MSc
Computer Game Development

Contact

with industry representatives through regular guest lectures, seminars and events

Develop

a strong games/media business plan along with leadership & management skills

Specialist

Work with the latest tools and technology in a specialist studio dedicated to design & production

Year of entry: 2021

Course duration: 1.5YRS (FT) 2 (PT)

Institution Code: G53

Location: Wrexham

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Overview of the programme

Wrexham Glyndwr University is a multi-UK-award winning games development centre (Tranzfuser Hub of the Year 2018, UK Contributor of the Year 2018, Tranzfuser Award 2018) and is top-rated across the UK for indie game development support.

Computer game development remains one of the fastest-growing industries in the digital technology sector, and as such, there is an increasing demand for technical specialists, managers and consultants.

This course is designed to take technical development, management and entrepreneurial skills to a level required to access higher technical and managerial positions within studios, along with the necessary skills to create and maintain viable games/media businesses.

Building on the strong foundation of our successful Game Development programme, this course enjoys the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits and guest speakers as part of an integrated programme of presentations, discussion groups and social events.

Our graduates are employed by some of the worlds most recognisable brands such as Ubisoft, Sony, Nintendo, Rockstar and Travellers Tales. We also work hard to support graduates who choose to set up their own games studios based within our innovative business incubation centre.

A key element of the course is its emphasis on blending advanced technical development with strong management and sustainable business skills. Through our unique Business Accelerator initiative, we deliver industry standard theory and practice allowing students to gain valuable experience of the business planning and finance along with the management of a game studio.

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KEY COURSE FEATURES

Regular contact with games and media industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars and local & national events
Enhance your game design, development and analytical skills
Learn how to develop strong games/media business plans along with leadership and management skills
Access to our in-house business incubation centre (The Enterprise Lounge)
You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience
Work with the latest technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture, VR and analysis tools
You will have the opportunity to train as a mentor and work with undergraduate students to provide support and play a critical role in their development process

games fund winner 2018 Grads in games finalist 2019

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

Level 7 (Masters)

The programme has a strong technical focus with emphasis on professional quality throughout.

Areas covered include professional 3D modelling & sculpting skills with respect to 3D topology and optimisation of assets to ensure fitness for purpose. The design and development of game applications along with an understanding of modern publication and distribution processes.

Students will learn to analyse and optimise game applications with respect to technical performance and user experience. In addition, modern development and problem solving strategies for artificial intelligence within games will play an important role.

The Games Business & Enterprise module will develop business planning, leadership and strategic skills whilst encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial activity.

Through our Business Accelerator programme, students will have the opportunity to work closely with Business postgraduate students and access our business incubation centre with a view to starting and managing a game development studio.

Finally, the 60 credit dissertation will provide students with the platform to engage and explore a specialist area within the games and creative field whilst being supported by enthusiastic and experienced staff.

Modules

Media Development & Distribution
Game Analysis & Player Interaction
Games Enterprise & Management
3D Design & Optimisation
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Post Graduate Study & Research Methods
Dissertation (60 credits)

Option Module

Mentoring in Technology

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLYING

The standard entry requirement for this programme is an honours degree of at least 2:2 classification in a Computer Science related subject area, or equivalent in any science-based degree with a strong computing element.

Applicants with substantial commercial or industrial experience, or graduates coming from non-Computing backgrounds can be accepted, subject to interview and references.

Applicants for postgraduate study should apply using this form.

ASSESSMENT & TEACHING

This course is portfolio focussed and as such, there are no formal exams. Instead, students will focus on developing technical and theoretical skills via practical assignments and research & development activities.

Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, writing technical and academic papers, compiling and analysing data, giving presentations, writing strategic business plans, producing 3D professionally optimised 3D models and game assets.

Postgraduate games students are required to demonstrate advanced critical analysis and development skills as part of key assessment outcomes.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through the use of digital management tools such as Jira, and through feedback given to students, which takes several forms such as one-to-one discussions and interviews.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Once you successfully complete the MSc programme, your higher level skills in 3D modelling & sculpting, systems analysis, programming and application design will qualify you to work in a variety of higher level roles within this industry.

Given the business and entrepreneurship skills acquired on the course, some postgraduates opt to start their own game studios with the support of our business incubation centre as part the Business Accelerator programme.

In addition, the technical skills acquired on the course allow graduates to pursue careers at higher level positions in many mainstream computing areas such as IT support, consultancy and internet and e-commerce applications development.

FEES AND FUNDING

The fees you pay and the support available may depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on
our fees & finance pages.

Programme Specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then why not take a look at our accommodation section to get more information, including prices.

Those studying at our Plas Coch campus can stay at Wrexham Village, while students at our Northop campus can stay at Corbishley Hall, our on-campus halls of residence.

MSc Computer Game Development