Degree type: MSc
UCAS Code: Apply directly to the University
Duration: Full-time: 12 months; Part-time: 24 months
Why choose this course?
The video games marketplace continues to develop. Computer games are produced in a studio environment, over years, consuming several millions of dollars, and using a team of programmers, artists, musicians, designers, producers and others. The city of Dundee, Scotland, the UK and EU have a significant role in world video games development, and demand for good 3D games programmers continues to be significant.
You will study aspects of game design technologies before designing and producing a working prototype game level as a portfolio piece. This course is designed for graduates who have sound experience in programming and mathematics.
Those exiting the course after successful completion of the taught component (i.e. Postgraduate Diploma) would be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Software Engineering (Computer Games Technology).
You will study game design and development, programming games on the PC and XBox, the games marketplace, games mathematics, console game development and artificial intelligence for games. The course emphasises the creation of a set of significant portfolio software pieces to show future employers.
How you learn
Most of the teaching is focused around lectures followed by laboratory sessions in a dedicated lab or by tutorial sessions. The game design and development course is taught in small tutorial groups using a problem-based learning approach. You will spend about 12 hours attending classes per week. This must be supported by 30 hours a week of private study.
How you are assessed
The assessment strategy throughout the course is based on 100% coursework in all modules except Mathematics which is examinable. Assessment can be based on a combination of practical work, class tests, reports, essays and presentations.
Applicants should have a minimum of a lower Second class Honours degree in Computer Science or equivalent, and have a good background in mathematics.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
Job opportunities exist in the following sectors - computer games development, graphics and visualisation, virtual reality/simulation, multimedia and education. Typical job titles include Games Programmer, Graphics Programmer, AI Specialist Programmer and Console Programmer. Employers range in size from small local companies to large multinational enterprises with offices all over the world. Opportunities exist for promotion through specialist technical routes to Lead Programmer or Project Lead or Director in larger companies. Salaries depend on experience and record of success and can include substantial bonuses for hitting milestones or involvement in a successful game. Limited opportunities exist for new graduates to become self-employed, freelance contractors or to start their own games development business.
Graduates from this course can also seek employment in sectors which make use of their general software engineering design, analysis, communication, team working, research and lifelong learning knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP Further Learning and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng/CSci registration and Skillset accreditation has also been awarded.
Specialist facilities
All students have access to specially equipped software engineering and Computer Games Technology laboratories complete digital colour printing facilities. Some of our Computer Games Technology students work part-time for the International Centre for Computing & Virtual Entertainment (IC-CAVE). IC-CAVE ensures the quality and relevance of our degree programmes and attracts Visiting Fellows in games, audio, arts, multimedia and virtual reality from around the world. IC-CAVE also acts as the UK branch of VSMMJ - the Virtual Systems and Multimedia Society of Japan.
IC-CAVE also arranges master classes for games companies. These provide the opportunity for our final year students to meet prospective employers as well as providing cutting edge ideas for research and final year projects.
More information
MSc Computer Games Technology
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£3,400 |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7,000 |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9,975 |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fee quoted is the total cost providing that the MSc follows on immediately after the PG Dip element and is completed within the same academic year as started. Fees may be subject to increase.
