The convergence of technologies, platforms and creative practices around virtual worldbuilding has gained considerable momentum in recent years. The so-called Metaverse is currently providing much focus for new approaches to XR (extended reality), virtual production and digital twining with numerous applications across arts, social sciences, engineering, health and education.
The Introduction to Games Technologies allows students from a wide range of backgrounds to understand the tools, technologies and processes which make virtual worldbuilding, design and creativity work together in creating 3D environments.
Students gain practical skills in game engine programming on platforms including Unity and Blender. This addresses specific skills gaps across industry where expertise and experience of the opportunities afforded by these new media tools will become increasingly important. The programme aims to recruit students from a wide range of employment and disciplinary backgrounds where the applications of these advanced media production technologies are becoming increasingly important.
The MediaLab is a newly-established centre of excellence for augmented and virtual reality at Queen's University.
Introduction to Games Technologies highlights
Industry Links
Curriculum for this course has been developed through intense consultation with industry experts.
Internationally Renowned Experts
You will be taught by staff with research profiles of international standing.
Career Development
The Design Thinking & Research Methods Module will prepare students for independent learning in both academic and industrial settings. This will give them vital experience of researching areas of interest and applying design methodologies to their projects, high value skills for employment in the immersive technologies industry.
1. Students enrol on a part-time (1 year) basis. The first semester will consist of two modules worth 20 CATS points each. The second semester will have one module worth 20 CATS points where students will learn fundamental skills for independent research & development.
3D in Games (compulsory)
This 20 CATS module offers an introduction to games design from the perspective of art and design, focusing on the implementation and integration of essential techniques for producing interactive virtual environments with an aesthetic focus. On completion of this module, students will have gained a critical technical foundation in elements of game design including coding, 3D modelling, basic game-development techniques, understanding the general game development workflow, and connections with related emerging technologies.
An Introduction to Games Technologies (compulsory)
This 20 CATS module will deliver the fundamental concepts required for students to create projects using games technologies. The module will cover elements from mathematics, physics, programming and games technologies including version control. Students will be assessed on their understanding of these concepts through a variety of means including quizzes, presentations, learning journals and project creation.
Design Thinking & Research Methods (compulsory)
This module aims to deliver content necessary to conceptualise, plan and deliver research projects. The module will introduce students to the following topics: Qualitative and Quantitative analysis, Research Ethics, Project Management and Critical and Design Thinking. These introductions will enable students to employ principles in design thinking for project development with the core of human-centred design. These introductions will also enable students to perform independent research and reflection on these topics using a flipped learning paradigm.
Maths Requirements
A level Maths is NOT required for this course. If needed, a bridging program to understand the fundamental mathematical principles on the programme will be provided.
Other Benefits
As the course is being developed in partnership with the Unity Academic Alliance, you will also have the opportunity to gain a globally recognised official Unity certification upon completion of the course. Students will be granted access to materials/assessment that usually cost around £500 to purchase individually.
You will also meet potential employers through our industry workshop sessions, where industry experts will deliver hands on instruction in specialist areas of games technologies.
Although the course is fully off-site, if desired, students can access the shared space at MediaLab at Queen's and work together on projects in an industry-like setting.
3 (hours maximum) Each module has 30 hrs contact time in total over the 10 week semester in which it runs with a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous delivery - lectures, workshops, tutorial support, lab discussions, reviews and guest industrial lectures.
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial
3 (hours maximum)
Teaching Times
Synchronous sessions will be delivered in the evenings, the day of teaching will be decided upon consultation with the students at registration.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:-
Learning and teaching
You'll be part of a small, informal and multidisciplinary class. You'll get to know your classmates and lecturers well through the synchronous sessions and any in person events that occur. You will be welcome to visit the MediaLab to work on projects/use facilities through the course of your studies.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the programme are outlined below
Awarding of the qualification is based on continuous assessment of coursework and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work relative to private, individual study.
The PG Cert. will be awarded with Distinction to a student who achieves an average mark of 70% and above.
All the modules are 100% continuous assessment and assessments will have many forms including but not limited to:
- Mathematics Quizzes
- Programme Assignments
- Group Presentations
- Learning Journals
- Demo. to Industry Experts
- Peer Review
- 3D Rendering/Environment Design
- Final Project
The completion of these diverse assessment elements will give students a solid grounding in the skills/knowledge required to have a successful career using games technologies for a variety of roles, not solely limited to the games industry.
What our academics say
I worked in the games industry for 5+ years prior to moving to academia, working on 21 titles released on multiple platforms. I also have experience with the application of games technologies in the natural and built environment and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, I have worked with the Maths Academy helping students with no A level Maths to transition to courses with maths requirements.
Dr Darragh Lydon, Lecturer in Games Development
Having an architectural design background, I've focussed on digital architecture and using 3D software in design for years. During my PhD study in interactive architecture, I led workshops on parametric design, algorithmic form generation, and physical computing. As an assistant professor at the University of Delaware, I taught tangible experimental interaction design and UX/UI design. I also developed a game module that teaches coding, 3D modelling, and storytelling in game development to provide students with essential skills and an understanding of the workflow in game development.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
This module aims to deliver content necessary to conceptualise, plan and deliver research projects. The module will introduce students to the following topics: Qualitative and Quantitative analysis, Research Ethics, Project Management and Critical and Design Thinking. These introductions will enable students to employ principles in design thinking for project development with the core of human-centred design. These introductions will also enable students to perform independent research and reflection on these topics using a flipped learning paradigm.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Formulate and defend well-informed and discipline-specific research questions
2. Comprehend and negotiate the ethical issues involved in research, including the uses of research and the social and political contexts of research.
3. Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to research problems.
4. Utilise critical thinking to determine the best approach to solving a research problem.
5. Evaluate project management techniques to find the best approach for developing a project.
6. Reflect and review a solution and its implications.
7. Understand the concept of human-centred design.
8. Apply the design thinking sequential stages for generating design.
9. Utilise principles in design thinking for design problem-solving.
10. Generate designs that are revolutionary, not just incremental.
Skills
1. Problem analysis from multiple perspectives.
2. Independent study skills, including the ability to conduct independent research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection.
3. Identify inconsistencies, weaknesses and errors in reasoning.
4. Analyze and interpret data with appropriate methods and frameworks.
5. Synthesize and integrate information into a consistent solution.
6. Analyze with potential research content to find the design question.
7. Understand and generate human-centred design.
8. Modify design following the user’s constructive feedback as an iterative developing process.
9. Generate rational design solution responding to the design questions.
10. Conduct research and user study to create reflective user-centred design.
This module will deliver the fundamental concepts required for students to create projects using games technologies. The module will cover elements from mathematics, physics, programming and games technologies including version control. Students will be assessed on their understanding of these concepts through a variety of means including quizzes, presentations and project creation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students will be able to:
- Understand relevant mathematical and physical concepts used in 3D applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate programming techniques.
- Use real time content creation tools.
- Assess projects from peers and review code quality.
- Adhere to coding standards for real time applications.
- Improve understanding and skills based on peer feedback.
- Become familiar with collaborative software development using GitHub.
Skills
By the end of this module students will be:
- Utilising different programming techniques to create desired in-game functionality
- Implementing version control into project development.
- Working independently under time and design constraints.
- Demonstrating an ability to problem solve and explore creative solutions.
- Capable of creating clear written, verbal and visual communications for project presentations.
- Giving critical constructive suggestions for self-evaluation and peers review.
- Incorporating peer/tutor feedback into project.
This module offers an introduction to game design from the perspective of art and design, focusing on the implementation and integration of essential techniques for producing interactive virtual environments with an aesthetic focus. On completion of this module, students will have gained a critical technical foundation in elements of game design including coding, 3D modelling, basic game-development techniques, understanding the general game development workflow, and connections with related emerging technologies
Learning Outcomes
The module will be introduced in 3 sections, Coding, 3D Modelling, and Basic Game Design. Each section's learning outcomes are listed below:
Coding:
By the end of this section students will be able to:
- Understand the basic principles, syntax and commands of programming languages (Java as a preliminary language here).
- Execute basic coding techniques as creative tools for visualization and digital art creation.
3D Modelling:
By the end of this section students will be able to:
- Understand what a 3D virtual space/environment is and can be.
- Understand the fundamental concepts of 3D models (mesh, voxel, vertex, etc.)
- Execute the basic 3D model and rendering skills (materials/lighting/camera) to create 3D assets (like characters, objects, and environments).
- Use the 3D modelling skills learned in combination with their own creative input.
Basic Game Design:
By the end of this section students will be able to:
- Utilise the basic functions of the 3D creation, coding, physics/collision, game control in a game engine to build a virtual experience in the third-person perspective
- Combine the skills learned in the "3D Modelling" and "Basic Game Design" sections as a means of creating a story telling virtual environment with individual aesthetic style.
- Understand the basic game development workflow and this creation is an ongoing process that requires numerous iterations.
Skills
- Entry-applied level of coding, 3D modelling, and game development skills.
- Nurture individual creation and critical thinking.
- Demonstrate skillsets to work independently with initiative.
- Ability to problem solve and explore creative solutions confronting the problems.
- Notion of understanding the basic game development workflow and framework.
- Capability of explicit written, verbal, and visual communication/expression for project presentation.
- Spirit of self-motivation and self-learning and reflection on design process and decisions.
- Give critical constructive suggestions for self-evaluation and peers review.
Normally at least a 2.2 UK Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.
Applicants with qualifications below a 2.2 Honours degree standard may be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate extensive industry experience.
In addition to the academic requirements, all applicants will also be required to provide a personal statement (max 500 words) outlining their skills-base and motivation relevant to games technologies which will be used as part of the selection process. Further information on uploading this document is available on the Direct Applications Portal when applying.
A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available funded places. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.
If you have already applied for this course but did not know about the funded places available, your original application will still be considered equally for a funded place. We will contact you if this applies to you.
Further information is available at the link below.
Closing date for applications is Friday 30th August 2024 at 12 noon. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than the deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
The PG Certificate will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career using games technologies. Graduates will be eligible for roles in a variety of industries, including games development, film/TV, immersive experiences/Metaverse, advanced manufacturing, and architecture and engineering. Graduates would also have the opportunity to continue their studies and progress into research roles in this area.
Employment after the Course
NOT JUST A GAMES COURSE
This course will open doors for graduates in a multitude of industries/countries. With the significant investment worldwide in these technologies (predicted spend of £100 billion in 2023), degrees in games technology will leave students perfectly poised for future roles.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
No tuition fees are payable by DfE funded students for the programme as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup for further information.
DfE funded applicants must meet the entry criteria for the course and be:
• over 18 years of age;
• eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
• settled in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
All other students will pay the relevant rate indicated in the table above.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.