Computer Game Engineering MSc
Gain the skills to become a software engineer in game engine technologies, real-time graphics programming and simulation technologies with our Computer Game Engineering MSc.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2024
Overview
In collaboration with a number of high profile industry leaders and computer game innovators, we have created an advanced master's in game development. This master's produces graduates with the potential to become future leaders in the global computer games industry.
The game engineering course is for honours graduates in computing science or a discipline with significant computing and/or mathematical content, such as:
- computing
- information systems
- mathematics
- engineering
- systems engineering
- physics
We'll equip you with the skills and knowledge required to develop computer game software. We'll also provide an international perspective on advancements in computer game development.
You'll benefit from:
- an industrial advisory board made up from high profile UK games companies
- the opportunity to meet game developers from across the UK
- a technical focus on game engineering and programming
We'll encourage you to play a full part in the life of the School. You'll participate in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers. The experienced and helpful staff at Newcastle will be happy to offer support with all aspects of your course from admissions to graduation and developing your career beyond.
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you'll learn
There are three phases in the course. Phase one (60 credits) will introduce core knowledge and skills through modules in:
- programming
- graphics
- game technologies
You'll also undertake a substantial amount of supervised and unsupervised practical work.
During phase two (30 credits), we emphasise the practice of computer game development through modules in:
- skills, tools and techniques for the game industry
- the development of a computer game (team exercise)
- industry seminars from across the games industry
Phase three (90 credits) is the individual system development or research project.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you'll learn
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Professional skills assessments
- Practical lab report
- Report
The course culminates in a Project and Dissertation in Computer Game Engineering. This five month project gives you a real opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills.
You'll also gain work experience in a research or development team. You can carry out your project in:
- one of the research groups at Newcastle University
- an industry laboratory
- your place of work
You'll have one-to-one supervision from an experienced member of staff. You'll also be supported by supervision from industry partners as required. For your project you may collaborate with developers in the game industry who make up the course's industrial advisory board.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
The staff delivering this course have international reputations for their contributions to the fields of online gaming, graphics and simulation, artificial intelligence, programming and human computer interaction.
Your future
Newcastle has a first-class record of research related to the development of computer game technologies. 97% of our graduates are in employment following graduation. Our graduates have gone on to work as programmers for a wide range of companies including:
- Ubisoft
- Activision
- Rockstar North
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building, a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:
- academia
- the public sector
- communities
- business and industry
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
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You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
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- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
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Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Admissions Secretary
School of Computing
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736
Email: Computing.Admissions@ncl.ac.uk
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