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Press ‘start’ for hands-on games programming and we’ll take you to the next level – and beyond.
Our computer games development degree is designed to help you become a games programmer. From the word go you’ll be hands-on, designing and programming games as you prepare for an exciting career at the cutting-edge of interactive digital content.
In our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll develop traditional computer science skills, such as programming and maths for computing, as well as specialist games development and design techniques. You’ll also study all types of games software, from the programming of game mechanics, to high-level development tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine. At the same time, you’ll be learning about game logic and architecture, the production of game prototypes, and the processes used to design and develop games in industry.
We've d...
3 years full-time
4 years with placement
4 years with foundation year
Dr Matthew Crossley“On computer games development, we’re all about making games and you’ll be exposed to this from the very first term of your degree. Through the course you'll spend time building and refining a portfolio of games that really shows off who you are – a crucial element when applying for a job in the highly competitive games industry."
Senior Lecturer, Computer Games Development
Digital technology has changed the way we live, work and relate to each other. It’s already fundamental to business and industry and is now becoming just as important in our personal relationships, communications and leisure. In studying this rich subject area you’ll not only learn the techniques in demand across the rapidly changing digital world, but also develop the ability to create exciting and interactive content and valuable problem solving and creative skills that will open doors in a wide range of industries.
The Department of Computing and Mathematics has a reputation for academic excellence and you’ll learn from research-active staff working at the forefront of their specialist fields – well placed to support and guide you as you discover yours. Manchester is a major hub for digital media and our strong industry links help to shape and inform our curriculum, so your skills and learning will be fully up to speed in one of the fastest-moving industries around – a must-have for your career.
Study computer games development with us and you’ll be at the heart of this thriving tech community, qualified and ready to take advantage of all the opportunities both close at hand and further afield.
The Chartered Institute for IT
Institute of Coding
Chartered Institute of Information Security
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about 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.
Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Full-time fee: £21,500 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).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,907 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Compulsory estimate: £100
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. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Students can choose to go on a placement which might incur additional travel and accommodation costs – these would be offset by salary on a paid placement and will vary by location.
Compulsory estimate: £30
Students can choose to join the BCS at any point in their study. It is not required but is useful. The annual charge is identified for every year. There is also an option to take course membership, which costs £20 for one year and £30 for four years.
Students may incur costs for external storage media, such as USB or HDD drives. Level 5 students are encouraged to attend events as part of the Industry and Community Engagement unit – this may incur some travel costs.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersThe rapidly changing digital, new media and creative industries offer career opportunities in an extremely wide range of roles. A degree in computer games development will prepare you for a career in games design and games programming, but also in broader roles such as in software development, UX analysis or in managing technology to support a range of public and private sector organisations.
In addition, the skills you learn on this degree are highly valued by a range of employers and opportunities may exist in areas such as project management, scientific research, education and many more.
Manchester is a major hub for the digital technology industry. The close proximity of MediaCityUK and a large number of both established companies and innovative tech start-ups means that the opportunities for technological collaboration are huge. Situated in the ‘Oxford Road Corridor’ innovation district of Manchester, the University and the Department of Computing and Mathematics are perfectly placed to work with key players in the digital technology and new media sectors.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With a newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)CGD1
Institution code: M40
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.