Program Overview

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Artificial Intelligence for Games

The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of AI for Games coursework component covers topics such as machine learning, reinforcement learning, procedural content generation, computer graphics, humancomputer interaction, and game design.

Overview

This programme will equip students with the technical and creative skills to design intelligent game agents, build adaptive environments, and create immersive gameplay experiences.

Artificial Intelligence for Games is at the cutting edge of both entertainment and technology. It is the discipline of designing algorithms and systems that drive intelligent behaviours in virtual environments, from adaptive non-player characters and realistic opponents to procedurally generated worlds and personalised gameplay. AI in games enhances player engagement, realism, and storytelling while also contributing to advances in broader AI research through complex simulation environments. With the global gaming industry rapidly expanding and AI increasingly shaping its future, demand for specialists in this field is rising across entertainment, education, simulation, and training.

The MSc by CW/RR in Artificial Intelligence for Games offers candidates the chance to build advanced technical capabilities through an intensive coursework component and then apply these skills in a research setting through a mini dissertation. The coursework covers areas such as reinforcement learning, procedural content generation, intelligent agents, AI-driven storytelling, and player modelling. The research report component provides candidates with the opportunity to address cutting-edge challenges in the field, working under expert supervision in a collaborative environment to create novel contributions at the intersection of AI and game design.

By completing this programme, graduates will be equipped to design the next generation of intelligent and adaptive games, push the boundaries of immersive entertainment, and lead innovation in industries where gaming technologies and AI converge.

Career Opportunities

A masters degree in Artificial Intelligence for Games opens diverse career opportunities across the digital entertainment and simulation industries. Graduates can work as game AI developers, gameplay programmers, or technical directors, applying advanced knowledge of machine learning, reinforcement learning, and procedural generation to create adaptive and engaging player experiences. Roles such as simulation engineers, interactive narrative designers, and AI consultants are in high demand across gaming, education, virtual reality, film, and serious simulation sectors.

With expertise in intelligent systems and design, graduates can also pursue leadership positions in innovation, creative direction, and technical strategy. The degree equips professionals to solve complex design and engineering challenges, making them invaluable in shaping the future of interactive entertainment and beyond.

Curriculum

• Compulsory courses:
  • COMS7068A Research Report: Artificial Intelligence for Games [After completing coursework]
  • COMS7067A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Artificial Intelligence
  • COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence
  • COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning
  • WSOA70xx Advanced Game Design
  • WSOA70xx Artificial Intelligence - Enhanced Gameplay
• 2 Electives from:
  • COMS7050A Computer Vision
  • COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science
  • COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
  • COMS7065A Computational Intelligence
  • COMS7066A Natural Language Technology
  • COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning
  • ELEN7046A Software Technologies and Techniques

Entry Requirements

• Applicants require a minimum average of 70 percent in the final year of their prior studies for their NQF level 8 qualification.
• Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours (Computer Science, Computational and Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics), a Bachelor of Engineering Science (Game Design) and a Bachelor of Arts Honours (Digital Arts), or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms, Computing, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.
• Candidates who have completed COMS4 modules at Wits may not register for the equivalent COMS7 modules in this qualification. Instead, they must take alternative modules approved by the senate. Additionally, candidates with more than 30 credits of overlap are ineligible for this programme.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

University Fees and Funding

The Fees site provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.

Faculty and School

• Faculty: Science
• School: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

Qualification and Duration

• Qualification: MSc
• Duration:
  • Full-time: 1 year coursework and 1 year research
  • Part-time: 2 years coursework and 1 to 2 years research

Study Mode

• Full-time
• Part-time

Closing Date

31 December

Course Coordinator

Dr Branden Ingram

Programme Details

The programme is designed to provide students with advanced technical capabilities and the opportunity to apply these skills in a research setting. The coursework component covers a range of topics, including machine learning, reinforcement learning, and procedural content generation. The research report component provides students with the opportunity to address cutting-edge challenges in the field and create novel contributions at the intersection of AI and game design.