Computer Games Systems, MSc, PGDip

This course develops the high-level skills required to create new computer games for the leisure and education industries. It gives students the chance to learn a variety of software engineering techniques for games, ranging from low-level programming languages for fast games to high-level and computer network environments for distributed games.

This course is designed to meet the increasing demand for postgraduates with the high-level skills needed to help create new computerised games for the leisure and education industries.

Why study this course?

Games development companies are finding it difficult to recruit staff with software engineering skills. Games development is a highly competitive market and to compete companies need highly qualified people to maintain their cutting-edge status within the global games industry. This also enables them to exploit new discoveries in software and computer architecture technologies. As a result, career prospects for Computer Games Systems graduates are excellent.

You will have the chance to learn a range of software engineering techniques for games, ranging from low-level programming languages for fast games to high-level and computer network environments for distributed games. This will enable you to build and develop your specialist knowledge in the area(s) of gaming that excite your interest.

The taught part of the course will give you the high quality academic knowledge in games prototyping, artificial intelligence and 3D algorithms that is now in demand within the global games industry.

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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

What do you study?

The course aims to build and develop your specialist knowledge in gaming. Areas of study include games prototyping, artificial intelligence and 3D algorithms which are in high demand within the global games industry.

You'll learn video, animation and 3D models. Programme advanced graphics hardware used in game consoles and pcs and participate in design and implementation of critical artificial intelligence systems.

Research projects areas include:

• System rendering
• Simulation of physical environment
• Phone games

How do you study?

• Terms one – three: Six taught modules
• Term four: Research project

The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework assignments, software development and group projects culminating in a significant and practical Masters project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.

Modules

3D Games Algorithms - 20 CP
You will learn about the fundamental principles of advanced 3D rendering and physical simulation and understand the choice implications of hardware and software tools.

Computing Systems - 20 CP
Learn about assembler language constructs vital to operating system design and how to use architectural knowledge to affect performance in time critical applications design

3D Asset Creation – 10 CP
Provides practical training in the use of advanced software tools used for the generation of 3D objects and environments. Design and develop 3D Assets for incorporation into computer game development environments. Create and use digital images and techniques for mapping onto the surfaces of 3D Geometry.

Games Prototyping - 20 CP
This module provides students with the skills to create a playable game and understand the constraints and business processes required to take a game into development.

Artificial Intelligence for Games - 10 CP
Learn about artificial intelligence in the computer games environment so that you are able to implement appropriate approaches to game enhancement through the use of AI.

Advanced Software Engineering - 20 CP
Extend your existing programming skills and develop expertise in a variety of intelligent system engineering contexts and object-orientated program development.

Research Methods - 20 CP
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.

On completion of the taught modules on this course you will then have the opportunity to undertake an MSc topic. This gives you 15 weeks to concentrate full time on any area of games programme that interests you and apply what you have learnt to a specific problem. Projects can be undertaken in conjunction with games companies and this is actively encouraged.

Major Project - 60 CP
You will develop advanced skills in a relevant specialist topic area through the completion of a research project. The project integrates knowledge of the course and includes the design and/or development of an innovative solution to a complex and challenging technical problem presented as a dissertation or technical research paper.

Assessment
All modules are assessed by coursework only.

Who will teach me?

MSc Computer Games Systems is 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.

Much of our research is internationally recognised, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and in Security. For example, Prof David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology while Prof Paul Evans’ innovative developments in security are supported by USA Dept of Homeland Security.

We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity are:

• developing patents e.g. in voice signal processing
• involvement in the GameCity Festival
• organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
• working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
• publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, detection of human behaviour patterns.

Based on Clifton campus the School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment. We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. As a student here, you will have access to specialist facilities including:

• games console laboratories
• networking and security laboratories
• human-interactive technology
• stereo-projection
• Imaging and Displays Research Facility and;
• our Centre for Innovation and Technology Exploitation (CITE).

You will also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

• EnCase
• 3D StudioMax
• XNA Xbox development suite
• The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
• the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research. These include:

• an £8m computing and informatics building
• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber.