Game Development (Programming) MSc

60 credits

The Digital Media Final Project, as a capstone project, consolidates the knowledge gained in earlier modules and is informed and supported by prior learning.

You will interpret the coursework into a practical solution and demonstrate skills in defining, analysing and developing a substantial solution to an individually defined design related problem. You will utilise an advanced understanding of contemporary digital media practice. The research and documentation of the project is an integral part of the submission; reflecting on the process, as well as the critical analysis and methodology of the research itself. The research will be conceptually integrated within the practical work. Individual project topics are expected to be wide ranging and provide the opportunity to fully investigate a practical situation, underpinned by a critical report on the work produced. Topics must allow the opportunity to position work with respect to business, social and cultural goals and identify and apply appropriate technology as a means of delivery.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Critically apply theoretical knowledge of design and evaluate contemporary discourse on the subject.
• Demonstrate the application of design research methods in formulating concepts and ideas.
• Originate design propositions through the application of appropriate design ideologies, research principles, methods, materials and technology, forms, means, actions or interventions.
• Engage in the critical reflection of own work and in peer review related to the development and production of the major project, employing skills of evaluation, contextualisation and communication.
• Disseminate the research process and outcomes of the final project with appropriate currency and consideration of audience.

30 credits

In this module, you will build games that incorporate Generative AI, using tools and workflows common in the industry, where systems learn from data to generate behaviours, stories, and interactions at runtime. You will design and develop gameplay powered by learning AI agents, neural networks, reinforcement learning, and language models, moving beyond traditional game mechanics to create dynamic and original gaming experiences.

30 credits

You will work with a multidisciplinary group of students as appropriate for your course (User Experience Design MSc, Game Development (Design) MA, Game Development (Programming) MSc and Computer Animation MA); involved with the digital media production process in response to a project brief developed in consultation with the industry panel and/or research staff. Projects concern contemporary platforms, such as iPhone, Android, Windows, Playstation, Xbox and Next Generation controllers and innovative input devices. You also develop a professional profile (online CV/portfolio) fitting for your role and intended destination which you maintain throughout the course.

• Coursework: report, prototype, and presentation (group and individual)
• Schedule: allow one weekday per week in the first semester
• Staff: course staff

30 credits

The module covers the process of creating multiplayer computer games using various technologies and designing approaches. This module provides guided teaching and practical sessions on topics related to connected games programming, design and portfolio development.

The aims of this module are:

• To enable students to solidify, develop, and design connected games of their selected genres aiming also to consolidate their portfolio.
• To develop problem-solving abilities in the relevant programming and designing techniques which underpin this.
• To help students develop a confident and extensive understanding of connected games under their own genre specialism.

30 credits

This module introduces fundamental concepts and methods in Classical Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition as well as Neural Networks and Deep Learning. You will firstly be introduced to classical methods, before being taught modern approaches. You will then be exposed to applications related to your course. The module is taught in a practical fashion and therefore some knowledge of a programming language is required.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.