Games Software Development (MSc)

On this course, you'll develop software and learn to use the tools and frameworks used in the game industry. You'll study low-level hardware architectures for optimisation, including the novel architectures of games consoles and how to exploit them. You'll also look at the gaming industry itself — and prepare yourself for a rewarding position within it.

In 2018 we were named 'Best Educational Institution' by TIGA, the independent games association. The award recognises our games courses for being world leading, having strong links with industry, and leading its students into graduate roles.

• Learn to implement real-time 3D applications using the C++ programming language.
• Benefit from industry links with companies including Sony Computer Entertainment and Sumo Digital.
• Gain project management skills, and learn how to approach the different stages of game production.
• Identify and target a career path, and understand the structure and function of the industry.
• Study on a course with industry accreditation from Creative Skillset, TIGA and PlayStation®First.

'The course provides you with the knowledge you need to work within the games industry, while helping you make useful contacts. I've also had the opportunity to work with SteelMinions, and published a PSVR game in the process.'

Sergio Alapont, MSc Games Software Development

How you learn

This course provides a wide-ranging study, with emphasis on industry relevance and involvement. You learn to locate, interpret and assimilate new developments from industry and research in your own work in a productive and effective way, while building a substantial, commercial-quality portfolio. The course is designed in conjunction with our industrial partners, and is regularly updated to include materials to reflect current trends in technology.

Learning and teaching involves lectures, seminars and practical problem solving activities in small group sessions. You will also be expected to engage in self-learning activities and with the assessment tasks set.

You learn through:

• independent recommended reading
• laboratory exercises
• individual and group activities
• software development
• coursework
• group project work
• self and peer assessment
• problem-solving activities
• software development
• personal research and development project
• essays, presentations and dissertations

There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus programme.

Applied learning

Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals in the form of guest seminars, workshops, client projects, competitions and curriculum advice.

We work in close partnership with games companies such as SN Systems. They provide equipment and input into the design, development and delivery of the course, ensuring we teach the very latest topics. For example, industry speakers give talks on specialist topics and offer employability advice.

There is an annual student prize for the best software development tool, sponsored by SN Systems — a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment. 

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• the games industry
• software engineering
• research and academia
• progression paths for research within the department and further afield

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for mainstream console development studios such as:

• Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Sumo Digital
• Just Add Water
• On The Metal Ltd
• Blue Byte
• game engine developers such as Unity

Accreditation

This course is accredited by ScreenSkills (the Creative Industries' Sector Skills Council) and TIGA (The Independent Game Developers Association).

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus.

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Equipment and facilities

On this course you work with:

• our active in-house game studio, Steel Minions, with specialist commercially-licensed equipment
• one of the largest university PlayStation 3 and 4 Labs
• industry-standard software (including Visual Studio, Unity and Unreal)
• Vive® and Occulus® Rift headsets
• games resources room with retail video games and consoles

Modules

The modules for 2019/20 may vary to those given below, which are for academic year 2018/19

Compulsory modules:

• Game Development Practice - 30 credits - Coursework 
• Graphics And Animation - 15 credits - Coursework 
• Hardware Oriented Software Engineering - 15 credits - Coursework 
• Multiprocessing And Parallel Systems - 15 credits - Coursework 
• Research And Development Project - 45 credits - Coursework 
• Research Methods - 15 credits - Coursework 
• Software Studio Planning - 15 credits - Coursework 
• Special Techniques For Graphics And Animation - 15 credits - Coursework 

Elective modules:

• Applied Artificial Intelligence - 15 credits - Coursework 
• C++ Boot Camp - 15 credits - Coursework 

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

Apply

Visit the Games Software Development (MSc) page on the Sheffield Hallam University website for more details!