Games Development

Program Overview

Games Development MA

Overview

Devise your own creative project in computer games art and design, and sharpen your skills for careers in one of the most exciting and rapidly-expanding creative industries with this Master's in Games Development.

Key Information

• Study mode and duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Start date: September 2025

Course Information

Overview

If you have a passion for computer games design, this Games Development Master’s degree will give you the chance to immerse yourself in your own creative project that pushes your talents to new levels.

You’ll have total freedom to shape your own body of creative practice within games design and development, delving into the critical and creative processes involved in production and refinement through access to our state-of-the-art software and equipment.

Your games development work will be driven by your own interests and goals. You’ll also have support from our expert academic team and a diverse roster of industry partners and guest speakers.

You’ll complete the course with enhanced skills and knowledge in your chosen areas, ready to pursue careers in areas such as computer games art, programming, and software development and engineering.

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Course Highlights

• Lead your own in-depth creative games development project underpinned by mini studies/prototypes, leading up to a main body of work
• Use the latest professional game content creation software and console development equipment
• Have access to our Virtual Reality Lab, featuring stereoscopic 3D projectors, Oculus Rifts, virtual treadmills and Leap Motion equipment, along with Motion capture facilities that include facial capture and a real-time feed into Unreal Engine 4
• Develop your abilities to reflect and critique your own work within industry contexts
• Choose to hone your skills further through extra modules in areas such as 3D modelling, coding and scripting, and digital art
• Take advantage of opportunities to work with clients on various projects
• Showcase your skills to employers and network with professionals in the computer games industry by taking part in our annual GameJam event

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

September 2025 Start

• UK qualifications: A second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject.
• Non-UK qualifications: If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
• English language requirements: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £9,400 (full-time), £4,700 per year (part-time)
• EU students: £9,400 (full-time), £4,700 per year (part-time)
• International students: £17,900 (full-time), £8,950 per year (part-time)

Modules

What You'll Study (Full-time)

• Year 1:
  • Creative Context and Practice (30 credits)
  • Professional, Academic and Research Development (30 credits)
  • Project Design and Development (60 credits)
  • Project Evaluation and Resolution (60 credits)

What You'll Study (Part-time)

• Year 1 and Year 2:
  • Creative Context and Practice (30 credits)
  • Professional, Academic and Research Development (30 credits)
  • Project Design and Development (60 credits)
  • Project Evaluation and Resolution (60 credits)

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)
• Wacom Studio
• Motion Capture Studio
• Music and Sound Recording Studios

How You'll Spend Your Time

• Course structure: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
• Teaching: lectures, seminars, workshops
• Assessment: written portfolios and practical projects

Career Development

• Careers this Master's prepares you for: games artist, games designer, programmer, software developer/engineer, 3D modeller and designer
• Career support: networking events, 1-to-1 appointments, CV and cover letter advice, interview preparation and practice, workshops to enhance your employability skills

Supporting You

• Personal tutor
• Student support advisor
• Academic skills tutors
• Creative skills tutors
• IT and computing support
• Additional support and disability centre
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Library support

How to Apply

• Applications are made directly to the University of Portsmouth
• There's no deadline for applications, but places are limited
• International students should apply early to allow time for visa processing

Other Courses You Might Like

• MA Creative Technologies
• MSc Computer Games Technology
• MA Extended Reality