Games Computing

MSc

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Programming is the foundation of all software-reliant sectors and plays an essential role in any major games studio. Here’s your chance to develop the technical mastery that industry needs.

Our course covers everything from advanced graphics programming to artificial intelligence. You’ll also use cutting-edge technology, such as PlayStation 5, virtual reality spaces and bespoke arcade systems.

The Masters is ideal for graduates with a background in general software engineering, games programming, games development, computer science or similar technical disciplines. Alongside these areas, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the underpinning theory and philosophies of the subject.

You will collaborate with others on multidisciplinary projects, mirroring the practices found in professional studios. We’ll also help you to develop an industry-ready portfolio through challenging practical assignments and coursework.

You will be supported through one-to-one supervision for your dissertation, where you can focus on leading edge techniques and research. There will also be opportunities to network and benefit from our wide-ranging contacts within international games studios.

You’ll be joining a multi-award-winning department – and one of the largest games programming teams in the UK. Our experts have extensive experience and their specialisms include AI, VR and graphics.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Games Computing

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Programming is the foundation of all software-reliant sectors and plays an essential role in any major games studio. Here’s your chance to develop the technical mastery that industry needs.

Our course covers everything from advanced graphics programming to artificial intelligence. You’ll also use cutting-edge technology, such as PlayStation 5, virtual reality spaces and bespoke arcade systems.

The Masters is ideal for graduates with a background in general software engineering, games programming, games development, computer science or similar technical disciplines. Alongside these areas, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the underpinning theory and philosophies of the subject.

You will collaborate with others on multidisciplinary projects, mirroring the practices found in professional studios. We’ll also help you to develop an industry-ready portfolio through challenging practical assignments and coursework.

You will be supported through one-to-one supervision for your dissertation, where you can focus on leading edge techniques and research. There will also be opportunities to network and benefit from our wide-ranging contacts within international games studios.

You’ll be joining a multi-award-winning department – and one of the largest games programming teams in the UK. Our experts have extensive experience and their specialisms include AI, VR and graphics.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Games Computing

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Course content

You’ll enhance your understanding of advanced computer science and software engineering so you are ready for the engineering challenges faced by industry. The course also covers cutting-edge science and complex problem-solving.

We will guide you through project development stages and help you to reflect, research and advance your skills in the games development pipeline. You will also apply your research to create a high-quality artefact that showcases what you have learned and aligns with current industry needs.

You’ll enhance your understanding of advanced computer science and software engineering so you are ready for the engineering challenges faced by industry. The course also covers cutting-edge science and complex problem-solving.

We will guide you through project development stages and help you to reflect, research and advance your skills in the games development pipeline. You will also apply your research to create a high-quality artefact that showcases what you have learned and aligns with current industry needs.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Prototyping 20 credits
Game Master Project 60 credits
Graphics Programming 20 credits
Project Management And Research Methods 20 credits

Entry requirements

You’ll normally need a 2:2 or above undergraduate qualification (or equivalent). Applicants should have a background in technical games programming or computer science, either from previous academic study or professional industry experience. Ideally, you will also have practical knowledge and experience with C++ or C# programming.

If you’re unsure whether your background fully meets these requirements, or if you have equivalent industry experience, please contact us we’re happy to discuss your eligibility and provide guidance.

You’ll normally need a 2:2 or above undergraduate qualification (or equivalent). Applicants should have a background in technical games programming or computer science, either from previous academic study or professional industry experience. Ideally, you will also have practical knowledge and experience with C++ or C# programming.

If you’re unsure whether your background fully meets these requirements, or if you have equivalent industry experience, please contact us we’re happy to discuss your eligibility and provide guidance.

Facilities

Games Labs

Our world-class games development studios are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software and hardware to give you a professional design and programming experience.

Watch video

Games Programming Lab

Our labs offer development facilities for multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, PS5, PS4, Evercade and mobile. All relevant software is installed on our machines, all of which have two monitors and bolsters high powered hardware.

VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab

The VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab is equipped with a number of HTC Vive Virtual Reality headsets and a dedicated development area to create, develop and test VR solutions. 

Watch video

Careers

Graduates from this course are highly sought after for their technical and programming expertise in the games industry. You will be positioned to successfully secure roles with major game development studios and innovative technology companies worldwide.

Potential career pathways could include:

  • Games Programmer
  • Technical Developer
  • Graphics Programmer
  • Game Engine Developer
  • Serious Games Developer
  • Systems Programmer
  • AI Programmer
  • Game Project Manager
  • Technical Lead

This course will also prepare you for further academic research or study at PhD level, as well as roles in teaching and academia.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Graduates from this course are highly sought after for their technical and programming expertise in the games industry. You will be positioned to successfully secure roles with major game development studios and innovative technology companies worldwide.

Potential career pathways could include:

  • Games Programmer
  • Technical Developer
  • Graphics Programmer
  • Game Engine Developer
  • Serious Games Developer
  • Systems Programmer
  • AI Programmer
  • Game Project Manager
  • Technical Lead

This course will also prepare you for further academic research or study at PhD level, as well as roles in teaching and academia.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, but we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently
  • Work on a project and portfolio

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are. We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, but we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently
  • Work on a project and portfolio

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are. We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Staff

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Dr Kieran Hicks

Course Director

Dr Kieran Hicks is a game design lecturer, they are the director of the DEMI research centre. Their research explores games from user-based and design-based lenses, using games as a tool to engage diverse groups in beneficial activity.

Kieran's profile

Craig Weightman

Senior Lecturer

Craig is a lecturer in Games Programming and has an active research interest in gamification and its uses in developing society.

Craig's profile

Dr David White

Senior Lecturer

Course leader for PhDs. Senior lecturer in Computer Games Programming – 3D graphics programming and AI.

David's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,435 per course £17,500 per course

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £10,890 per course £17,460 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx. £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx. £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply now to Games Computing

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time 21 September 2026 Apply now

Apply now to Games Computing

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Part-time 21 September 2026 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021