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PgCert|Postgraduate Taught

Introduction to Games Technologies

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
Duration
1 year (Part-time)
Places available
tbc (Part Time)

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.

Course Structure

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.

People teaching you

Lecturer in Games Development

SAEL
d.lydon@qub.ac.uk

Lecturer in Games Development

SAEL
j.chang@qub.ac.uk

Contact Teaching Hours

Large Group Teaching

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

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Modules

Modules

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.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    3Din Games (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

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

Please note as this programme is offered online, international applicants are eligible to apply as on campus attendance is not required.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/skill-up-flexible-skills-fund/

International Students

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.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years). https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/

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.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

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.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

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.

Employment Links

EMPLOYERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Games Companies, Immersive & Multimedia Studios, Film/TV Studios, Manufacturing Companies, Architecture/Civil Engineering Firms

Prizes and Awards

DfE Skill Up places (competitively awarded)

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 Free for DfE Funded students (see below)
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 N/A
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 N/A
EU Other 3 N/A
International N/A

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.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

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.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

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Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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