Games Computing

Programming is the foundation of all software-reliant sectors and plays an essential role in any major games studio. Here’s your chance to develop the technical mastery that industry needs.

Our course covers everything from advanced graphics programming to artificial intelligence. You’ll also use cutting-edge technology, such as PlayStation 5, virtual reality spaces and bespoke arcade systems.

The Masters is ideal for graduates with a background in general software engineering, games programming, games development, computer science or similar technical disciplines. Alongside these areas, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the underpinning theory and philosophies of the subject.

You will collaborate with others on multidisciplinary projects, mirroring the practices found in professional studios. We’ll also help you to develop an industry-ready portfolio through challenging practical assignments and coursework.

You will be supported through one-to-one supervision for your dissertation, where you can focus on leading edge techniques and research. There will also be opportunities to network and benefit from our wide-ranging contacts within international games studios.

You’ll be joining a multi-award-winning department – and one of the largest games programming teams in the UK. Our experts have extensive experience and their specialisms include AI, VR and graphics.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Games Computing

Course content

You’ll enhance your understanding of advanced computer science and software engineering so you are ready for the engineering challenges faced by industry. The course also covers cutting-edge science and complex problem-solving.

We will guide you through project development stages and help you to reflect, research and advance your skills in the games development pipeline. You will also apply your research to create a high-quality artefact that showcases what you have learned and aligns with current industry needs.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Advanced Prototyping	20 credits
Computer Science Applications For Games	20 credits
Game Master Project	60 credits
Graphics Programming	20 credits
Professional Practice And Entrepreneurship	20 credits
Project Management And Research Methods	20 credits
Serious Games Applications And Development Methodologies	20 credits

Entry requirements

You’ll normally need a 2:2 or above undergraduate qualification (or equivalent). Applicants should have a background in technical games programming or computer science, either from previous academic study or professional industry experience. Ideally, you will also have practical knowledge and experience with C++ or C# programming.

If you’re unsure whether your background fully meets these requirements, or if you have equivalent industry experience, please contact us we’re happy to discuss your eligibility and provide guidance.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Games Labs

Our world-class games development studios are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software and hardware to give you a professional design and programming experience.

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Games Programming Lab

Our labs offer development facilities for multiple platforms, including PS4, Xbox360, Xbox One, phones, tablets and PCs. Underpinning the console specific solutions are development environments for languages including C, C++, C# and Java.

VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab

The VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab is equipped with a number of HTC Vive Virtual Reality headsets and a dedicated development area to create, develop and test VR solutions. Read more

VR and AR solutions can also be used in conjunction with the Motion Capture Studio to create mixed or hyper-reality experiences for a variety of industries and applications. Our VR, AR and Mixed Reality Labs can be used to create a range of experiences, including training, gaming, palliative care support and shopping experiences. Find out more about our Immersive Technology facilities.

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Careers

Graduates from this course are highly sought after for their technical and programming expertise in the games industry. You will be positioned to successfully secure roles with major game development studios and innovative technology companies worldwide.

Potential career pathways could include:

Games Programmer
Technical Developer
Graphics Programmer
Game Engine Developer
Serious Games Developer
Systems Programmer
AI Programmer
Game Project Manager
Technical Lead

This course will also prepare you for further academic research or study at PhD level, as well as roles in teaching and academia.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, but we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills. For this course, you'll:

Work with others on group work
Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
Be expected to study independently
Work on a project and portfolio

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are. We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Staff

Dr Kieran Hicks

Course Director

Dr Kieran Hicks is a game design lecturer, they are the director of the DEMI research centre. Their research explores games from user-based and design-based lenses, using games as a tool to engage diverse groups in beneficial activity.

Kieran's profile

Craig Weightman

Senior Lecturer

Craig is a lecturer in Games Programming and has an active research interest in gamification and its uses in developing society.

Craig's profile

Dr David White

Senior Lecturer

Course leader for PhDs. Senior lecturer in Computer Games Programming – 3D graphics programming and AI.

David's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MSc-Full-time
Study option	UK / Channel Islands	International
Full-time	£9,165 per course	£16,750 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies. Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course. The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice. Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx. £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus	MSc	Full-time	22 September 2025	Apply now

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