MSc Computer Games Programming
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Why study MSc Computer Games Programming at Goldsmiths
This MSc is tailored for people who want to start a career in the game industry. One of the only programmes in the UK taught by actual game developers, you will learn multi-platform game development and gain a solid foundation in programming. The programme has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and business, including the possibility to carry out an internship with industry partners.
- As a fast-growing 150-billion-dollar business, the game industry offers countless professional opportunities. The MSc Computer Games: Programming is right for you if you want to make game development a sustainable career and to work in this creative and rewarding industry.
- Study in one of the only programmes taught by actual game developers, designers, and artists with years of experience in the game industry.
- Learn how to design and develop games, using state-of-the-art tools and game engines from actual game developer and industry veterans.
- Collaborate with colleagues from other courses, including the MA Computer Games Art & Design and the MA Games and Playful Design.
- Focus on which skills you want to learn through a selection of optional modules.
- Build your portfolio through practical coursework.
- Access state-of-the-art game labs and facilities.
- Get your first internship in the game industry (or work on a research project instead).
- Take part in the many events and game jams we organise every year, and be part of the creative and diverse environment that surrounds Goldsmiths.
- Access a strong UK community of publishers and creators with innovative voices creating ground-breaking titles.
Contact
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Alan Zucconi .
Length
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second-class standard in a relevant/related subject, such as Game Design/Programming or Computer Science. You might also be considered if you can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
Fees
Home - full-time: £14300
Home - part-time: £7150
International - full-time: £22000
School
Subject
Who should apply
The MSc Computer Games Programming is the perfect fit for:
- People who want to find a job in the game and entertainment industries.
- Programmers who want to learn how to create games.
- Game developers who want to improve their programming skills.
- Technical artists who want to use code to create interactive and procedural artworks.
- Game designers who want to learn coding to bring their ideas to life.
- Creatives who want to use interactive technologies for their projects.
There are no technical prerequisites for the MSc, as the course will cover the basics of programming and mathematics in the first week. However, a computer science background is strongly recommended, and any experience with programming languages or game engines is very welcome.
Choosing your pathway
There are two pathways available to all students in the MSc Computer Games Programming - Internship and Research.
Internship
Students on the Internship pathway take part in an industry placement during the Summer Term. This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your career in the game industry. We have a strong network of games companies and studios and have helped obtain placements for a significant number of students, many of whom secured permanent employement following this.
If you are a student visa holder, you might be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) during the Summer Term, giving you a strong advantage in your search for an internship. We also facilitate overseas students in taking up placements/internships in their home country with the option of remote supervision.
Research
Students on the Research pathway will work on a final project instead. This is recommended if you want to pursue an academic career, or if you want to deepen your knowledge in a specific area.
MA Computer Games: Art & Design
If you are interested in the design process, 3D modelling and animation, you may want to find out about the MA Computer Games: Art & Design.
Students on the MSc Computer Games Programming work alongside students on this MA programme, and if you are unsure which programme is for you, you might be able to switch between them in the first two weeks.
What you'll study
You will study four compulsory modules that will deepen your skills in game design and programming, in addition to teaching you the fundamentals of mathematics and entrepreneurship.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Games Programming 1 | 15 credits |
| Games Programming 2 | 15 credits |
| Programming for Game Engines | 15 credits |
| Mathematics for Games and V&AR | 15 credits |
Final project
Students on the Internship pathway are required to take part in an industry placement during the Summer Term.
Students on the Research pathway will work on a final project instead.
Assessment
Every module is assessed via coursework only – there are no exams on this programme. This will also give you the unique chance to work on your portfolio.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second-class standard in a relevant/related subject, such as Game Design/Programming or Computer Science.
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
In some instances, we may ask to see more of your work or to conduct a short interview.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 overall and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
How to apply
Apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system
Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement
- A portfolio
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
Submitting your portfolio
A portfolio of relevant work (such as digital games, programming samples, art-based/sketchbook, games assets, design documents) is required for your application. This could take whichever form works best to showcase your work, although a PDF or a video are strongly encouraged.
If you have worked on a game, the best way to showcase it is to include a link to a gameplay video. Please be advised that due to safety reasons, we cannot play executable or install files sent by applicants; so a video and a WebGL build would be ideal to showcase your games.
If you have worked on other, non-games related creative projects, you are welcome to show that in your portfolio, as everything that can demonstrate your creativity and commitment is welcome. Please note that our system has a maximum file size of 20mb so you may need to host your work elsewhere and upload a link.
Proficiency at programming
You may be required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency at programming in a major language, such as C, C#, C++ or Java, before being accepted on the programme. This may take the form of test or – during an interview – a practical challenge to programme a well-known method or algorithm.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
If you're applying for external funding from one of the Research Councils, make sure you submit your application by the deadline they've specified.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
Find out more about applying.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £14300
- Home - part-time: £7150
- International - full-time: £22000
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Talks, events, and conferences
Goldsmiths is a nexus for game development in London. Each year we run several events and bring guest speakers from the game industry. This is one of the ways we create more links with the industry and can offer our students help in getting internships in various games studios during the summer term.
