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Expand your technical computer games development skills, where you’ll learn how to develop and program a range of exciting games using industry Game Engine.
Outside of London, Manchester is home to more games companies than any other UK city. Thanks to organisations such as Gameopolis, the city is a driving force for building and coordinating the future of the games industry.
With our MSc in Computer Games Development, you’ll gain the skills required for an exciting career within this growing industry, both here in Manchester and beyond. You’ll learn the core essentials of programming for games and conduct playtesting sessions and user research to ensure that your games are fun, impactful, and that they effectively reach their target audience.
You’ll also complete a masters project tailored to your unique interests. While you’ll have plenty of support along the way, it’s a solo research pr...
1 year full-time
2 years full-time with industrial placement
2 years part-time
Dr Darren Dancey“As a postgraduate student, you’ll be part of a close network of students and staff in the Department. You could find yourself working on exciting new projects such as the Manchester time machine app we developed with the North West Film Archive and Manchester School of Art.”
Head of Department for Computing and Mathematics
On our MSc Computer Games Development, you’ll study core modules exploring the exciting world of games development from a practical perspective. You’ll also tackle an independent masters project with the support of our academic and technical team.
You can choose to study the course full-time over one-year, or part-time, where you’ll complete the modules over two years. You may also choose to take an additional one-year optional industry placement on the full-time route. You’ll be supported by academic staff and the University’s Careers and Employability Service to find a placement that is suited to you and your career ambitions.
Throughout the course, you will gain hands-on, applied experience of the technical aspects of developing computer games. As part of this, you’ll explore the practical aspects of game development, from programming to using industry-standard game development tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
You'll be introduced to the analytical aspects of the game-making process. We’ll teach you to conduct playtesting sessions and how to use user research to ensure that your games effectively reach their target audience.
In addition to developing your technical skills, you’ll gain key employability skills such as team working, report writing, project management, asset management, communication, and negotiation skills. You’ll be making games throughout the masters course, both individually and in teams. This means, with the support of our passionate games-focused staff at Manchester Met, you’ll be able to build a refined and diverse portfolio of games to help you work towards securing a job in the games industry.
Finally, you’ll complete an in-depth research project. With guidance from your tutors, you’ll undertake a piece of research on a topic of your choice related to your studies. This will involve designing, implementing, and evaluating a substantial piece of software and documenting the research through writing a dissertation.
Chartered Institute of Information Security
Oracle Academy
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Institute of Coding
The Chartered Institute for IT
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
This course is open to anyone with a UK honours degree in a STEM or games related subject – at least a 2:2 – or the international equivalent. We might also consider your application if you a have a relevant lower-level qualification, together with substantial professional experience in a related field.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
Full-time fee: £10,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £1709 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
Full-time fee: £20,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3334 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £1,850
Following the completion of the academic credits for your MSc award, this course is available with an optional one-year placement in your second year. The industry placement allows you to gain additional practice credits by working in an industry setting, relevant to your studies.
If you choose to do a placement year, you'll be required to pay a placement fee of £1,850.
Optional estimate: £20 - £30
Students can choose to join the British Computer Society (BCS) at any point in their study. It's not required but is useful. The charge is £20 for one year and £30 for four years. More information can be found on the membership page of their website.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 for books and printing.
With the practical skills and knowledge that you’ll develop with us, you’ll be ready to pursue an exciting career in the growing games industry. You’ll be able to apply for roles such as:
The transferable knowledge and skills which you’ll learn will also allow you to pursue more general, non-games-related IT, computing and software development roles. This ensures you’re able to build a long-lasting, sustainable career in the digital world.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.