Game Development (Programming) MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Kingston University London

Program Overview

This MSc develops advanced programming and technical skills for modern game development, preparing students to build 2D/3D games, interactive environments and real-time systems. It suits students with strong programming backgrounds who want careers in game programming or interactive software development.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study

Students begin with modules such as 3D Game Programming and Connected Games Development, learning real-time rendering, physics, multiplayer systems and engine-based development. They also study Digital Studio Practice and Game Design, gaining experience in production workflows, collaboration and gameplay design. The year concludes with a Major Project, where they create a full game or interactive prototype for their professional portfolio.

Focus areas: “3D game programming; real-time graphics; multiplayer systems; game engines; game design; interactive media; game project development”

Learning outcomes: “Build complete games; program graphics and physics systems; design gameplay and user experience; work in production-style teams; develop a professional game portfolio”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed with industry-focused skills in programming, engines and production workflows, supporting careers in game studios, interactive media and software development.

Reputation (employability rankings): Kingston University is known for strong computing and digital-media training, and graduates of this MSc often progress into game programming, technical development and interactive-software roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Game Development (Programming) at Kingston University provides hands-on, technical skills in programming game engines and interactive systems. Students develop games using industry-standard tools and methodologies in a studio-style environment focused on code and optimisation.

Key experiential components:

Software & Tools: Core programming in C++ using frameworks and APIs like OpenGL/DirectX, alongside work with commercial game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity for systems-level development.
Development Facilities: Access to Kingston's Games Development Studio, equipped with high-spec PCs, consoles, VR/AR development kits, and profiling tools for graphics and performance optimisation.
Group Projects: A major collaborative game development project, where programming students team up with artists and designers to build a complete, polished game, simulating a professional studio pipeline with a focus on technical implementation.
Technical Portfolio Focus: The programme emphasises building a specialised programming portfolio. The final individual project is a substantial piece of technical game development, such as creating a game engine module, a complex AI system, or a graphics rendering technique.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Kingston University's MSc Game Development (Programming) secure roles as games programmers, engine developers, technical artists, and AI programmers at studios like Rebellion, King, Sony, Mediatonic, Mojang, Rockstar, and BossAlien:

Careers Service offers CV workshops, portfolio reviews, inKUbator industry talks, Game Jams, Hackathons, and professional placement opportunities.
Excellent employability through PlayStation First partnership and TIGA membership; competitive game dev salaries reflecting high demand.
Industry partnerships with Sony (PlayStation 5 dev kits), Splash Damage, CryTek, Unity, Frontier via guest speakers, live projects, and Develop Conference showcases.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities (VR/AR kits, Unreal Engine 5, Unity Pro) builds portfolio skills for long-term industry leadership.
Strong outcomes in studio programming, indie development, VR/AR tech, or technical R&D roles.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue PhD in games technology, AI, or computational creativity at Kingston/other institutions, extending capstone game projects into advanced research on engines or intelligent systems.

Additional Information & Requirements

The typical offer for this course is a 2:2 or above honours degree in information technology, computer science, mathematics or physics.

India- Bachelors degree with minimum CGPA 6.0 out of 10

USA- Bachelors degree with a 3.0 grade point average.

IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 6.

China- Bachelor degree (4 years) from any institution on ECCTIS: with 70%. Bachelor degree (4 years) from a 'prestigious' institution on ECCTIS: 65%

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