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Students
Tuition Fee
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Game Development | Software Development | Software Engineering
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2023-09-25-
About Program

Program Overview


Course Details

Games are serious business. The industry needs professionals with in-depth technical games knowledge and creative vision combined with business know-how and marketing expertise. The University of Bolton’s MA in Games Development offers you the chance to grow your skills and confidence in all these areas, gaining experience as a developer, and graduating with at least one credit on a published game to your name.

Designed around team-based development projects, the course involves you working with other students to form and run ‘indie’ style teams. Our highly-experienced games team will support and encourage you as you learn to plan, design, develop and publish games.

We will work to further extend your already substantial understanding of game development concepts and production methods, helping you master an arsenal of advanced tools and techniques to create compelling and inventive experiences.

Alongside these games-specific skills, we offer commercial and business knowledge for the creative sector; for instance, business planning, client negotiation, pitching for projects, responding to project briefs, intellectual property licencing and marketing campaign planning. Our academic team will provide critical support while helping you hone your project management and other transferable skills, ready to progress your career in the industry.





Highlights

  • You will have opportunities to create and publish games for a variety of platforms including mobile, desktop, VR and console, building an impressive portfolio as you gain experience creating and running an indie studio.
  • All the games staff at Bolton have worked on published games and most have experience working at or with publishers and developers – collectively, we have over seventy game credits on published titles.
  • We offer focused teaching based on the latest research and industry trends and you will be encouraged to apply your new knowledge immediately in your projects.
  • Our projects are flexible and designed to offer appropriate challenges based on you and your development team mates’ skills, competencies and interests.
  • Industry experts from the leading games studios in the UK, along with Bolton graduates now successful in the sector, are regularly invited to give guest lectures on aspects of games development.




  • Key Features

  • University of Bolton games graduates have been enjoying careers in the games industry for longer than most – we were one of the first UK universities to offer games courses and we now offer specialisms in Games Design, Games Art and Games Programming.
  • We share your passion for games. Our dedicated games tutors offer a vast range of industry experience, a wide network of contacts in the games industry, and knowledge of the latest games research and developments.
  • This course offers intensive practical experience in an environment designed to emulate conditions in the industry – you will be expected to spend approximately 30 hours per week in our development studio.
  • Our well-equipped, dedicated games studios feature high-specification hardware and industry-standard software, along with modern and vintage consoles.
  • By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
  • Program Outline

    You will gain extensive experience of designing and creating computer games, working in small teams and independently. You will develop clear and demonstrable skills in project management, team working, communication, leadership and negotiation, and utilise industry-standard tools and techniques including HTC Vive and the Apple iOS Developer Programme.

    You will graduate with at least one personal credit on a published game. You will also be exposed to running an indie company, developing your entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge which will support you as an independent developer or to support your career in a larger games development studio. Moreover, the emerging field of ‘gamification’ – using game elements, design and principles in fields such as business, education and healthcare – offers enormous potential for games graduates with a flair for introducing fun into mundane tasks.

    What can I do with this qualification?

    The games developer job title covers a broad area of work and there are many specialisms within the industry. These include: games programmer (with various specialisms such as network, engine, toolchain and artificial intelligence); games artist (including concept artist, technical artist, iu/ux artist, animator/rigger and 3D modeller with further specialisms in characters, vehicles, environments, weapons and prop creation); games designer (ui/ux designer, level designer, technical systems designer, gameplay scripter and narrative designer) producer and quality assurance tester.

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    About University
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    University of Bolton: A Summary


    Overview:

    The University of Bolton is a public university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various subject areas. The university prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for its students.


    Services Offered:

    The university offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

      Student Support:

      Provides assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.

      Accommodation:

      Offers on-campus and off-campus housing options.

      Sport & Wellness:

      Provides access to sports facilities and wellness programs.

      Careers & Employability:

      Offers guidance and support for career development and job searching.

      Fees & Funding:

      Provides information on tuition fees and financial aid options.

      International Student Support:

      Offers specific services and resources for international students.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    The university emphasizes a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Students can expect:

      Supportive Tutors:

      Faculty members are known for their dedication to student success and individual attention.

      Active Student Union:

      The Bolton Students' Union provides a platform for student activities, social events, and representation.

      Vibrant Campus Life:

      The university offers a range of clubs, societies, and events to enhance the student experience.

      Access to Facilities:

      Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

      Supportive Learning Environment:

      The university fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.

      Focus on Employability:

      The university emphasizes career development and prepares students for the workforce.

      Diverse Range of Programs:

      Offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.

      Affordable Tuition:

      Provides competitive tuition fees and financial aid options.

    Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

      Accountancy & Business

      Apprenticeships

      Biomedical Sciences & Medical Biology

      Creative & Digital Arts, English & Creative Writing

      Computer Science

      Dance, Musical Theatre & Performance

      Dental Sciences

      Education, Early Years and Teacher Training

      Engineering, Motorsport and Construction

      Film FX, Film & TV Production

      Games

      Health and Social Work & Community and Youth

      Law & Crime and Criminal Justice

      Medical & Paramedic Sciences

      Nursing & Midwifery

      Psychology

      Physiotherapy & Sport Rehabilitation

      Pre-University Study


    Other:

    The university also offers:

      Research Programs:

      Opportunities for students to engage in research activities.

      Summer School:

      A program for students to gain academic credit during the summer.

      Open Days:

      Events for prospective students to visit the campus and learn more about the university.

      International Student Support:

      Dedicated resources and services for international students.

      Alumni Network:

      A network of former students who can provide support and guidance.

      Business Gateway:

      A service that provides support to businesses in the local area.

      Sustainability Initiatives:

      The university is committed to environmental sustainability.

    Total programs
    532
    Admission Requirements

  • You should have a Second Class UK Honours degree (2:2) or above, or an equivalent qualification, in an appropriate games-focused subject area that included significant game creation content.
  • We'll also consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
  • You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
  • If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
  • Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

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