Computer Game Engineering MSc
Source: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/5152f/ Parent: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/
Postgraduate Study
Who we Are - Excellence and impact - Research Excellence - Teaching and Student Experience - Graduate Employability - League Tables and Rankings - Our Strengths - Engagement and Place - Research Strategy - Education Strategy - Social and Environmental Justice - Social Justice - Sustainability - University of Sanctuary - Our Campuses - Faculties, Schools and Research Units - Newcastle Campus - NUMed Malaysia - Singapore Campus - Our People - Global - Structure and Governance - Transparency - Office for Students Transparency Data - Access and Participation - Brand Hub - Deans - Key Dates - Our Partnerships - History of Newcastle University - Contact Us - Maps and Directions - Study with Us
Study with Us - Undergraduate - Find a Degree - Subject Areas - Applications and Offers - Undergraduate Application Advice - Step-by-Step Guide for UK Students - Step-by-Step Guide for International and EU Students - Applying through UCAS - Entry Requirements - A and AS Levels - Personal statements - Application Decisions - Access Schemes and Pathway Programmes - PARTNERS - Policies and Procedures - Applicants with Disabilities - Mature Applicants - Deferred Entry - Fees and Funding - Scholarships and Bursaries - Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships - Vice-Chancellor’s EU Scholarships – Undergraduate - Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships - International Foundation Scholarships - International Family Discounts - Opportunity Scholarships - Subject Scholarships - Sports Scholarships - St Nicholas’ Educational Trust Scholarship - NU Sanctuary Scholarships - Tuition Fees and Costs - Additional Costs - Student Loans - International Student Finance - Global Scholarships - Undergraduate Open Days - Sign up and Discover - School and College Outreach - Information for Parents and Supporters - Request a Prospectus - Chat to Our Students - Postgraduate Taught - Find a Degree - Why Choose Newcastle? - Your Study Options - Qualifications Explained - Fees & Funding - Search for Funding - Funding Your Studies - Global Scholarships - Applications & Offers - Application Help - Advice & Resources - Your Offer Guide - Postgraduate Open Days - Chat to Our Students - Postgraduate Research - Find a Degree - Why Choose Newcastle? - Qualifications Explained - Research at Newcastle - Is a PhD for me? - Fees and Funding - How to Apply - How to apply for Studentships - How to Propose your Research - How to Write a Research Proposal - Occasional Students - Student Support - Careers - Our Doctoral College - Postgraduate Open Days - Chat to Our Students - Global Scholarships - Distance Learning - Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Why Choose Newcastle University? - Our Campus - Libraries - IT - Study Support - Sport - Campus Tours - Student Safety - Student Life - Life in Newcastle - City Suburbs - Sports and Fitness - Food and Drink - Local Services - Things to do - Our North East Region - Cost of Living - Support and Wellbeing - Teaching and Learning - Student Stories - Chat to Our Students - Student Blog - Belong - Accommodation - Our Accommodation - Accommodation Types - Types of Rooms - Accessible accommodation - Staff and Visitors - Bedrooms we offer - Booking - Applying for Accommodation - Accommodation Guarantee - Applying for Undergraduate Accommodation - Applying for Postgraduate Accommodation - Applying for Accessible Accommodation - Part Year Student Accommodation - Clearing and Insurance - Living with Us - Safety and Security - Moving In - Leaving Us - Returning Next Year - Extending Your Stay - Room Changes - Current Residents - Insurance - Parking & Bicycle Storage - Post and Parcels - Guest Visitors and Going Away - Energy & Recycling - ResLife - ResLife Find a Flatmate - Your ResLife Team - Student Support - Policies - Accommodation Payments - Payment Methods - Payment Schedules - Managed Partnerships - Rent Adjustments - Contact Us - Student Village Receptions - Your Accommodation Team - Report a Fault - Feedback and Complaints - Internet Connection - Your Future - Work Placements - Careers Service - About the Careers Service - Careers Service Events - Work for Yourself - Career Planning - Careers Modules - Making Applications - Interviews, Tests & Assessment Centres - Internships, Placements & Shadowing - Finding Jobs - Handling Job Offers - Researching Employers - Making Contacts - Further Study - Awards, Competitions & Project Funding - Volunteering - Boost Your CV - Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) - Meet Us - Getting Here - Undergraduate Open Days - Undergraduate Virtual Event - Undergraduate Offer Holder Days - Undergraduate Pop Up Event London - Campus Tours - Self-Guided Campus Tours - Postgraduate Open Days - Postgraduate Schools & Supervisors - International Students - Find your Country/Region - International Student Experience - Fees and Funding - English Language Requirements - Visa and Immigration - Chat to Our Students - International Pathway Courses - Newcastle University International Study Centre - Student Exchange and Study Abroad - Request a Prospectus - Key Dates - Contact Us - Your Academic Experience - Our Research
Our Research - Research Impact - Research Strengths - Centres of Research Excellence - Centre for Ageing - Centre for AI Safety - Centre for Behaviour - Centre for Biomedical Engineering - Centre for Cancer - Centre for Children and Youth - Centre for Climate and Environmental Resilience - Centre for Cyber Security and Resilience - Centre for Data Science and AI - Centre for Energy - Centre for Healthier Lives - Centre for Heritage - Centre for Industrial Biotechnology - Centre for Landscape - Centre for Mobility and Transport - Centre for Rare Disease - Centre for Researching Cities - Centre for Transformative Neuroscience - Centre for Water - Research Culture - Research Culture Action Plan - Working Together on Research Culture - Doctoral College - Global Challenges Academy - Global Partnerships - Let's Work Together - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 - Research Directory - Research Governance - Research Integrity - Code of Good Practice in Research - University Research and Innovation Committee - Ethics at Newcastle - Ethics Forms and Processes - GDPR Information for Research - Ethics Toolkit - Responsible Research Innovation - Animals and Research - Research Metrics - Export Control - Open Research - Policies and Guidance - Research and Innovation Support - People - Equipment - Researcher Development - Technicians' Community - Research Facilities - Research Funding - Work with Us
