Welcome to your Games Computing course

Hello and welcome to your new Masters level course in Games Computing at University of Staffordshire.

You have chosen a postgraduate course that will enable you to hone your technical programming skills and knowledge in computer science to prepare you for working at the cutting edge in the Games industry, as well as other software engineering related industries.

Here, we will cover some information that you will find useful before starting your journey with us.

Course delivery

In the Games Computing programme, the academic year is divided into three eight-week blocks.

You will study two modules per block, as well as a project management module that runs through 3 blocks of the year.

One of these modules, in the final block, will be a negotiated project or dissertation, where you can focus and take a deep dive on a research project that represents your specialist interest.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. Group sizes vary, and sessions are usually conducted by more than two lecturers.

Each module concludes with a summative assessment, which may include coursework, portfolio work, forum posts, reports, presentations, and projects. These assessments contribute to your overall final grade.

Independent learning is heavily encouraged at this level to consolidate your learning and allow you to practice skills from your sessions. All lectures and practicals will take place in person in our dedicated computing labs and lecture theatres. Class sizes can vary but larger classes will have more than two tutors to assist with the session.

Lectures typically last one hour, with the practical sessions lasting 2 hours.

You’ll have access to industry-standard hardware and software, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment! Our games programming teaching team possesses a variety of skills and specialisms.

Semester one activities

Computer Science Applications for Games

In this module students will understand the contemporary computer science that forms a basis for games development, along with the theory that supports it. Students will learn a variety of techniques that are currently extant and being built upon. To demonstrate their learning, students will solve a series of applicable computer science problems.

Graphics Programming

This module focuses on the discovery of advanced graphics programming as you explore animation and lighting techniques, including skeletal animation and modern reflectance models. You'll gain hands-on experience with graphical APIs, debug tools, and real-time rendering while developing transferable skills for careers in gaming and research. Enhance your expertise and innovate in interactive media development.

Project Management and Research Methods

This module is a theory driven module core to all PGT study. Students would learn project management and research methodologies. 

Pre-learning

You must have a degree in a software engineering related discipline, or Games Programming, ideally focused on C++; or be able to demonstrate sufficient experience to a similar standard. It would also be very advantageous to have graphics programming knowledge. 

Equipment and software

  • Microsoft Office

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

  • Unreal Engine 5

https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download

  • Visual Studio

Visual Studio: IDE and Code Editor for Software Developers and Teams

Note: Microsoft office is available through your University account for free. Unreal Engine 5 and Visual Studio are also free.

Hardware:

  • Minimum 8GB RAM, recommended 32 GB RAM
  • Minimum i7-4790k5 Intel CPU, recommended i7-8700k Intel CPU
  • Minimum NVidia nVidia GTX 2080 recommend RTX3080

Trips and activities

http://www.letstalkgames.org/

Let's Talk Games is a FREE to education games conference that features expert talks on the art and design of video games, how to get your foot in the door or what to study. Our annual conference is a must-attend event for any student interested in the gaming industry.

Gradex

Gradex is our graduate exhibition where industry is invited to look at student final project work. This is great exposure to potential employers.

UKIE Conference

The annual UKIE trade body conference is held at the University. This is another chance to meet industry members and find out more about the day to day business.

Groups and societies

There are many societies listed here: https://www.staffsunion.com/getinvolved/clubsandsocieties/ . Feel free to check them out and get involved. 

Meet the team

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

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021