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Studying at Abertay

Computer Games Technology

Next start date: September 2013

BCS LogoSkillset Logo

Degree type: MSc
UCAS Code: Apply directly to the University
Duration: Full-time: 12 months; Part-time: 24 months


 

Intro

Why choose this course?

  • Highly respected course in Computer Games Technology
  • Expand and focus your existing programming skills for the development of computer games
  • Designed in close association with Games companies, completion of this course will qualify you to take up employment in a buoyant, multi-million pound, world-wide industry
  • Work closely with games companies through project work

Such is the shortage of well-trained and highly-skilled computer games programmers that the career opportunities open to you when you graduate with our MSc in Computer Games Technology are virtually endless.  This established course is aimed at students who wish to expand and focus their existing programming skills for the development of computer games. Designed and maintained in close association with games companies and with BCS and Skillset accreditation, students have access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities.

You will leave us with confidence and skills to work in one of the most demanding industries in the world, and at a distinct advantage over other computing graduates intending a career in the games industry.

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).

What you study

Students will study game design and development, programming games for the PC, console game development and artificial intelligence for games. Students will also critically evaluate elements of the games industry. The course emphasises the creation of a set of significant portfolio software pieces to show future employers.

How you learn and are assessed
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 at least 30 hours a week of private study.

Entry routes

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

Course content

Module Code
Module Title
Core/Option
Semester
Credits
 
AG1181A
Masters Project
Core
Semester 1 or 2
60
 


Module Code
Module Title
Core/Option
Semester
Credits
 
CE1184A
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Core
Semester 1
15
AG1100A
Console Game Development
Core
Semester 2
15
AG1161A
Game Design and Development
Core
Semester 2
30
AG1102A
Game Programming for the PC and XBox
Core
Semester 2
15
CE1151A
Mathematics for Computer Games
Core
Semester 1
15
AG1101A
Programming Games
Core
Semester 1
15
AG1160A
The Games Marketplace
Core
Semester 1
15
 


Information on course structures and modules is drawn from 2012/3 data and may be subject to change without prior notification. Students who are registering with us will be provided with the up to date information on their course structure in order to allow them to register on the appropriate modules

More info

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.

Students will be prepared for employment by working in multi-disciplinary groups through project work.

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

Fees & Scholarships

Fee Category September 2013 Fees
Scholarships & Bursaries
Scottish and other EU students

£3,400
Eligible students can apply to the
Postgraduate Student Awards
Scheme (PSAS) for a tuition fee
loan.

Other forms of support
English, Welsh and Northern Irish
students

£7,000

Bursaries & Scholarships
Overseas (non EU) students

£10,250

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.


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