MSc Computer Games

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

The MSc Computer Games at Essex is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) programme for students with some computing or related experience who want to build practical and theoretical games development skills. It covers game design, AI-for-games, 3D games development, mobile apps, physics-based games, and includes research & project work.

Curriculum Structure:
You take core modules such as Game Artificial Intelligence, Physics-Based Games, Mobile and Social Application Programming, Game Design, High-Level Games Development, and Professional Practice and Research Methodology. These give you both the theoretical foundations (AI techniques, physics engines, user input, and narrative/gameplay design) and hands-on experience in building games for different platforms.

You also work on a Group Project (Incorporating a Game Jam) and a MSc Project and Dissertation, which allow you to apply your skills in teams and independently to real-style game development challenges.

Focus areas (in a string):
“Game AI; Physics-Based Games; Mobile & Social Apps; 3D Games Development; Game Design; Group Projects & Dissertation”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Build and evaluate games with AI; design physics-based game mechanics; develop apps/games across platforms; handle narrative, player experience, and user input; complete individual and team projects”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by BCS (Chartered Institute for IT) and IET for partly fulfilling Chartered IT Professional / Chartered Engineer requirements.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Essex is ranked 6th in the UK for Research Power in Computer Science in REF 2021.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you're looking to push the boundaries of what's possible with technology, the MSc Advanced Computer Science at the University of Essex is designed to give you the deep, hands-on expertise you need. You'll be based in our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, where you'll move beyond the fundamentals to tackle advanced topics like artificial intelligence, big data, and Internet of Things technologies.

This programme is built around applying advanced concepts in a real-world context, and you'll have access to fantastic resources to make that happen:

Specialist Laboratories: You will have access to our suite of dedicated labs, including Robotics Lab with Baxter and Turtlebot robots, a Specialist Embedded Systems Lab with Oculus Rift and Arduino kits, and a Secure Cyber-physical Systems Lab for security research.
Industry-Standard Software & Tools: Get hands-on experience with a wide array of professional tools. Depending on your chosen modules, this includes software like Hadoop for big data processing, TensorFlow for machine learning, and NS-3 for network simulation.
Practical Project Work: The core of your experience is the MSc project, a substantial piece of individual research and development. This is where you'll apply all your skills to a complex problem, often drawing on the research strengths of our academics in areas like intelligent systems and robotics.
Research-Led Teaching & Institutes: You’ll be taught by experts from our research groups and institutes, such as the Institute for Analytics and Data Science (IADS) and the ESSEX Lab for experimental social sciences, providing opportunities to work on real, cutting-edge research challenges.
Extensive Computing Resources: You will benefit from the School's high-performance computing resources and have full access to the University's Library Services, including its vast collection of electronic journals, databases, and specialised computing literature.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Computer Games at the University of Essex develop technical and creative expertise that enables them to lead dynamic careers in game design, artificial intelligence for games, and interactive media development. Common roles include Game Designer, Game AI Programmer, Project Manager, and Software Developer, with alumni progressing to major game studios, startups, and research institutions:

The Essex Employability and Careers Centre provides one-to-one career guidance, employer networking events, game industry placements, and training in entrepreneurship, supporting students to find work in game technology and related fields or start their own ventures.
Graduate outcomes are strong: many secure jobs or internships soon after completing this MSc, with starting salaries typically ranging from £27,000 to £45,000, depending on experience and employer.
Essex’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering boasts collaborations with Intel, Panasonic, and EU-funded projects, as well as research staff recognized in global game development.
The MSc is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), providing long-term career value and supporting routes to Chartered Engineer status for graduates with relevant undergraduate backgrounds.
Graduates have hands-on skills in AI, 3D game development, mobile games, and applied project management, with experience solving real-world challenges in games and interactive technologies.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue PhD study in Computer Games, Machine Learning, Game AI, or related areas at Essex or other research-focused universities. Other pathways include postdoctoral projects, professional certifications in games engineering, or advanced research fellowships for careers in academia or commercial R&D.