Computer Games Development (Computing) MSc

• Games ProgrammingModern games are built of many specialised components; graphics, artificial intelligence, game logic, network communications, data storage, tools development and more. It is near impossible to be a specialist in all of these areas so an aspiring games programmer needs to be able to focus on one area and become an expert on that topic. Each student start with a range of prior experience and will bring a wide range of desired specialisations. This module allows you to negotiate a structured set of specific objectives which are to be achieved within the module. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and examples of innovative approaches to learning or artefact production will be encouraged. You will discuss with your allocated tutor your programming topic of interest and aspirations for learning. The tutor will explain the requirements of the module and together you will agree an appropriate set of objective and assessment criteria. You will present a plan of activities to achieve the agreed objectives which will be agreed with the tutor. You will then be expected to carry out the plan and submit the agreed work in the agreed format at the end of the module period. These deliverables will be assessed against the objectives and assessment criteria agreed at the start of the module.
• PortfolioThis module is compulsory for all students studying Writing, as a single subject or in combination with another subject. It is only taken by Writing students, and is equivalent to the Synoptic Course Review taken by English students. The module allows you to 'showcase' your writing, preparing it for presentation to publishers or employers. You'll be required to review the development of your work and achievements over the duration of the course, and to select examples of your imaginative and professional writing to form a portfolio which you feel reflects your best work. You may redraft where appropriate and in a critical overview you can explain your choices and progress as writers. This overview contributes to Personal Development Planning. You'll be encouraged to perform or read work from your portfolios to an audience of staff, students and invited guests at the end of the year.
• Games Development 1Games development is a multi-disciplinary endeavour, requiring input from artists, audio-technicians, programmers and designers, to produce an entertaining, polished product. This module provides you with an opportunity to apply your existing skills to complex interdisciplinary projects. Games design theory is tested in a developmental framework where you collaboratively plan successive games projects and in the process gain hands-on experience on how your particular discipline relates to the demands and requirements of professional games development. Rapid project prototyping will lead to a critical evaluation and assessment of the games design and highlight areas that could be improved in the development process. Formative assessment takes place on a weekly basis during practical sessions both by tutors and peers. You will learn to reflect on your own and others' practice and contribute to peer assessment sessions. You will have an opportunity to discuss the progress of the projects with the module tutors. Periodic milestone presentations of the game in development will also be formatively assessed. Summative assessment takes the form of completed game development projects and a critical report which provides a reflective commentary of the development process, a contextual analysis and an evaluation of the projects.
• Games Development 2In this module, you have the opportunity to plan and develop a games project which will focus on developing an innovative games experience. You are encouraged to focus on innovative and engaging player experiences which are not necessarily limited to traditional video game platforms. You will be challenged to develop projects with a target platform, audience and reward strategy in mind and to reflect professional, legal and ethical issues in your game design. The projects which you undertake can be either a full and complete game development project, or an experimental prototype for the exploration of new ideas which can potentially be taken further in your Major Project. You will develop project management and time management skills by collaboratively constructing a schedule of development which considers the prioritising of the various skillsets and accommodating these interdependencies. You will work collaboratively, ensuring that you plan and develop the project in consideration of the demands and influences of the subject specialism of other team members. Formative assessment takes place at several stages within the module: (i) at pitching sessions (ii) two peer assessment sessions (iii) in one-to-one tutorials during which you are able to discuss progress of the project with module tutors Summative assessment will take the form of a game development project and a critical report on the game artefact that provides an analysis of the development process and the project in relation to industry practice.
• Research MethodsGain the support and foundations in the research skills for your Master’s level dissertation. You’ll investigate generic research activities, including project management and dissertation preparation. Your topics could include the consideration of suitable content, planning, and the use of project management software.
• Major ProjectThis module supports students in the preparation and submission of a Master's stage project, dissertation or artefact. The Module provides the opportunity for students to select and explore in-depth, a topic that is of interest and relevant to their course in which they can develop a significant level of expertise. It enables students to; - Demonstrate their ability to generate significant and meaningful questions in relation to their specialism - Undertake independent research using appropriate, recognised methods based on current theoretical research knowledge; critically understand method and its relationship to knowledge - Develop a critical understanding of current knowledge in relation to the chosen subject and to critically analyse and evaluate information and data, which may be complex or contradictory, and draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions. - Develop the capability to expand or redefine existing knowledge; to develop new approaches to changing situations and/or develop new approaches to changing situations and contribute to the development of best practice. - Demonstrate an awareness of and to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in their research or professional practice - Communicate these processes in a clear and elegant fashion - Evaluate their work from the perspective of an autonomous reflective learner.

We’ll ensure you’re on track through a combination of written and practical work, both as an individual and as team activities.