ObjectivesThis new course has been devised based on our experience of delivering the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Engineering. There is considerable overlap between the two courses in both structure and outcomes and, in both cases, the intention is to give you a clear understanding of the underlying principles and technical issues associated with developing computer systems that incorporate multimedia content. The course is aimed at people who are interested in a career in multimedia games development that involves the creation of multimedia assets and the programming of the interactive features using advanced software tools.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements The course is open to graduates with a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject combined with experience of using multimedia computer systems. Mature applicants with relevant experience may also be considered. If you are an international student and English is not your first language, you will require an English language qualification equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip Multimedia Games Engineering
Course descriptionMSc/PGDip Multimedia Games Engineering
Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Multimedia Game Engineering cover the following taught modules:
Multimedia Technology and Design
This module deals with the underlying technology for creating and manipulating multimedia assets, and the design principles that should be incorporated in this process;
Research Methods
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that are required to enhance your abilities as an independent learner. Practical work in this module will focus on the investigation of topics that are directly relevant to this subject area;
Digital 3D
This subject area deals with the technology involved with the creation of interactive 3D environments;
Game Prototyping
You will learn more about the process of creating games on an individual basis and will explore how this activity fits into the overall activities of the computer games industry;
Multimedia Applications and CAL
Enhance your knowledge of the broader aspects of management of multimedia projects and the specific requirements for CAL systems;
Multimedia Programming
This module covers the theory and practice of using programming languages to enhance the effectiveness and interactivity of multimedia systems.
Should you decide to follow the MSc path, the Major Project will provide you with the opportunity to work on an individually supervised project in order to apply the material you have previously learnt on the course and develop your expertise in a specific area.
Study routes
Based within the purpose-built, £8 million building of the School of Science and Technology, we are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Multimedia Games Engineering.
Both courses aim to develop the knowledge and skills that are required to create multimedia games.
On the course, you will explore the technology that is used to manage images, video, sound, animation and 3D worlds. You will learn how these multimedia assets are stored and manipulated, from both a theoretical and practical point of view. You will also examine the use of multimedia for a range of applications with a special focus on how multimedia can be used to build interactive games.
What do you study?
The course is delivered in two phases. A series of taught modules is delivered in the first 30 weeks of the course, covering the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma. The final 15 weeks of the academic year allow MSc students the chance to complete a major project through independent study.
Assessment
The taught part of this course is entirely assessed by coursework.
How do you study?
The coursework will require you to undertake practical work together with research and critical evaluation. During the Major Project, you will be required to undertake a major piece of practical work, which then forms the basis of a dissertation and an oral presentation.
Why study at Nottingham Trent University?
Students in the School of Science and Technology have use of a new, purpose-built £8 million building, which offers state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities specific to the subjects taught in the School. This includes exceptional computing resources, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications.
The Multimedia Game Engineering courses within the School are taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are involved with cutting-edge research that ensures their teaching remains at the forefront of computing technology.
Coupled with the strength of our teaching and facilities is the direct relevance of the Multimedia Game Engineering course to real-world employment.
Place of study
In 2006, the doors opened on our £8m purpose-designed building. We’ve invested heavily in computing facilities, which include multiple networked computer rooms, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications for the use of computing and informatics students. Everything students need is in one building, from a one-stop shop for student enquiries to high-spec teaching and tutorial rooms. A large area has been designed specifically for the School’s postgraduate students and includes computer labs, teaching rooms and an open plan social area.
Clifton campus
Situated just four miles from the centre of Nottingham, the Clifton campus is a self-contained green-field site with excellent accommodation and facilities.
The Clifton campus Library is open seven days a week and students have 24-hour access to a number of IT resource rooms. The campus has benefited from considerable investment over the past five years. It has comprehensive sports facilities - including a multi-million pound sports hall, two gyms, and an all-weather floodlit sports pitch, as well as a new Student Support Centre, offering careers advice and support with financial and personal issues.
Food, drink and retail outlets include The Point – a multi-purpose venue with a bar, a cafe, and an entertainments programme. There is also the campus News and Food convenience store, which sells all the student essentials.
The campus hosts the Blackwell’s bookshop, the Sunrise Medical Practice and a friendly branch of HSBC. There is a regular bus service available that provides easy access to Nottingham’s vibrant and exciting city centre.
Your future career
It is recognised that the mainstream computer games industry is very popular and consequently very competitive at this time; it is also increasingly specialised. At one end of the spectrum are computer scientists who are creating the software tools that are used to generate the games and the other end consists of graphic artists who are creating the original artwork.
However, this course is aimed at the developer that lies between these roles, constructing multimedia assets based on original artwork and defining the characteristics of game play sequences by using the programmable features of the software tools. Additionally, students who come from a graphic arts background would find that this course would develop their technical skills and thus differentiate them from other graphic artists hoping to go into this industry.
There are also a number of game applications that are not produced on the same scale as the mass-market games, such as those used in computer-aided learning (CAL) products. These are produced on a more individual basis and graduates from this course are very appropriate for this role.
Finally, this course covers many general issues that are relevant to the creation of all multimedia products in particular and computer systems in general. Consequently, study on this course will enhance your initial qualifications by adding a computing element.
As the power of computers and the infrastructure of the Internet have continued to develop, there appears to be an increased demand for students with experience in creating 3D systems and it is expected that this aspect of the course will enhance demand for its graduates.