MSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology

Aspiring game programmers, artists, audio designers, designers and producers are brought together on a single course where they work together on group projects to extend and develop a range of relevant game development skills. Specialist options extend knowledge and skills in specific areas taught by academics (mainly ex-games industry) with games industry insider knowledge.

The course aims to equip students to work as game developers and project managers in the leisure software industry. Within the academic environment students develop a wide range of intellectual, analytical and problem-solving skills, which are then appropriately applied.

Students will critically engage with the technological evolution of their subject area and address the emergence of subsequent contemporary practices. Particular emphasis is placed on the individual's ability to implement, evaluate and reflect on subject related issues; whilst flexibility and adaptability are essential aspects of any shifting medium. Technological expertise and critical interrogation within their subject areas combine to locate the successful graduates at the forefront of contemporary practice.

In addition, and more generally, the course aims to:

• Provide a challenging, stimulating and self-rewarding study environment.
• Provide a framework whereby individual study paths may be forged based on choice from a range of options.
• Develop a range of keys skill by means of opportunities provided in the study units.
• Accommodate student needs in relation to maximising their career potential by enabling them to develop knowledge, critical understanding and advanced skills in their chosen subject area.

Course Leader: Mark Eyles

More information (pdf)
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University course page
E-mail: mark.eyles@port.ac.uk

Summary of game related resources

• Game Development Laboratory with 25 PlayStation 2 Linux development kits.
• A Games Laboratory with 13 gaming stations (networked and with LCD monitors) and also a 42 inch plasma TV, games PC and Dolby 5.1 surround sound.
• Equipment for students to borrow:
  35 PlayStation 2 Linux development kits.
  GameCube development kit.
  Mobile phone development kits (Nokia 6600 and development software).
• Software available on university computers in the multimedia and games laboratories: Visual Studio .NET 2003. 3D Studio Max.
• There is a dedicated Virtual Reality Laboratory that contains a virtual reality cave (front and sides) and also motion capture facilities (magnetic and optical) and a range of different haptic devices.
• Unreal Tournament 2003 is available on 25 computers in the Liongate Multimedia Suite.