.

After completing the curriculum, you may pursue a career as a

• narrative designer or game writer, creating stories, characters, dialogues, and narrative systems for computer games and other interactive environments;
• creative writer or interactive content creator, developing stories for digital media, audiovisual projects and other interactive formats;
• transmedia storytelling specialist, designing stories that unfold across different media and complement one another;
• creative producer or narrative consultant, helping to develop and deliver projects centred on storytelling and user experience.

You will be able to apply your skills in game studios, media and creative companies, theatres, museums, cultural institutions, and educational and heritage projects.

During your studies, you will also develop valuable transferable skills, such as creative problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, project planning and professional communication. The creative work produced as your master’s project will enhance your creative portfolio. The master’s degree provides an opportunity to continue studies at doctoral level.

Admission deadlines, admission requirements, and descriptions of the entrance examinations for the 2027 intake will be added to the website by the end of December.