University of Hull

What you'll study

This programme combines core computer science topics with practical games programming modules. You will study advanced software engineering and systems design alongside specialist modules such as real-time graphics and rendering, game engine architecture, physics and animation for games, and artificial intelligence for interactive environments. The course emphasises hands-on development: modules typically include substantial programming labs, team-based production modules and a major individual project or dissertation where you design, implement and evaluate a significant game, engine component or research prototype.

• Advanced Programming and Software Engineering — architectural patterns, testing, optimisation and collaborative development workflows.
• Real-Time Graphics and Rendering — shader programming, lighting models, GPU pipelines and performance trade-offs.
• Game Engine Architecture — subsystems for rendering, audio, input, resource management and scripting.
• Physics, Animation and Interaction — rigid body dynamics, character animation, inverse kinematics and collision handling.
• AI for Games — pathfinding, behaviour trees, decision-making and procedural content generation.
• Networking and Multiplayer Systems — architectures and synchronisation strategies for online play.
• Research Methods and Project Preparation — project planning, literature review and research or production methodologies.
• MSc Project or Dissertation — a large-scale individual project supervised by academic staff, often carried out with industry collaboration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in computer science, software engineering, games development or a closely related subject. Candidates with a lower second-class degree plus relevant industry experience, or applicants from another discipline with demonstrable programming skills, may also be considered. Applicants without a substantial programming background may be asked to undertake bridging work or to take introductory modules before progressing to specialist units.

International applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through a recognised test or approved equivalent; the programme team can advise on acceptable scores and alternatives. You will also need to provide a personal statement outlining your programming experience and motivations, and the names of academic or professional referees.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of technical roles across the games, entertainment and wider software industries. Typical career destinations include gameplay programmer, graphics/engine programmer, tools and pipeline developer, technical designer or technical artist. Skills developed on the course are also applicable to adjacent sectors such as virtual reality and augmented reality development, simulation and training, interactive media, and real-time visualisation for engineering and architecture. The programme also prepares students for further research or PhD study in computer graphics, AI and interactive systems.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers a supportive computing department with a strong emphasis on employable skills and applied projects. You will benefit from dedicated computing labs equipped for graphics and games development, access to high-performance workstations and GPUs, and small-group supervision for your project. The department maintains links with local and regional technology and creative companies, enabling guest talks, project collaborations and opportunities for industry-informed project briefs. Students also have access to the university's careers and enterprise services for CV support, interview preparation and employer engagement, helping to turn technical skills into tangible career outcomes.