Dr Andra Ivanescu
Senior Lecturer in Games Studies

Summary

I am a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for the Games Design BA at Brunel University London, where lead modules across our undergraduate programme and contribute significantly to curriculum development. My teaching focuses on equipping students with the critical and practical skills needed to analyze and create within the dynamic field of video games. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment that encourages students to engage deeply with the cultural and societal dimensions of games.

My research complements my teaching, focusing on issues of representation, censorship, nostalgia, and genre in games, as well as the role of music and sound in shaping player experiences. This interdisciplinary approach enables me to bring fresh insights into the classroom, connecting academic theory with real-world applications in game design and analysis.

In addition to my academic responsibilities, I contribute to the wider research community as a board member for organizations such as British DiGRA and the Ludomusicology Research Group, reflecting my dedication to advancing the study of games both within and beyond the university setting.

Qualifications

PhD, Anglia Ruskin University, 2017

MA, University of Salford, 2012

BA, National University of Music, Bucharest, 2010

Responsibility

• Serve as Programme Lead for the Games Design BA, overseeing curriculum development, pathway redesigns, and module implementation.
• Lead initiatives such as the Sound and Music Pathway, uniquely focused on audio design and composition for games.
• Lead modules across our undergraduate provision, including Introduction to Game Studies, Game Genres, Ludomusicology, and Socio-Cultural Studies. 
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, with a focus on empowering students through personalized feedback and innovative assessment techniques.