Computer Science with Games Technology MSci (Hons)

On this four-year degree, you will develop advanced knowledge of game engine architecture, computer graphics and game design.

You’ll become an expert in industry-standard engines that power game development, as well as computer game architecture, and the games development process.
 

You will study at master’s level in your fourth year, learning alongside our internationally renowned researchers at the cutting edge of the subject.

• Gain the skills for a career in the thriving computer games sector, applying your computing expertise in a creative, dynamic and desirable industry

• Boost your professional credibility, employability and earning potential with a degree that satisfies the academic requirements for CEng status

• Become proficient in a broad range of programming languages and cutting-edge games programming techniques

• Boost your employability with an optional one-year work placement: past students have worked for Sony, PlayStation, Disney, Microsoft and Goldhawk Interactive

• Study in City’s computing labs, which include the latest hardware and software, such as state-of-art NVidia GPUs

• Gain three years of professional experience with our innovative Professional Pathway Scheme, combining paid employment and study.
   

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
 

Course content
 

During this four-year Computer Science with Games Technology MSci course you’ll learn to solve real-world computer gaming challenges, using programming, problem-solving and communication skills.
 

Year 1
 

Study our common first year for all our computer science students, learning six core topics including operating systems, web development and Java.

• Introduction to Algorithms (15 credits)

• Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)

• Systems Architecture (15 credits)

• Programming in Java (30 credits)

• Databases (15 credits)

• Operating Systems (15 credits)

• Computer Science, Ethics & Society (15 credits)
   

  Year 2
   

  Deepen your knowledge of computer science with core modules such as games technology and object-orientated analysis. Boost your professional skills with a team project.

• Data Structures and Algorithms (15 credits)

• Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (15 credits)

• Professional Development in IT (15 credits)

• Team Project (30 credits)

• Games Technology (15 credits)

• Programming in C++ (15 credits)

• Computer Networks (15 credits)
   

  Year 3
   

  Study advanced games technology, computer graphics and other core modules that are fundamental to games technology. Choose elective modules in areas that interest you.

• Computer Graphics (15 credits)

• Advanced Games Technology (15 credits)

• Digital Signal Processing and Audio Programming (15 credits)

• Functional Programming (15 credits)

• Language Processors (15 credits)

• Advanced Databases (15 credits)

• Theory of Computation (15 credits)

• Professional Placement and Career Development (30 credits)

• Data Visualization (15 credits)

• Advanced Programming: Concurrency (15 credits)

• Cloud Computing (15 credits)

• Information Security Fundamentals (15 credits)

• Computer Vision (15 credits)

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

• Programming and Mathematics for AI (15 credits)

• Agents and Multi Agents Systems (15 credits)

• User Centred Systems (15 credits)

• Semantic Web Technologies and Knowledge Graphs (15 credits)

• Cloud Technology for Business Transformation (15 credits)

• Project Management (15 credits)
   

  Year 4
   

  Develop in-depth professional expertise to prepare you for your career in game technology. Study core game development modules and undertake an individual project to showcase your skills. 

• The Games Development Process (15 credits)

• Computer Games Architectures (15 credits)

• Individual Project (45 credits)

• Software Systems Design (15 credits)

• Advanced Databases (15 credits)

• Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)

• Computer Vision (15 credits)

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

• Programming and Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

• Computational Cognitive Systems (15 credits)

• Agents and Multi-Agent Systems (15 credits)

• Advanced Programming: Concurrency (15 credits)

• User-centred Systems Design (15 credits)

• Data Visualisation (15 credits)

• Information Security Fundamentals (15 credits)

• Project Management (15 credits)

• Cloud Computing (15 Credits)
   

  Placement
   

  You may elect to take an industrial placement between years 2 and 3 or between years 3 and 4.

• UK
   

  A-level:

  ABB
   

  Tariff:

  128 UCAS tariff points
   

  International Baccalaureate:

  31 points including 5 in Mathematics at Higher or Standard Level.
   

  BTEC:

  D*DD (IT/numerate subjects only)
   

  GCSE:

  A minimum of grade 6 (B) in Mathematics and grade 4 (C) in English Language in addition to other outlined requirements.

  In addition to our other entry requirements, City also accepts T-levels with the following grades:

  • T-Level in Digital Production, Design and Development – Distinction overall and Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.
     

  Contextual offers

  We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who have been in care or are the first in their family to enter Higher Education. Those who are eligible may receive a conditional offer with reduced entry requirements, typically two grades lower for A-levels and one grade (or eight tariff points) for BTEC or mixed qualifications.

  Read our contextual admissions policy for eligibility criteria and further information.
   

  Mixed qualifications

  Typically the only scenario where we make conditional offers expressed as UCAS tariff points is when an applicant presents mixed qualifications, most typically a combination of A-levels and a BTEC qualification.

  In this instance, we may make a tariff point offer to present the applicant with more flexibility on equivalencies. In this case, please be aware that we may still ask for a specific score across certain qualifications and subjects. E.g. 'This offer is conditional on you achieving 128 tariff points. This must include A-level Mathematics at grade B.'
   

  Subject exclusions

  We do not accept General Studies and Critical Thinking. These subjects will not be included in any conditional offer we make.
   

  Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

  We welcome applications from students who are completing relevant EPQ Projects. Whilst we recognise the value of these projects in preparing students for independent learning at university, the EPQ is unlikely to form part of any conditional offer we make.
   

  The EPQ will also not lower the specifics of any conditional offer we choose to make. We will consider the EPQ as part of the holistic assessment of the application and it could be used to form part of our final decision at Confirmation stage.
   

  AS levels

  We recognise that there will be differences of opportunity varying by school and college. As not all students will have the opportunity to sit AS Level exams, it is unlikely we will include AS Level grades in any offer we choose to make. Where students have completed an AS Level subject, we will consider this as part of the holistic assessment of the application and it could be used to form part of our final decision at Confirmation stage.
   

  University preparation programmes

  If you do not qualify for direct entry, you may wish to take a foundation programme first. These programmes are designed to prepare students for entry to City's undergraduate courses.
   

  Access to Higher Education

  Access to Higher Education will be considered when combined with substantial work or other experience.

 

English language requirements
 

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

• PTE Academic: 59 overall with a minimum of 59 in each component.

Fees for year 2022/23
 

UK

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£18,210

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2022/ 23 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase, which is normally 2%.

You will develop expert knowledge for a career in games development, working in a role directly or indirectly connected to gaming and graphics.
 

You’ll be able to design and develop software and may work with a large multinational gaming company or an independent producer.

Your fourth year of master’s level study will make you attractive to employers as you will have greater depth and breadth of knowledge. You will also be closer to gaining Chartered Engineer status.
 

Your broad knowledge of computer science and sophisticated programming skills mean you will also be attractive to employers in other industries.
 

Placement support
 

In recent years students from our computer science courses have been able to obtain placements at leading companies within their chosen field such as:

• Goldhawk Interactive

• Sony

• PlayStation

• Disney

• Microsoft.
   

The School has its own dedicated placements team that provides on-hand placement and internship support and guidance for students throughout their studies. You can undertake one of the following placement schemes:

• One-year placement

• Summer internships - these can be taken every summer on completion of the academic year.
   

Our dedicated team of placement specialists, the Professional Liaison Unit, has extensive experience in helping students to secure placement employment across a range of industries.
 

The team also has longstanding relationships with an impressive and diverse range of companies spanning both large and small organisations including start-ups in Tech City.
 

Placements are highly encouraged at City. Students that complete a placement year benefit from gaining professional experience working on real-life projects and are also more likely to achieve higher grades, secure a graduate-level job and earn a higher salary.