This MSc provides a broad education in computer game design, development and technology, with an emphasis on programming.
It develops the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in industries specialising in the creation and distribution of leisure and entertainment computing technologies, using computer games developmentmethods and techniques as a vehicle for introducing the theoretical, intellectual, creative and dynamic aspects of computing.
The programme consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by an individual project/ dissertation. It starts in September each year.
Careers
We place a high priority on the employability of our graduates and so we work closely with leading companies to ensure that our courses remain up to date and relevant to industry and commerce.
We have strong partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, Sony and Electronic Arts. Our commercial software development unit, SEED Software, provides the opportunity for guaranteed industry experience as part of our degrees, as well as a commercial context for many projects.
With teaching rated in the countrys top 10 by the 2011 National Student Survey, our Department of Computer Science has an excellent reputation for graduate employability. In fact, 95% of our students are in graduate-level jobs within six months of graduating many snapped up by industry giants such as Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Rockstar Games, Dell, the BBC, and Fujitsu.
Research areas
Research within the department is organised into three research groups: - Simulation and Visualization (SimVis); Dependable Systems (DS), and Intelligent Systems (IS).
Little more than two decades ago, electronic games were a curiosity; now they are one of the most popular forms of entertainment. For a number of years the computer games industry has made more money than the film industry and, as games become more commonplace, there is a growing demand for people with the knowledge and skills to design and produce them.
This MSc combines a broad introduction to game development with an in-depth study of the technical aspects of game programming and production. You study advanced programming methods and apply them to computer game problems. These include real-time graphics, artificial intelligence and the use of applied physics. In addition, you gain an understanding of, and the ability to implement, fundamental algorithms relating to 3D graphics (including ray tracing, radiosity, lighting, shadows, reflections, transparency, and texture mapping and rendering) and specific programming methods for different gaming platforms.
The personal computer or games console is generally the most advanced item of technology in the family home, and games software uses this advanced hardware to its maximum capabilities. Computer games programming experts are therefore highly regarded in software engineering. Graduates from this MSc have a skillset that is in demand across the software development industry and the technology sector.
Core modules
The department has a long-held interest in computer games and the technologies used to create them, and this has allowed us to build up a range of experience and contacts in the games industry. This has also enabled us to become accredited by Skillset, the industrial body for the creative industries in the UK.
We believe strong links with industry are vital in ensuring the best possible education for our students. We engage with a range of employers to ensure that our degrees are world leading and relevant. Employers regularly visit the Department to provide guest seminars/workshops, meet with students and provide feedback on our syllabus. Past visits have included Microsoft, Sony, Codemasters, Electronic Arts, and Content Master.
Our excellent relationship with industry also enables us to secure and deploy the latest technology to our teaching and research labs. We were the first UK university to adopt Microsoft Xbox 360 development kits and the first university in the UK to deploy Sony PSP development kits in teaching. As members of the Microsoft Academic Alliance, our students gain access (for no cost) to virtually the entire range of Microsoft software, including their operating systems and Visual Studio.
C++ 11, DX11, HLSL and multi-core programming provides an ideal foundation for next-gen PS4 and Xbox One games development.
Finally, our courses are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), meeting the educational requirements for CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and also contributing to Chartered Engineer status.
