Why choose the School of Computer Science and Technology
Our postgraduate taught computing courses rank 4th overall in their subject field with top 3 rankings for teaching, engagement, learning community, assessment and organisation (PTES, 2024
Our computer games and animation courses rank joint 1st in their subject field for academic support (NSS, 2024)
First-hand experience working with our industry partners on collaborative projects that have the potential to be published
About the course
This course provides you with a 360-degree perspective on the game design and development pipeline. Deepen your technical understanding by working with cutting edge game engines; hone your design skills analysing and creating innovative game mechanics; follow industry-standard development processes to bring your ideas from prototype to final release. You will work individually on game projects driven by your personal research interests and collaborate with fellow students on extended, challenging group briefs. The course furnishes you with the skills and confidence to join development teams across the globe or follow your own rules as an indie developer.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Specialist games, animation and graphics labs with VR technology and high-spec computers
- Motion-capture and green-screen studios
- Industry-level software including Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, Unreal Engine and Blender
- Modern computing labs, group study hubs and bespoke teaching spaces in our STEM building
Industry links
This course has been developed in close collaboration with industry. Group projects are driven by industry-set briefs, providing first-hand experience of how the industry operates and allowing you to apply your skills in real-world contexts.
Your student experience
Gain advanced skills in games design, development and emerging technologies for games.
Enhance your abilities in programming and scripting as well as procedural and generative techniques.
Develop a creative practice in games for entertainment or serious purposes, or learn to solve complex, games-adjacent problems in emerging industries like spatial computing (VR/AR/XR) and virtual production.
Undertake hands-on projects using bespoke, industry-standard facilities and working in collaborative teams across the fields of games design and games art.
Benefit from the personalised guidance and industry insights of leading academics across the fields of creative technologies and computing.
Enjoy guest lectures by game designers and other professionals from game development studios, gaining valuable industry insights.
Develop a professional mindset that makes you highly attractive to employers.
What will you study?
- Game Design Principles and Programming
- Collaborative Project (Preproduction, Prototyping, Project Management)
- Immersive Futures and Critical Play
- Collaborative Project (Development, Deployment, Dissemination)
- MSc Project – Game Design
How will you be assessed?
The assessment strategy used is a balance of coursework, group and individual reports, portfolios and presentations. Presentations are usually given and assessed in the context of a group seminar. You will also produce artefacts in the form of playable games.
The method used for the assessments will depend on the nature of the subject being taught in the unit, and the most appropriate method has been chosen.
Constant feedback and advice from a supervisory or unit team will be provided to support you in your work, so that you can gain an insight into whether your work is meeting the necessary targets.
Careers
The course equips you for various roles within the gaming field such as games designer; level designer; games programmer; and games producer. As a Games Design Master’s graduate, you are well prepared for opportunities in game development studios, immersive media production, serious games and other relevant fields. Industry-devised collaborative briefs provide first-hand experience of how the industry operates and allows you to apply your skills in real-world contexts. This exposure enhances your understanding of industry dynamics and sets you apart in the job market, making you a well-rounded candidate familiar with both the creative and practical aspects of game development.
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £10,000 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
International 2024/25
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £16,900
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
