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MSc Games Software Development

Full-time, Part-time

Location • City Campus
Subject area • Computing
Related subjects Media arts


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This is a technically oriented course for programmers and those interested in the technology of games. It is suitable for people seeking employment in the games development industry.

You develop 3D graphics software using the C++ programming language, including the implementation of lighting and texturing, ray-tracing, vertex and pixel shader programming.

You use industry standard application programming interfaces such as Microsoft's DirectX and programming for the Sony PlayStation Portable. Opportunities to work with industry-standard 3D graphics and modelling packages such as 3D Studio Max and Maya are also given.

You learn technologies and architectures for games, including the novel architectures of games consoles and how to exploit them, networking and network programming, multi-threading and Linux.

We teach you project management techniques, including the stages of game production, the structure and operation of the games industry and issues surrounding intellectual property.

As well as the practical skills, you also develop academic and transferable skills that aid your performance in any area of employment. These encompass general problem solving strategies, analysis and evaluation skills, practical research skills and writing skills to enable you to express your ideas and solutions using professional approaches.

The University has a dedicated facility for analysing and evaluating console games, containing PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii consoles, new games titles and LCD screens.

During the course, you create a personal portfolio. This is a collection of sample work that you can use to demonstrate your skills to prospective employers. We encourage you to build your portfolio as your studies progress and advise you how to maximise its potential. This includes showing you presentation techniques aimed at industry and giving tutor and industry practitioner feedback.

This course provides a rich mix of practical programming experience in a challenging and interesting area of application.

Find out more about MSc Games Software Development

Related courses

Attendance

Full-time – 13 months
Part-time – three years
Starts September

How to apply

You need to complete an admissions test and an application form.

For an application form see www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Fees – home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £4,590 for the course
Part-time study is calculated pro rata.

The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding

Fees – international students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,980 for the course

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250 for the course

The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees

Assessment

PgCert – continuous assessment
PgDip – continuous assessment involving a large group-based industrial project
MSc – 50 per cent continuous assessment and 50 per cent dissertation

Course enquiries

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Professional Recognition

This course is accredited by Skillset. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for creative media.

PlayStation®First Academic Partnership Programme
This degree is part of the PlayStation®First Academic Partnership Programme offered by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) and has been awarded PlayStation®First status by fostering best practise in game related development skills across PlayStation® platforms.

The course provides unique access to PlayStation® professional development hardware (dev kits) and software (SDK) to equip students with industry relevant game development skills across PlayStation®3, PlayStation®Vita and PlayStation®Portable.

Skillset
Sony Playstation

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