MSc Computer Game Development

What you will study

The programme has a strong technical focus with emphasis on professional quality throughout.

Areas covered include professional 3D modelling & sculpting skills, with respect to 3D topology and optimisation of assets to ensure fitness for purpose. Other topics of focus will include the design and development of game applications, along with an understanding of modern publication and distribution processes.

Students will learn to analyse and optimise game applications with respect to technical performance and user experience. In addition, modern development and problem solving strategies for artificial intelligence within games will play an important role.

The Games Business & Enterprise module will develop business planning, leadership and strategic skills whilst encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial activity.

Through our Business Accelerator Programme, students will have the opportunity to work closely with Business postgraduate students and access our Business Incubation Centre, with a view to starting and managing a game development studio.

Finally, the 60 credit dissertation will provide students with the platform to engage and explore a specialist area within the games and creative field, whilst being supported by enthusiastic and experienced staff.

MODULES

• Media Development & Distribution
• Game Analysis & Player Interaction
• Games Enterprise & Management
• 3D Design & Optimisation
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence
• Post Graduate Study & Research Methods
• Dissertation
• Mentoring in Technology (Optional)

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The standard entry requirement for this programme is an honours degree of at least 2:2 classification in a Computer Science related subject area, or equivalent in any science-based degree with a strong computing element.

Applicants with substantial commercial or industrial experience, or graduates coming from non-computing backgrounds may be accepted, subject to interview and references.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is portfolio focused and as such, there are no formal exams. Instead, students will focus on developing technical and theoretical skills via practical assignments and research & development activities.

Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, writing technical and academic papers, compiling and analysing data, giving presentations, writing strategic business plans, producing 3D professionally optimised 3D models and game assets.

Postgraduate games students are required to demonstrate advanced critical analysis and development skills as part of key assessment outcomes.

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping you deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through the use of digital management tools such as Jira, and through feedback given to students, which takes several forms such as one-to-one discussions and interviews.

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Once you successfully complete the MSc programme, your higher level skills in 3D modelling & sculpting, systems analysis, programming and application design will qualify you to work in a variety of higher level roles within this industry.

Given the business and entrepreneurship skills acquired on the course, some postgraduates opt to start their own game studios with the support of our Business Incubation Centre, as part the Business Accelerator Programme.

Our graduates are employed by some of the worlds most recognisable brands such as Ubisoft, Sony, Nintendo, Rockstar and Travellers Tales. We also work hard to support graduates who choose to set up their own games studios based within our innovative business incubation centre.

In addition, the technical skills acquired on the course allow graduates to pursue careers at higher level positions in many mainstream computing areas such as IT support, consultancy and internet and e-commerce applications development.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.