MSc
Computer Games Technology
The computer games industry is worth in excess of 40 billion pounds
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course provides an international perspective of computer games development and the advanced skills to work within the industry.
It is project-based, allowing you to define the focus of your work, whilst building technological expertise and gaining the hands-on experience of designing, programming and managing your own computer games prototype.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Design and develop software, 3D graphics, and programs for a project of your choice
- Use our cutting-edge, industry-standard software, game engines and console development kits in the building of your project
- Have the opportunity to engage in real-world, client-based research
What opportunities might it lead to?
The advanced knowledge and focused research skills you will gain on this course will be beneficial and applicable in a range of technology-related careers. Specifically, you’ll be fully equipped to find employment within the computer games industry or other areas where computer games technology is making an impact.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- computer game development
- multimedia production
- animation
- graphics and video editing
- digital video film-making
I’m now lucky enough to be working for Aardman Animations. I never thought I’d end up working for a world leader in animation – I’m still pinching myself when I think about it!
Lindsey Howell, computing and creative technologies student 2012
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Entry
An upper second-class honours degree in computing or an art-based subject with a significant computing component, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. A project proposal and portfolio should be submitted with an application.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £5,000, part-time students: £3,330 in Year 1 and £1,670 plus inflation in Year 2
International full-time students: £11,000, part-time students: £7,330 for Year 1 and £3,670 plus inflation for Year 2
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- create.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 2421 - Department
- School of Creative Technologies
Structure & Teaching
On this course we emphasise the implementation, evaluation and reflection of subject-related issues, whilst building creative and technical computing expertise. It provides you with the opportunity to research and design software in order to develop your own computer games artefact.
Here are the units you will study:
- Professional, Academic and Research Development: This is a taught unit covering planning and managing development projects.
- Project Context and Definition: A unit of self-directed study that will help you specify your project’s scope and plan.
- Project Design and Development: This unit is a self-directed study covering a critical review of existing work.
- Project Evaluation and Resolution: This unit covers the development and evaluation of your project artefact.
Teaching and Assessment
The course is research based, focusing on your own chosen project. Taught units are limited to the first semester, although there is ample opportunity for contact with the staff through regular tutorials and workshops.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is solely based on your research-based project – its proposal, the artefact itself and your evaluation and technical report.
Facilities & Features
The Games Lab
Home to all the latest games consoles
Specialist Software and Equipment
You’ll have excellent resources at your fingertips
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
The Games Lab
This is home to all the latest consoles for our game students. You’ll have access to Playstation 3 development kits, PSP development kits, Playstation 2 Linux development kits (available to borrow) and a range of other consoles and games.
Specialist Software and Equipment
A full range of industry software will be available for you to use in the computer labs. You’ll have excellent resources at your fingertips including:
- the Virtual Reality Lab
- motion capture facilities
- Half Life 2 (source game engine)
- Unreal game engine
- XNA (Dreamspark) Xbox 360 development environment
- Maya
- Macromedia software
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
The rapid growth of the computer games industry, along with the ever evolving and advancing nature of technology means that the demand for specialist skills in computer game technology and development is on the rise. Through extensive use of the latest versions of industry-standard hardware (console development kits) and software you will gain in-depth knowledge of the principles underlying these evolving technologies. It will prepare you for lifelong learning and rapid adaptation in technical industries.
Depending on the focus of your self-directed project and your specific career plans, you can develop specialist skills to work in games design, programming, art production and project management, or a range of other technical roles.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.