These are some of the game-specific events that we run every year:
Global Game Jam
The Global Game Jam is a yearly event in which people from all over the world work on making a small game over the course of a weekend. For several years in a row, Goldsmiths has been proudly hosting the largest GGJ site in Europe, and in 2026 we became the second largest site globally.
The event is open to the public, and we welcomed game studios as well as students from other London colleges and universities (including London College of Communication, London Southbank University, SAE Institute, University of West London, University for the Creative Arts, and Imperial College London).
AI and Games Conference
Goldsmiths is home to the “AI and Games Conference”, now the largest game AI event in the world. The 2025 edition featured talks from Electronic Arts, Bitpart AI, Amazon Web Services, Ubisoft, Google, Databricks, Riot Games, Arm, Creative Assembly, and Kythera, among many other companies and universities.
The “AI and Games Conference” is organised in collaboration with Dr Tommy Thompson (best known for the popular AI and Games YouTube channel), Duygu Çakmak (Creative Assembly), Dr Gabriel Robert (Final Strike Games), Matthias Siemonsmeier (Splash Damage), and Alan Zucconi (Goldsmiths).
Seminar Series: Games & Entertainment Industries
A series of talks organised by Prof William Latham and Richard Leinfellner, bringing key figures from the creative industries all around the world. The list of previous speakers includes:
- Steve Goss, Creative Director, Supermassive Games
- Richard Wilson, Head of TIGA
- David Bishop, Head of Game Design, MindCandy
- John Ribbins, Creative Director, Roll7
- Jeff Wagner, Senior Technology and Production Consultant, SideFx
- Russell Clarke, Director of Product Development, Ideaworks Game Studio
- Sam Martin, Head of Technology, Geomerics
- Jonathan Taylor, MediaTonic
- Lee Singleton, Square Enix
- David Amor, MAG Interactive
- Greg Furber, Rewind
- Adam Whittaker, Natural Motion/Zegami
- Andrew Oliver and Phillip Oliver, Rebellion
- Tom Hegarty, Roll7
- Sam Hayhurst, 22 Cans
- Matt Carrol, Sports Interactive
- Martin Rigby, Investor
- Gaetano Dimita, IP Games Expert, Queen Mary Legal Faculty
Games Library Night
A biannual event taking place during Reading Week and organised by course leaders Alan Zucconi and Federico Fasce, which celebrates the more independent side of the game industry. We use these opportunities to showcase students' games to the public and give space to underrepresented voices in the industry.
Game Nights
Here at Goldsmiths, we occasionally run game nights, where staff and students can play together. We currently host a large Minecraft Server where students from all game courses are welcome to join. The server includes a faithful reconstruction of the Richard Hoggart Building, which is Goldsmiths’ main building.
Industry placements and career paths
Placements
As part of the MSc, students may choose to do an internship with a games-related company. Over the years we worked closely with industry leaders and game studios to offer industry placements.
Many internships result in permanent positions, and almost 100% of our graduates find work four to five months after finishing the programme. Some have gone on to work in major studios like EA, Ubisoft, Sony, Creative Assembly, Microsoft, Cinesite, Framestore, Splash Damage, Rebellion Studios, Mediatonic, Frontier, Supermassive and Roll7, as well as getting funded for start-ups such as Terrardhard.
The MSc Computer Games is the perfect fit for anyone who is – or wants to be – in one of the following positions:
-
People who want to find a job in the game and entertainment industries
-
Programmers who want to learn how to create games
-
Game Developers who want to improve their programming skills
-
Technical Artists who want to use code to create interactive and procedural artworks
-
Game Designers who want to learn coding to bring their ideas to life
-
Creatives who want to use interactive technologies for their projects
Career support
As a fast-growing 150-billion-dollar business, the game industry offers countless professional opportunities. The MSc Computer Games Programming is right for you if you want to make game development a sustainable career and to work in this creative and rewarding industry.
This is also one of the only programmes taught by actual game developers, designers, and artists with years of experience in the game industry.
Students are supported from the start to the finish of this programme in order to understand the different potential career journeys they can follow and to build a portfolio of work to demonstrate their capability to gain employment or freelance work in that area. Assessment has been designed to facilitate this process through the development of transferable or soft skills listed in the section above. Regular guest lectures from industry support the development of sector knowledge and awareness of different career paths.
Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.
Student work
The Vaccination Game
The Vaccination Game is the result of a seven-month work placement with the University of Oxford. The project is not supposed to be used as a tool to predict epidemics, instead, it should be used to understand the importance of vaccination and how it can prevent epidemics.
You can play The Vaccination Game here.
Find out more about Giacomo's project in this interview with Goldsmiths and this interview with Oxford University.
BioBlox 2D, 3D and VR
These games were developed by some of our past MSc games programming students.
BioBlox2D is a spin-off from BioBlox and is a smartphone/tablet game based on docking molecular fragments into a receptor. It is available from the Apple app store and Google Play.
BioBlox3D is a free online serious game about proteins docking. This problem is key to the understanding of all cellular processes and in particular to the practical application of drug design.
BioBlox 2D
BioBlox 3D
BioBlox VR
Staff
Staff teaching on this programme include:
