Computer Science (High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering) (Industrial)

Become an expert in one of the most performance-driven areas of computer science – and be at the forefront of the next generation of the multi-billion-pound global gaming industry.

The gaming industry has grown exponentially in recent years.
It’s highly creative, collaborative and fast-paced. It requires you to push computing resources to the limit to develop intriguing, innovative and globally-recognised games.
The course will give you the skills to work at the top end of the games industry, developing computer graphics on high-performance platforms and writing engines for the next generation of titles.
You’ll develop a deep understanding of architecture and high-performance programming to generate new levels of graphical realism and visual effects on cutting-edge hardware platforms.
The curriculum has also been developed in collaboration with industry, meaning you’ll be learning the latest innovations and most up to date skills in the field.
By the end of your course, you’ll have a highly desirable skill set along with the confidence to tackle a new era of global computing challenges.

Industrial placement year
This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of your course. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations such as Arm, Mercedes-Benz and Lloyds Banking Group.

"It has a diverse community of students and researchers, providing you a global perspective to all aspects of science and life."
Mustafa Adaoglu, Computer Science (High Performance Graphics and Games Engineering) MEng, BSc

Why study at Leeds

• Globally-renowned research: This feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in everything from AI to biomedicine, algorithms to computational engineering – and beyond.

• Benefit from specialist facilities: Study in our purpose-built hub, the William Henry Bragg Building, with custom teaching labs containing high-spec Linux machines and a range of collaborative and quiet study spaces. Take a virtual tour.

• Get access to industry experts: Gain insights from experts and graduates who are shaping the future of the tech sector. Our programme of talks gives you the chance to ask questions, make connections and get inspiration for your future career.

• Enhance your career prospects: Give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a paid industrial placement year and gain invaluable real-world work experience.

• Bring your skills to life outside the classroom: Our extra-curricular activities include a 24-hour hackathon backed by industry sponsors and CompSoc, a hands-on integrated design project, the UKIEPC national programming competition hosted on campus, building a rocket with the Leeds University Rocketry Association or attending the British Computing Society’s Women Lovelace Colloquium.

Rankings and awards
Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
From start-ups to international organisations, there's a wealth of job opportunities for graduate computer scientists in sectors such as:

• Non-governmental organisations

• Government agencies

• Education

• Media

• Gaming

• Technology

• Consultancies

• Finance (& Finance Technologies)

• Public Authority

• Retail

• Research & Development

Careers support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.