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Computing: Games Development
MSc, Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
Key features
- Specially developed for graduates of games-related degrees such as Computer Games Design or Games Production, who are aiming for a career as a Games Programmer
- Builds on your existing knowledge of the games industry, covering the core computing skills you need for a technical game development role
- Learn several programming languages with an emphasis on C++, the games industry standard
- Gain industrial experience in an optional 6-12 month paid placement
- Dedicated games programming labs with facilities for PC, console and handheld game development
What you do
You will learn the fundamentals of programming in an intensive 3-week preliminary study period. You will then study modules in object-oriented programming in C++, programming techniques for game development, the structure of computer systems, game artificial intelligence, and game industry software development practice. In each semester you will chose an option which may be a further introductory computing module, or an advanced general computing or games programming module.
Throughout your course you will create games for a variety of computer and console platforms, mobile devices, and networked systems, both individually and in teams, building up a portfolio of work to show to potential employers.
You will learn research methods and write a research proposal, and will then undertake a dissertation in an area of game programming which interests you.
Core modules
- CE00225-7 Computing Skills
- CE00542-7 Personal Development and Research Methods
- CE01044-7 Game Programming Concepts
- CE01043-7 Object-Oriented Game Programming
- CE00215-7 Computer Systems Architecture
- CE01047-7 Game Industry Software Development Practice
- CE00211-7 Game Artificial Intelligence
CE01066-M Dissertation (60 credits)
Options - note we cannot guarantee that all option modules will run
- CE00730-7 Principles of Software Engineering
- CE00218-7 Systems Analysis and Design
- CE00204-7 Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
- CE00728-7 Internet Applications
- CE00208-7 Computer Graphics
- CE00213-7 Mobile Applications and Systems
- CE00535-7 Mobile Web and Multimedia
- CE00214-7 Mobile Computer Communications Systems
- CE00465-7 Enterprise Applications
- CE01076-7
- CE00731-7 Network Systems and Technologies
- CE00754-7 Interaction Design
- CE01045-7 Game Engine Programming
- CE01046-7 Low-Level Game Programming
- CE01048-7 Advanced Game Programming Concepts
An optional 6-12 month placement may be undertaken after passing study period 1 or 2. Note you cannot start a placement after the dissertation.
Where next
On completion you could find yourself in a large games company fulfilling a role such as Games Programmer or Middleware Developer, or using your broad games development knowledge in a smaller studio or as an independent game developer. High achieving students may also pursue specialist topics in game development at the PhD level.
Have you also considered?
Fact File
| Qualification: | MSc, Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) |
| Faculty/School: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology |
| Location: | Stafford Campus |
| Course Start: | September 2012 |
| Course Length: | Minimum 12 - 18 months full time or 24 - 32 with an industrial placement. |
| Attendance: | Full time |
| Entry Requirements: | Normal requirements are at least a UK second class honours degree or equivalent in any discipline related to the design or development of computer games. 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 Computing: Games Development 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
