MComp Games Computing

Program Overview

The MComp Games Computing program at Lincoln University is a four-year degree that combines BSc (Hons) and Master's-level study. It provides students with in-depth knowledge and skills in game design, development, and related technologies, preparing them for a range of roles in the IT sector, including the video games industry. The program's strong focus on both software engineering and creative design, as well as its use of industry-standard software and access to specialist facilities, gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MComp Games Computing is a four-year degree program designed to enhance and extend the BSc (Hons) program with an additional year of Master's level study. It provides the opportunity to study a range of modules in more detail and to complete a substantive project in an area of specific personal interest. Studying at Master's level can enable students to both deepen and broaden their knowledge and understanding. The course aims to develop the skills and attributes required for roles in the competitive computing sector. It is designed to help students develop as versatile professionals, capable of thriving in a wide range of post-university employment destinations. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills that lend themselves to the ever-growing, multi-billion pound video games industry. The course aims to develop a skillset that is applicable to the wider spectrum of the digital sector. Beyond learning how to develop software, students can also develop an understanding of the interaction between the computer and its user, and how to design an engaging experience. We aim to produce graduates who can adapt to quickly evolving technology and play key roles within the companies at the forefront of those advances. The course explores computer science through the specific use-case of games. Students have the opportunity to develop programming skills, alongside specialist modules in topics including games design, 3D graphics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

Outline:

The strong conceptual and methodological grounding in both games design and games development gives Lincoln's Games Computing course a distinctive edge. Students are encouraged to recognise that software engineering is as important as creative design in the success of computer game products and software applications. The course will also explore the role of playful systems beyond the games industry, looking at how games have been applied to sectors such as education and fitness.

Year 1:

• Algorithms and Complexity
• Game Design
• Game Studies
• Maths for Computing
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Problem Solving
• Programming Fundamentals

Year 2:

• Applied Programming Paradigms
• Artificial Intelligence
• Concept Development
• Game Programming
• Scalable Database Systems
• Team Software Engineering
• User Experience Design

Year 3:

• Graphics
• Physics Simulation
• Procedural Content Generation
• Project
• Optional Modules:
• Autonomous Mobile Robotics
• Big Data
• Cross-Platform Development
• Cyber Security
• Image Processing
• Machine Learning
• Parallel Programming
• Virtual and Augmented Reality

Year 4:

• Optional Modules:
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Programming
• Computer Vision
• MComp Research Project
• Advanced Graphics
• Autonomous Mobile Robotics (M)
• Big Data (M)
• Cyber Security (M)
• Game Design Methods and Approaches
• Image Processing (M)
• Machine Learning (M)
• Parallel Programming (M)
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (M)

Assessment:

The program is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework-based, and several require the design and development of games, reflecting the practical and applied nature of games computing science. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. Graduates can work across the games industry as developers, tools programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, level designers, mission scripters, games testers, and in many other roles in the wider IT industry. Lincoln graduates have gone on to work for computer games industry giants and other specialist companies in the sector. These include Electronic Arts (EA Games), Criterion Games, Rockstar Games, Sumo Digital, BAE Systems, and Team 17.

Other:

Students have the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of active researchers and take part in extracurricular activities such as performance and games workshops, game jams, and national competitions. Students have access to a specialist development laboratory, industry-standard software development environments, 3D modelling software and virtual reality systems. Software development environments such as Unreal Engine 4, Unity Pro, and Visual Studio play a major part in the practical elements of the course. Previous guests lectures have included indie game developers, Lincoln alumni who have careers in the games industry, and video game streamers. There is the opportunity to take a work placement year between the second and third years of study. Students are academically supported throughout their placement, which can be overseas. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. There may also be opportunities to take shorter work placements and overseas study visits.