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Computer Games Design
MSc, Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
Key features
- There is a lot of competition for jobs in the Games Industry. Stand out from the crowd with an MSc
What it's about
MSc in Computer Games Design aims to provide students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and learn state of the art techniques within the context of the computer games industry and to develop research perspectives relevant to computer games design and development. The games industry itself prefers to take people from a range of backgrounds in order to maintain its vibrancy. This award has been designed to be flexible and can be tailored to students’ research aspirations and allows graduates from many different backgrounds to benefit from this MSc and ultimately benefit the games industry.
What you do
The MSc is basically split down into three areas of study, Ludology, Interface and Platform Development and Games Creation.
Ludology is the study of game play. To start of with you will look into the current research and thinking in areas, which includes study of games, the systematic approach to games analysis and forecasting the future of gaming. It is then taken one step further by applying the ludology methodologies to multiplayer, serious games and developing new approaches to such issues as handicapping, games as art and semiotics of narratology
Interface and Platform Development looks at the cutting edge developments of the link between the Game Play and hardware interfacing with regards to Platform Comparisons, Multiplatform Gaming, Player Profiling and Games Engines Research
Games Creation looks at the process of making a simple game. Games mechanics are looked at in terms of 'Three Hooks' and reward mechanisms. When these are analysed you will then create your own game in small groups using the ‘scrum’ method of project management and completed with a set of full games design documentation.
You will also be able to take a variety of options from 3D Modelling in Maya to Games AI, from Motion Capture Data handling to Audio for Games to satisfy your particular interest in a variety of aspects of Computer Games Design. Once these taught modules have been completed you will then embark on an MSc Thesis, which will be done in conjunction with a supervisor who specialises in the subject area you have chosen.
Where next
With the understanding of gameplay analysis and games mechanics from this award coupled with your undergraduate skills we would expect you to enter the games industry in role such as Assistant Producer or Junior Level Designer.
Handbook
- MSc Games Design Award Handbook (PDF, file size: 66.49KB)
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Fact File
| Qualification: | MSc, Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) |
| Faculty/School: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology |
| Location: | Stafford Campus |
| Course Start: | September to coincide with undergraduate enrolment. |
| Course Length: | Minimum 12 months |
| Entry Requirements: | Normal requirements are at least a UK second class honours degree or equivalent in a related computing discipline If you do not meet the above but have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is normally required. |
| Application: | You can get guidance on the application process. |
| Fees and Bursaries: | Please see fees and funding |
Contact
For more information about Computer Games Design please contact:
The Recruitment CentreFaculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology
Staffordshire University
Beaconside
Stafford
Staffordshire
ST18 0AD
t: +44 (0)1782 294400
e: enquiries@staffs.ac.uk
