Entry requirementsEntry requirements New graduates – 2.1 in a computing-related discipline with interest and enthusiasm for software development OR Experienced software development professionals wishing to improve and update skills, knowledge and job marketability
Academic titleMSc/PgDip/PgCert Games Software Development
Course descriptionWe developed this course in association with PlayStation and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. It is for people who have an interest in and an enthusiasm for developing software for the interactive entertainment market.
It is for recent graduates in computing subjects and those working in the software development industries.
You develop the skills and knowledge in application areas such as games programming and interactive TV. You also learn the entrepreneurial skills and good business practices to develop innovative applications.
The course provides a rich mix of practical programming experience in a challenging and interesting area of application. We instil good software engineering principles in this experience.
We also provide a practical learning environment where you work on large scale joint projects with our many commercial partners. This gives you the chance to make connections while you learn.
The course gives you a distinctive advantage to compete in the software developers’ job market. This applies to the specific demands of the interactive entertainment industry, and the more general market for good software developers.
Associated careers
Games software graduates are in high demand, and our course has been developed to meet the needs of the booming entertainment software industry.
We actively support your collaboration with external companies on your practical software development projects. This gives you real experience while learning and could lead directly to you gaining a job with one of these companies.
Course content
Postgraduate certificate
• two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics and implementation techniques using C++ and industry standard software tools and APIs
• the games industry, the games development process and associated business issues
• technologies, architectures and platforms that support games
• network programming, multi-threading and the Linux operating system
Postgraduate diploma
Postgraduate certificate plus
• advanced graphical techniques, such as ray-tracing, lighting models and procedural animation
• interaction design for entertainment orientated software systems
• a group project involving the design of a product
MSc
Postgraduate diploma plus
• study research methods which equip you with the skills necessary to complete practical, industry-oriented research
• a research project and produce an accompanying dissertation, concerning developments in the field. This could include developing a substantial software product. You can also present your work to industry representatives at a seminar event.