MSc Games Development is a conversion programme designed for students from other disciplines who would like to build a skillset for a career in the games industry or related creative technology sector. We build computer programming skills from the ground up, assuming no previous experience. Students are also able to learn about game design topics and a variety of advanced tools and platforms, including virtual and augmented realities.
Our programme delivery team comprises lecturers with industry experience, and leading-edge academic research experience, who are used to working in interdisciplinary settings. We therefore welcome applications from students of all subject areas who are interested in building games and technical development skills for career development, personal interest, or to explore further study options.
Teaching and programme content is informed by current industry tools and trends, and students also enjoy our specialist learning facilities which include a games lab with console development kits, group working space, and play testing facilities, as well as an XR lab space. Students may also join the Computer Science Society, who work closely with our lecturers and organise student-led extra curricula activities such as game jams and guest speakers. This environment provides a rich source of inputs and perspectives, as well as many opportunities for constructive and creative multidisciplinary interactions.
Develop the knowledge and expertise to create contemporary video games
Explore industry context and topics applicable to working within the sector
Informed by the work and research of academic staff who specialise in games
Access to specialist games teaching facilities
Complete an independent research project in a specialist area
This course comprises a range of core modules. Students are introduced to core concepts of game prototyping and programming using industry relevant tools through the Prototyping and Evaluation for Games module. These skills are reinforced by studying Programming Principles. Students can then study modules in game design, software engineering, virtual and augmented reality, and research methods. There is an opportunity towards the end of the programme to undertake a substantial research project. This is a chance to explore an area of personal and professional interest through substantive software implementation and the development of a dissertation.
Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
This module introduces cutting-edge topics in games research areas, including both theory and practical applications. The module will follow a research seminar format, involving input from colleagues across the School of Computer Science and other Schools at Lincoln. Additionally, guest lectures from industry representatives and leading international researchers will be offered. Topics will include technical aspects, user experience, design, serious games, and games studies. Students will further benefit from opportunities to discuss potential research topics that they can explore to build and enhance their research and critical thinking skills.
This module aims to explore advanced topics using a contemporary object-oriented programming language. The objective is to prepare students for professional-level programming in scientific and commercial computing, and to support programming tasks in other modules of this award.
Students can explore a range of programming topics through a series of lectures and practical workshops, and will work on producing an individual programming assignment.
This module is an introduction to game development, guided by the industry experience of lecturing staff, and underpinned by theoretical considerations from game design and player experience, to deliver an industry-relevant experience of building and evaluating game concepts.
This module is designed to cover the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake research related to the title of the award being studied, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; selection of appropriate research methods; evaluation of research; presentation and reporting of research; and legal, social, ethical and professional considerations.
This module presents students with the opportunity to carry out a significant inquiry-driven research project, focusing on a topical area of interest that is aligned with their programme of study. This is primarily realised through the development of a dissertation and substantive research and/or software implementation output.
The research project is an individual piece of work, which enables students to apply and integrate elements of study from a range of modules, centred on a specific research question. The student will undertake work that is relevant to the ongoing research in either one of the established research centres within the School of Computer Science or through the development of a project concept in consultation with their allocated academic supervisor.
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of advanced concepts of software engineering principles and practices. The course focus on developing the skills necessary to design and deploy sophisticated modern software systems in a range of application areas. You will develop your practical software engineering skills and learn new theories of software development.
On this module students can learn about emerging Virtual and Augmented Reality platforms from both design and development perspective. Students will have the opportunity to design, build and evaluate their VR and AR apps using state-of-the-art platforms.
This module explores the various conceptual tools that can be applied to the games design process. The module will be broadly split between theory and practical applications, contextualised against both commercial and academic applications. Students will be encouraged to develop as reflective design practitioners, through critiquing their own designs and those of their peers.
There is a specific focus on the design pipeline, starting from requirements gathering, through conceptualisation and prototyping, to evaluation and iteration. Students will learn various methods to help them tackle the specific challenges at each stage in this process. The module is grounded in practical experimentation, and student-centered exploration of the module themes. Through this module students will develop an understanding of the interplay between the different components and mechanics of a game, and how small changes can impact the gameplay experience.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
Students on the programme may be assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects, and examinations. The final stage research project enables students to further specialise and complete a piece of work of significant complexity.
Our students have access to computer laboratories with high-performance PC workstations equipped with full software development platforms; a Games Lab with consoled development kits and a play testing area; and XR equipment including Meta Quest 2 headsets.
Our postgraduate teaching is underpinned by world-leading research. Our academics are actively engaged in relevant research areas such as human0computer interactions and games user experience. More widely, the School has research strengths in robotics, machine learning, data analytics, and medical imaging. From optimising the treatment of cancer patients to spearheading the development of next-generation robots for agri-food production, computer scientists at Lincoln are working at the forefront of new technologies.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
Applicants should hold a minimum 2.2 classification for an Honours degree in any subject from a UK University (or equivalent for international applicants). In addition, applicants should hold a minimum Grade 4 (C) for GCSE Maths, or equivalent.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
The games development industry is the world’s largest entertainment sector, and of particular importance to the UK economy. There are therefore opportunities for graduates to progress to a rewarding and stimulating career, either in games development or in related areas of the UK creative industries. This course aims to develop versatile professionals capable of thriving in a wide range of areas and employment destinations.
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Dr Patrick Dickinson
pdickinson@lincoln.ac.uk
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
