Games Computing MSc
Subject to validation.
Course start date 2025.
Length:
Full-time 1 year, part-time 2 years
Gain the skills to develop software, systems, and content for modern video games, preparing you for a career in the computer games industry.
The MSc in Games Computing builds on your previous knowledge of gaming and prepares you for advanced technical roles in the games industry. This cutting-edge course supports the development of advanced techniques and technologies aligned with computing. The curriculum will enhance your capacity to write code, develop software, and use relevant platforms and game engines to produce new gaming experiences. This expands your understanding of advanced professional technologies and behaviours, enabling you to resolve complex issues systematically and precisely.
This course focuses on developing, iterating, and implementing game software. Through project-based approaches, you will enhance your skills in programming languages, game engines, computational visualisation, coding, and virtual networks. The course encourages a critical approach to games computing, considering the social and ethical implications of your work. By the end, you will have created a professional body of work, confident in applying programming languages to industry-standard solutions and technical problem-solving, clearly communicating your results within the games industry.
Why study with us
- Advanced technical skills: Develop your expertise in advanced programming languages, game engines, computational visualisation, and virtual networks to create sophisticated, clean, and efficient code.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Benefit from shared delivery with other postgraduate courses, fostering a collaborative environment that reflects industry practices and promotes knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary interaction.
- Professional-level resources: Utilise a wide range of professional resources, including industry standard tools, media labs, 2D & 3D studios and workshops, computer labs, high-specification PCs, digital darkrooms, analogue and digital resources, and licensed specialist software, supporting you to create practical and creative solutions to project briefs.
- Ethical and inclusive research: Adopt an ethical approach to your work, focusing on the social and ethical implications of games computing, and emphasising accessibility, equality, diversity, and sustainability.
- Professional portfolio development: By the end of the course, you will have created a professional body of work that reflects your interests and prepares you for industry, enhancing your ability to communicate research visually.
- Innovative problem solving: Engage with complex computational problems through project-based learning, promoting original and innovative approaches to technical proficiency and professional working methods.
Course structure
This course is part of our suite of Master’s in Computing, Games and Data Science, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MSc Creative Computing, MSc Games Computing, and MSc Data Science and AI in Creative Industries. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving.
This programme is a one-year course, including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.
Course content
This unit launches your master’s study experience at Norwich, encouraging you to explore leading practices and emerging research in game computing, focusing on a broad understanding of processes within conceptual and cultural contexts. Through discovery-based learning, you will develop a deep knowledge of programming, data analysis, visualisation, mathematics, physics, information systems, networks, physical computing, prototyping, and emerging technologies like AR/VR/AI. This unit encourages an expanded approach to creative thinking, examining broader systems and the interconnected boundaries of games computing with other fields. Research-led projects and iterative experimentation will enhance your critical reflection and analytical skills, helping you learn how to use games computing and technology to address cultural and contemporary issues. This hands-on approach encourages innovative thinking and practical application, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in the creative industries.
This unit focuses on developing advanced games computing skills essential for idea generation, problem-solving, and practical development. It includes a range of media and processes, focusing on technical expertise to address theoretical and conceptual challenges. Through individual and group projects, students are encouraged to explore innovative solutions for contemporary and emerging media platforms. The unit will cover programming, custom software practices, physical computing, machine learning, systems engineering, advanced visualisation, electronic prototyping, and emerging technologies like AR/VR/AI. The unit emphasizes iterative cycles of experimentation, enhancing practical skills and methods to advance your creative outcomes and knowledge.
This unit explores leading practices and emerging research in creative technology practice, enhancing your understanding through reflective analysis and interactive sessions. It examines the discipline within socio-economic, political, ethical, and cultural contexts, covering themes like machine learning theory, games theory, human-computer interaction, and globalisation. Students will develop diverse research approaches and engage in discursive interactions to inform their inquiry methods, examining the boundaries between creative technology disciplines. The unit looks at primary and secondary research methodologies, presentations, and critical reflective writing, positioning you as a critically engaged practitioner ready to contribute to contemporary and cultural debates.
This unit focuses on advanced professional-level technical skills essential for innovative games computing practice. Building on the ‘advanced technical skills’ unit, it encourages experimentation across various media to enhance personal development and practical skills. You will learn the importance of technical expertise in supporting theoretical and conceptual aspects of computational design and prototyping. Through individual and group projects, students will refine their computing processes and explore innovative solutions, particularly in digital environments. The unit integrates custom software practices, physical computing, algorithmic design, and emerging technologies like AR/VR/AI. Focusing on contemporary techniques, you will blend theoretical concepts with technical skills, enabling you to create innovative and complex outcomes, essential for advancing in the dynamic games computing industry.
