Multimedia Games Engineering, MSc, PGDip

This course recruits graduates from a wide range of disciplines, although significant computer experience is expected. It is aimed at people who are interested in a career in multimedia games development, that involves the creation of multimedia assets and programming of interactive features using advanced software tools.

This 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.

Study routes
We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Multimedia Games Engineering. The MSc can have a sandwich element if you obtain and carry out an industrial placement. 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.

Questions? Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

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.

How do I 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.

What do I study?

Digital 3D - 20 CP
This subject area deals with the technology involved with the creation of interactive 3D environments. Learn how to rig a character and how motion capture files are used.

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.

Multimedia Technology and Design - 20 CP
This module deals with the underlying technology for creating and manipulating multimedia assets, and the design principles that should be incorporated in this process.

Multimedia Applications and Computer Aided Learning – 20 CP
Enhance your knowledge of the broader aspects of management of multimedia projects and the specific requirements for CAL systems.

Multimedia Programming - 20 CP
This module covers the theory and practice of using programming languages to enhance the effectiveness and interactivity of multimedia systems.

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.

Major Project - 60 CP (MSc only)
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
The taught part of this course is entirely assessed by coursework.

Who will teach me?

Who will teach me?

MSc Multimedia Games Engineering 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.