Work with Us - Case Studies - Expert Solutions - Continuing Professional Development - CPD Courses - Collaborative Research - Company Creation - Consultancy - Corporate Partnerships - Facilities and Equipment - Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme - Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - Clinical Trials & Research - Procuring Goods & Services - Working with Newcastle - Tender Opportunities - Submitting an Invoice - Sustainable Procurement - Code of Conduct & Terms and Conditions - Contact Us - Business and Partnerships - Arrow - Degree Apprenticeships - Expert Solutions - Technology Transfer and Licensing - Contact Us - Health & Social Challenges - Creative Collaborations - Alumni
Alumni - Connect with alumni - Develop your career - Discover lifelong learning opportunities - Support future generations - News - Events - Contact us
Search for something
Search... Search...
[## Funding and scholarships webinars
Join our funding and scholarship webinars.](https://belong.ncl.ac.uk/pg-online-webinar)
Overview
This advanced Master's in game development gives you the skills and experience to thrive. It has been designed in collaboration with high-profile industry leaders and computer game innovators. We produce graduates with the potential to become future leaders in the global computer games industry.
Stand out in the job market with deep technical expertise in game engineering. You'll experience intensive programming in C++ and work with industry-standard tools and technologies. You'll gain an international perspective on the latest advancements in computer game development.
You'll benefit from:
- an industrial advisory board made up of high-profile UK game companies
- the opportunity to meet game developers from across the UK
- a technical focus on game engineering and programming
We are a hub of digital innovation. You'll benefit from our:
- leadership of the National Edge AI Hub, next-generation innovations via edge computing
- recognition as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and the EPSRC
- direct link with the UK's National Innovation Centre for Data
- partnership with The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and AI
Our expert academics bring cutting-edge computer game research and real-world industry experience to the classroom. Benefit from their insights of leading game studios and their strong connections across the sector.
This course has been developed in partnership with our Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). The IAB is made up of industry and alumni who are leaders in game engineering and development. This ensures the course remains relevant and aligned with industry needs.
Our Board has representatives from:
- Nvidia
- Epic Games
- Ubisoft
- Rockstar
- Sumo
- Digital Unity
READ MORE
PreviousNext
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
\
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:
- subject-specific taught modules
- a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words
You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.
A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you'll learn
There are three phases in the course.
Phase one
Phase one (60 credits) will introduce core knowledge and skills through modules in:
- programming
- graphics
- game technologies
You'll also undertake a substantial amount of supervised and unsupervised practical work.
Phase two
During phase two (40 credits), we emphasise the practice of computer game development through modules in:
- skills, tools and techniques for the game industry
- the development of a computer game (team exercise)
- industry seminars from across the games industry
Phase three
Phase three (80 credits) is the individual system development or research project.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
The module information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Computer Game Engineering modules
How you'll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical labs
- workshop sessions
- group work
We encourage students to deepen their understanding through guided independent reading and study.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Professional skills assessments
- Practical lab report
- Report
Additional assessment information
The course culminates in a project and dissertation in computer game engineering. This five-month project gives you a real opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills.
You'll also gain work experience in a research or development team. You can carry out your project in:
- one of the research groups at Newcastle University
- an industry laboratory
- your place of work
You'll have one-to-one supervision from an experienced member of staff. You'll also be supported by supervision from industry partners as required. For your project you may collaborate with developers in the game industry who make up the course's Industrial Advisory Board.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- academic staff
- personal tutors and research supervisors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
- peers
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
The staff delivering this course are internationally recognised for their contributions to:
- online gaming
- graphics and simulation
- artificial intelligence
- programming
- human-computer interaction
The School of Computing has an outstanding track record of research related to the development of computer game technologies. The content of this Master's is based on cutting-edge research led by our academic staff.