This unit deepens knowledge of leading practices and emerging research in creative technology and games computing. By developing effective research and reflective strategies, you will enhance your critical understanding of key methodologies and gain insights into creative thinking within socio-economic, political, ethical, and cultural contexts. Building on prior knowledge from the ‘dialogue, debate, and domain knowledge’ unit, it emphasises developing effective research and reflective strategies to understand creative communication in various contexts. The unit includes interactive sessions that explore critical frameworks, covering themes like machine learning theory, game theory, human-computer interaction, and globalisation. Hands-on projects and iterative analysis cycles will reinforce the synthesis of conceptual and practical problem-solving, positioning you as critically engaged reflective practitioners.
This unit represents the culmination of your games computing studies, integrating everything you’ve learned on your studies. You will identify a research question, plan a project to test hypotheses, and work towards innovative outcomes, which may involve multiple outputs or a focused exploration of one aspect of your practice, supported by feedback from tutors and industry professionals. You will be encouraged to support the historical, theoretical, cultural, technical, and economic contexts relevant to your discipline and project. You will examine challenges related to social and environmental sustainability, identifying relevant industries, audiences, and stakeholders. Research-led practice will enhance your ability to synthesise experiments into complex creative outcomes, positioning you as a critically engaged and reflective professional who can synthesise experiments and ideas into complex creative outcomes.
Careers Information
Our MA in Games Computing equips graduates with the creative and technical expertise required for a wide range of roles within the games industry, including game designer, artist, developer and producer. The course provides versatile skills highly valued across other creative and tech industries, opening doors to careers in design, programming, production and much more. Throughout the course, you will develop strong project management abilities, teamwork, communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques, while also developing entrepreneurial acumen and business knowledge, which will support you as an independent developer or support your career in a larger games development studio.
This course prepares you for a career in a variety of disciplines related to games computing, including:
Career opportunities
- Applications developer
- Game designer
- Game developer
- Game producer
- UI/UX designer
- Concept designer
- Multi-media programmer
- Multi-media specialist
- Software engineer
- VFX artist
- Indie game developer
You’ll also get specialist creative careers advice from our Business and Employability Team to help support you as you plan your career.
Tabbed Section
Entry Requirements
We typically require an honours degree of 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant/related subject, such as game design/development, art, design, 3D modelling, animation or computer science.
Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for guidance before applying.
Language requirement (International/EU)
If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Portfolio requirement
For this course we will need to see your portfolio for review. You can either submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person portfolio review with the course team. Further information will be provided once you have applied.
2024/25 university fees
Norwich University of the Arts will assess students’ tuition fee status using the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Students from the UK or Ireland, and EU students with ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status, will be charged ‘Home’ fees if they meet the relevant residency requirements.
Home/UK
- Postgraduate degree (full-time) £10,600
- Postgraduate degree (part-time, over 2 years) £6,625
For home postgraduate degree students starting in 2024, fees will remain the same for each year of your course.
For 2024, UK nationals and EU nationals who have ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status may be eligible for a government loan towards course fees or living costs. Both full-time and part-time master’s degree students can apply for the master’s loan. Find out more about postgraduate master’s loans.
Alumni discount
Home Norwich alumni can benefit from a £1,000 discount on Norwich postgraduate degree fees.
Staff and teacher discount
All Norwich staff and art teachers at high schools or sixth form colleges can benefit from £1,000 discount on Norwich postgraduate degree fees.
International
- Postgraduate degree (full-time) £24,000
For international postgraduate degree students starting in 2024, fees will remain the same for each year of your course.
If you are a resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £2,500 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
International scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students. To find out more and see if you’re eligible, please visit the scholarships for international students page.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition. Accommodation, cost of materials, and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees.
Learning and teaching
The course is delivered through a variety of engaging learning and teaching methods. Lectures will introduce you to core topics, provide contextual understanding, and clarify the objectives of assigned tasks. You will participate in creative workshops, technical labs, and seminars, and receive individual mentorship. Throughout these sessions, you will have opportunities to work independently, and collaboratively in groups, engaging in practical and creative exercises designed to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Assessment
Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. These methods may include:
- Course work
- Presentations
- Learning journal
- Reflective evaluation
- Body of creative work
- Reflective research report
- Team project evaluation
- Major project
- Supporting documentation
- Critically reflective essay
How to apply
Applications to our postgraduate courses should be made directly to Norwich University of the Arts using a Postgraduate Application Form.
Postgraduate Application form 2023-24 – Word format
Applications should be returned to admissions@norwichuni.ac.uk
Terms and conditions
- Norwich Terms and Conditions (11/12/20)
- Norwich Student Regulations and Procedures (01/10/23)
- Student Protection Plan (01/11/23)
When should I apply for an MA course?
There is no official deadline for applying for a postgraduate course. We would recommend you apply by 25 August (at the very latest) of the autumn you wish to start. This will allow time for your interview to take place and the necessary paperwork to be processed if you are successful in achieving a place. International students requiring a visa should apply as soon as possible in the year they wish to start. Email our International Team for more information.
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