Computer Science with Games Technology

This integrated master’s degree will prepare you for a career in the dynamic computer game sector. You’ll learn how computer games are built and work, and discover how to solve programming problems related to game development. It is your most direct route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

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 the City St George’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.

The School has its own dedicated placements team with over 20 years of experience in providing on-hand placement and internship support as well as guidance for students throughout their studies. Placements are highly encouraged at City St George's. 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. In recent years students from our computer science courses have been able to obtain placements at leading companies within their chosen field such as IBM, PlayStation, Disney, Microsoft and Goldman Sac

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)
-Project Management (15 credits)
-Semantic Web Technologies and Knowledge Graphs (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)
-User-centred Systems Design (15 credits)
-Advanced Databases (15 credits)
-Project Management (15 credits)
-Data Visualisation (15 credits)
-Advanced Programming: Concurrency (15 credits)
-Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (15 credits)
-Information Security Fundamentals (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)
-Cloud Computing (15 Credits)

Students have the opportunity to follow two placement routes: a one year placement or the Professional Pathway scheme. The one year placement can be undertaken following successful completion of year 2.

Students can join the Professional Pathway scheme after successful completion of year 1 (early entry) or after successful completion of year 2 or a one year placement (late entry).

Assessment is by examination and coursework although some components, such as the team project, are assessed by coursework alone.

Written examinations contain theoretical questions, including mathematical aspects, as well as writing and analysing small amounts of code and short essays on the applications of computational techniques.

Coursework takes many forms, including programming, modelling, theoretical work and essays. In the Individual Project you will carry out an independent investigation of a significant computing problem, applying knowledge and skills that you have learnt through the programme.

The balance of assessment by examination, practical examination and assessment by coursework will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Year 1
Written examination: 41%
Coursework: 59%

Year 2
Written examination: 35%
Coursework: 65%

Year 3
Written examination: 26%
Coursework: 74%

Year 4
Written examination: 48%
Practical: 2%
Coursework: 50%

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT