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Course information

Department

Computing

Length

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Course overview

This MSc is tailored for people who want to work in the game industry. You will learn multi-platform game development and gain a solid foundation in programming to help you develop your own skills. The MSc has a strong focus on business and entrepreneurship, including the possibility to work with industry partners as part of your internship.

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. 

Why Study MSc Computer Games Programming at Goldsmiths 

  • Learn how to design and develop games, using state of the art tools and game engines from actual game developer and industry veterans.
  • Focus on which skills you want to learn through a selection of option 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 annual events and game jams organised by the department, 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 groundbreaking titles.

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.
  • Creative folks 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.

Internship & Research Pathways

There are two pathways available to all students in the MSc Computer Games Programming: Internship and Research. Students on the Internship pathway are required to take part in an industry placement during the Summer Term. This is the perfect option if you want to use this opportunity to kickstart your career in the Game Industry.

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.

The pathway must be chosen at the moment of your enrolment, but might be changed on a case-by-case basis.

MA Computer Games: Art & Design

If you are more interested in the design process, 3D modelling and animation, you may want to find out about the MA Computer Games: Art & Design.

You will be working alongside the MA students, and if you are unsure which programme is for you, you might be able to switch between the two in the first two weeks of the course.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Alan Zucconi.

What you'll study

Overview

You will study five compulsory modules which will deepen your skills in game design and programming, in addition to teaching you the fundamentals of mathematics and entrepreneurship.

There are no exams on this programme – every module is assessed via coursework only. This will also give you the unique chance to work on your portfolio.

Compulsory modules

Module title Credits
Games Programming 1

Games Programming 1

15 credits

This module covers the basics of multi-platform game development, using one of the most popular game engines in the world: Unity. You'll learn the fundamentals of C#, which is used to implement everything from your game logic to character controllers. 

At the end of the module, you'll be able to create your very own game and publish it on different platforms.

 15 credits
Mathematics for Games and V&AR

Mathematics for Games and V&AR

15 credits

This module teaches you the basics of the theoretical and practical concepts of mathematics, algorithms and coding needed to understand and develop modern graphics applications for games, VR/AR and entertainment systems and graphics applications. 

The module is focused on mathematics fundamentals for 2D and 3D graphics, starting with concepts from Linear Algebra (with a focus on vectors, matrices and their applications in games, graphics and VR/AR), elements of procedural graphics, including L-systems and fractals are also introduced. 2D, 3D and 4D mathematics is covered, including homogeneous coordinates (to cover perspective projections and translations), and complex numbers and quaternions (useful in 3D rotations and animations).

 15 credits
Programming for Game Engines

Programming for Game Engines

15 credits

This module will introduce you to professional-grade game engines (such as Unreal) that can be used to build virtual worlds across a wide array of disciplines including games, computational arts, film, design and the sciences. You'll learn how to build and combine components of a complex 3D rendering engine, such as geometry, lighting, particle systems, 3D audio and user input, to realise your ideas.

 15 credits
Game Design and Analytics

Game Design and Analytics

15 credits

This module is focused on the craft of game design and how to use player behaviour to maximise acquisition/retention. 

You'll study how to deconstruct games from a designer’s perspective allowing you to learn from best practice to build your own design patterns, reward cycles and hence optimise player enjoyment. We will cover how to rapidly prototype your designs using a game engine.  

We also cover design considerations for mobile, multiplayer and the use of analytics allowing you to make effective design choices.

 15 credits

Internship and Research pathways

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.

Optional modules

You'll then take 60 credits of optional modules from a list provided annually by the department. As part of these options, you'll have the opportunity to take a work placement by choosing the module Games Business and Practice in your first term.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Between 2020 and 2022 we needed to make some changes to how programmes were delivered due to Covid-19 restrictions. For more information about past programme changes please visit our programme changes information page.

What our students say

Giacomo Mazza
The time I spent studying at Goldsmiths was absolutely invaluable. Not only did it enrich my knowledge, making me more proficient in what I do now, but it also gave me the push I needed to get the job I desired.

The time I spent studying at Goldsmiths was absolutely invaluable. Not only did it enrich my knowledge, making me more proficient in what I do now, but it also gave me the push I needed to get the job I desired. I would have not been able to work for the University of Oxford for 7 months, at the end of which we published a game (The Vaccination Game on itch.io) if it wasn't for the connections Goldsmiths and its lecturers have. They equipped me with the relevant skills and insight that helped me with different job interviews after my time at university. Everything I have learnt has been based on the game industry standards, preparing me for my working life and giving me the boost I needed to make it through.

Now I am a Unity developer, which is exactly the job I wanted to pursue. I can apply everything I have studied at Goldsmiths, and every single day I learn more and more about programming and Unity Development. I was able to work on Sony's Spark 2021, which was a virtual interactive showcase of their latest products.

In my spare time, since Goldsmiths has given me the opportunity of studying different coding languages and using the Unreal Engine, I continue to deepen my knowledge about these subjects since the future might lead me to unexpected paths where the expertise of these topics will be needed.

The area around the campus is fantastic! There are so many places where you can grab a bite, so many different cuisines and pubs. My favourites are Beirut Canteen (Lebanese cuisine), Fat Slice (well-made pizza!), Out Of The Brew (Cafè and vegan food), and The New Cross House (fantastic pub).
South East London is also home to beautiful locations, such as the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the O2, and the National Maritime Museum. Lots of fun!

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.

Fees, funding & scholarships

To find out more about your fees, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

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.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

UK students offered a place on this degree are eligible to apply for the BAFTA Scholarship Programme.

 

How to apply

Apply now

You 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

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.

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.

Selection process 

You will 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.

Find out more about applying.

Student work

Exercise for the Maths&Gfx1—MSc CGE Course at Goldsmiths, with Prof. Fol Leymarie. A stochastic L-System implementation using the Octet framework (github.com/andy-thomason/octet), featuring a rendering mode with a spring-damper system.
BioBlox2D : development done at Goldsmiths by some of our past MSc games programming students. More details here: http://www.bioblox.org
BioBlox3D : development done at Goldsmiths by some of our past MSc games programming students. Details on the project: http://www.bioblox.org
BioBloxVR : development done at Goldsmiths, University of London, by some of our past MSc games programming students. More on the project here: http://www.bioblox.org

Facilities

Talks, Events, and Conferences

We encourage all MSc Computer Games Programme students to work closely with their fellow MA Computer Games: Art and Design colleagues. We strive to provide an ideal environment for teamwork on games development projects and assignments, better preparing students to face a job in the game industry.

Students also have access to the Computing Department VR Studio containing HTC Vives, Oculus VR headsets, and a multi-camera motion capture studio for development work.

On top of that, each year we bring guest speakers to Goldsmiths 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.

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:

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. The list of previous speakers have included:

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 three years in a row, Goldsmiths has been proudly hosting the largest GGJ site in London. Thanks to the support of the Hacksmiths, we offered space, food and even beds to all students and developers who took part in the jam.

We also run a series of workshops and talks, which have included:

Other events

Here at Goldsmiths we also organise other inter-departmental events. This includes several "Tea & Testing" sessions during the year, which give students a safe space to playtest their games. We also run occasional career fairs opened to all postgraduate students at Goldsmiths.

Careers

Industry Placements & Career Paths

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.

Company Testimonials

The following are some quotes from companies who have liaised with us to offer industry placements to MA and MSc Computer Games students.

Supermassive Games

"Following two years of successful placements at Supermassive Games, which resulted in full-time jobs, we are looking forward to inviting Goldsmiths students to take part in our internship assessment day again this year."

Jonathan Amor, Director of Technology, Supermassive Games

Ubisoft Reflections

"We are delighted to announce that Reflections, a Ubisoft studio, will be taking on two Goldsmiths MSc Computer Games Programming students for Internship."

Dr Chris Jenner, Expert Programmer

Rebellion

"Having now placed four interns from Goldsmiths here at Rebellion, two of which have gone on to become permanent members of staff, we are very much looking forward to future applications from talented and creative Goldsmiths MSc Computer Games students.”

Jason Kingsley OBE, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion

The Creative Assembly (SEGA)

“Following two continuous years of The Creative Assembly (SEGA) successfully taking Goldsmiths MSc Games Programming Students on placements we are pleased to announce that we have reserved a minimum of three placements for Goldsmiths MSc students starting the course in September 2013, on site during the period May to September 2014. Subject to interview/portfolio process”.

Martin Servantes Director of Operations & Finance

Jagex Games Studio

"Jagex Games Studio in Cambridge is looking forward to receiving applications from Goldsmiths’ talented MSc Computer Games students for their summer internships in 2014”.

Sue Stather, Graduate Recruitment Specialist, Jagex Games Studio

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.

Staff

Staff teaching on this programme include:

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