Our staff also have strong links with industry leaders, many of which actively recruit our graduates.
Search our academic staff in the School of Computing
Your development
Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from industry experts and our Industrial Advisory Board.
You'll communicate your ideas to visiting industry experts. This gives you the chance to network, but to also develop professional skills needed in the industry.
You will hone your professional, research and practical skills through specialist modules that aim to create well-rounded graduates.
You'll adopt industry-standard practices, using agile software development and version control. This ensures you're fully prepared for the professional environment. The practices you'll engage with are informed by real-world studios.
You'll also develop your own portfolio throughout the course, which will include:
- real-time graphics demo in C++ and OpenGL
- real-time physics and AI demo
- a game created as part of the team project using our PlayStation 5 dev kits
- your individual project with industry or leading research from the University
You will also have access to number of work experience opportunities through our links with industry and our Careers Service. This includes working with industry partners on live games as part of your final project.
Your future
Careers
Graduates from this course have gone on to undertake various roles within 15 months of graduation, including:
- Programmer at Coconut Lizard
- Associate Audio Programmer at Creative Assembly
- Systems Designer at Rockstar North
- Mechanics Programmer at TT Games
- Game Programmer at Ubisoft
- Game Programmer at Red Kite Games
- Game Designer at ByteDance
Our graduates have progressed into senior roles such as:
- Senior Open World Designer at Rockstar
- Technical Director at Electronic Arts
- Graphics Programmer at Remedy
Students also have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular paid internships. These are organised through the Careers Service. Recent examples include:
- Programmer, Nosebleed Interactive
- Research Assistant (Inclusivity Game Jam), Newcastle University
- App Developer, Siemens Games
Further study
This course provides a route into PhD level study, offering a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of Computer Game Engineering. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue advanced research opportunities and contribute to the academic community through doctoral programmes.
Postgraduate research degrees in computer science
Industry links
Thanks to our strong industry connections, graduates are regularly recruited by leading game development companies.
You'll also have opportunities to network with employers through:
- events
- guest lectures
- collaborative projects
Our Industrial Advisory Board compromises representatives from companies including:
- Nvidia
- Epic Games
- Ubisoft
- Rockstar
- Sumo Digital
- Unity
Our Careers Service
Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
- Top 145 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 145 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainability – QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
- Top 170 for Computing Science and Information Systems - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 5 city for affordability in the UK – QS Best Student Cities 2026
- World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student city – QS Best Student Cities 2026
- 89th in the world - TIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026
Professional accreditation and recognition
British Computer Society (BCS)
The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The BCS is the chartered institute for IT. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.
Facilities
Gaming hardware and facilities
You’ll spend majority of your time in the Game Lab, a dedicated space for postgraduate students that mirrors a real studio environment.
The Lab offers brand-new, high-spec machines installed in summer 2025. Think, work, and collaborate like a professional developer.
Get hands-on experience with PlayStation 5 development kits. They can prepare you for the technical demands of working on next-gen platforms.
Virtual reality hardware is available for students working on relevant projects in phase three.
Urban Sciences Building
The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:
- academia
- the public sector
- communities
- business and industry
Explore the Urban Sciences Building
Learn more about the Newcastle Helix
Postgraduate student facilities
As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.
Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:
- The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
- Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
- Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.
Find out more about our wellbeing and computing facilities
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
| Qualification: MSc Full time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £15,100 |
| International students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £32,300 |
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding and scholarships
Find funding available for your course
Select your country
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computing science or a discipline with significant computing and/or mathematical content, such as:
- computing
- information systems
- mathematics
- engineering
- systems engineering
- physics
Qualifications from outside the UK
Select your country
English Language requirements
Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Before you start
Start Dates
The course starts in September.
Closing Dates
There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
All International students
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.
International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.
International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.
All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.
Programme codes
| Qualification: MSc Full time | |
|---|---|
| Full time: 12 months | Programme Code: 5152F |
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Open days and events
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Visit our events calendar for the latest events
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Admissions Secretary \ Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736 \ Email: computing.admissions@ncl.ac.uk \ School of Computing \ ncl.ac.uk/computing
General enquiries
For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.
Application enquiries
If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.
If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.
Live chat
Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.
You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
Chat to our students
Choosing a university is a big decision. If you've got questions about a particular course, student life or the city of Newcastle, why not chat to our friendly students or graduates!
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email
Social Media
Follow us on Twitter Follow us on LinkedIn
PAGE MENU