Multimedia Games Engineering, MSc, PGDip

Overview

This course has been devised based on our experience of delivering the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Engineering. There is considerable overlap between the two courses in both structure and outcomes and in both cases the intention is to give you a clear understanding of the underlying principles and technical issues associated with developing computer systems that incorporate multimedia content.

The course is aimed at people who are interested in a career in multimedia games development that involves the creation of multimedia assets and the programming of the interactive features using advanced software tools.

Study routes
We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Multimedia Games Engineering.  The MSc can have a sandwich element if you obtain and carry out an industrial placement. Both courses aim to develop the knowledge and skills that are required to create multimedia games.

On the course, you will explore the technology that is used to manage images, video, sound, animation and 3D worlds. You will learn how these multimedia assets are stored and manipulated, from both a theoretical and practical point of view. You will also examine the use of multimedia for a range of applications with a special focus on how multimedia can be used to build interactive games.

Contact details
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 8351

 

Course

The course is delivered in two phases. A series of taught modules is delivered in the first 30 weeks of the course, covering the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma. The final 15 weeks of the academic year allow MSc students the chance to complete a major project through independent study.

How do you study?
The coursework will require you to undertake practical work together with research and critical evaluation. During the major project, you will be required to undertake a major piece of practical work, which then forms the basis of a dissertation and an oral presentation.

Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Multimedia Game Engineering cover the following taught modules:

Multimedia Technology and Design
This module deals with the underlying technology for creating and manipulating multimedia assets, and the design principles that should be incorporated in this process.

Research Methods
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that are required to enhance your abilities as an independent learner. Practical work in this module will focus on the investigation of topics that are directly relevant to this subject area.

Digital 3D
This subject area deals with the technology involved with the creation of interactive 3D environments.

Game Prototyping
You will learn more about the process of creating games on an individual basis and will explore how this activity fits into the overall activities of the computer games industry.

Multimedia Applications and CAL
Enhance your knowledge of the broader aspects of management of multimedia projects and the specific requirements for CAL systems.

Multimedia Programming
This module covers the theory and practice of using programming languages to enhance the effectiveness and interactivity of multimedia systems.

Should you decide to follow the MSc path, the major project will provide you with the opportunity to work on an individually supervised project in order to apply the material you have previously learnt on the course and develop your expertise in a specific area.

Find out more about MSc Multimedia Games Project work.

Assessment
The taught part of this course is entirely assessed by coursework.

Facilities
This course benefits from the excellent facilities and equipment available in the School of Science and Technology.

Facilities

Careers

It is recognised that the mainstream computer games industry is very popular and consequently very competitive at this time. It is also increasingly specialised. At one end of the spectrum are computer scientists who are creating the software tools that are used to generate the games and the other end consists of graphic artists who are creating the original artwork.

However, this course is aimed at the developer that lies between these roles, constructing multimedia assets based on original artwork and defining the characteristics of game play sequences by using the programmable features of the software tools. Additionally, students who come from a graphic arts background would find that this course would develop their technical skills and thus differentiate them from other graphic artists hoping to go into this industry.

There are also a number of game applications that are not produced on the same scale as the mass-market games, such as those used in computer-aided learning (CAL) products. These are produced on a more individual basis and graduates from this course are very appropriate for this role.

Finally, this course covers many general issues that are relevant to the creation of all multimedia products in particular and computer systems in general. Consequently, study on this course will enhance your initial qualifications by adding a computing element.

As the power of computers and the infrastructure of the Internet have continued to develop, there appears to be an increased demand for students with experience in creating 3D systems and it is expected that this aspect of the course will enhance demand for its graduates.

 

Placements

Practical work experience can help you in your studies and is often paid. It can enhance your commercial awareness and your ability to link theory and practice which will be an invaluable skill in your future career. Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual’s efforts and is not guaranteed.

Length of placement
One year

Placement opportunities
The School is extending its highly successful placement scheme to students of MSc Multimedia Games Engineering. If you choose this option, you will receive extensive help in obtaining a valuable one-year paid work placement and continued support during the placement period. Salaries range from £10,000 to £35,000. Request a course leaflet to find out more about placement options on this course.

For further information please visit our placements website.

 

How to apply

Click the Apply online button at the top of the page to complete your application.