MSc High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering

The High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering MSc at the University of Leeds offers students a highly practical and immersive learning experience, designed to develop industry-ready skills through hands-on engagement with cutting-edge technologies. You’ll gain direct access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art cloud computing labs, robotics labs, and a large High Performance Computing (HPC) resource, ensuring that your learning extends well beyond theory into practical application. This program emphasizes collaborative projects and independent research, giving you the opportunity to work within expert research groups on real-world topics that align with your career goals.

The course also integrates an eight-week virtual work experience project linked directly to your academic discipline, providing valuable industry exposure and enhancing your employability. Throughout your studies, you'll be supported by knowledgeable academics and industry professionals, and you’ll benefit from facilities equipped with the latest software and digital tools essential for advanced computing tasks.

Experiential learning at Leeds includes:

• Access to a state-of-the-art cloud computing laboratory tailored for advanced computing projects.

• Use of a large High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster for handling complex computing tasks.

• Robotics laboratory equipped with technology for specialist MSc projects.

• Dedicated Linux laboratories providing around 150 machines for practical work.

• A computing cluster with advanced visualization technology including Powerwall and optical tracking systems.

• Hands-on group projects and individual research projects linked to real-world computing challenges.

• An integrated eight-week virtual work experience program offering professional work aligned with your studies.

• Support from academics involved in internationally excellent research and industry collaborations.

• Access to comprehensive facilities in the Sir William Henry Bragg building, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Graduates of the MSc High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering at the University of Leeds are in high demand across the global games industry and wider performance-driven computing fields, with many progressing to roles such as Graphics Software Developer, Game Development Leader, Technology Leader for Rendering, or Technical Director. Alumni are rapidly recruited for leadership and specialist positions, supported by practical skillsets and industry-facing training:

• University of Leeds Careers Service delivers bespoke career advice, industry networking events, internship matching, and access to the MyCareer platform advertising specialist jobs, including in graphics and games engineering.

• Leeds is among the UK’s top 5 most targeted universities by employers, with MSc graduates reporting median salaries of approximately £36,000 three years after graduation, and fast progression into leadership roles.

• The course is developed in consultation with an industrial steering group and partners such as Game Republic, with opportunities to showcase work and take part in collaborative projects; facilities include VR headsets and high-end GPU workstations for DirectX12/Vulkan development.

• Accredited and recognized within UK computing and engineering bodies, the program ensures long-term professional standing.

• Leeds alumni enjoy successful careers with top games studios, visual production companies, and embedded systems firms globally.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue PhD research in computer graphics, games engineering, artificial intelligence, or related computational sciences, or seek specialist professional qualifications to further deepen expertise in areas such as real-time rendering, game engine development, or interactive graphics.