Course Structure

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 form multi-disciplinary teams to work on projects.

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.

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.

Studio 1 (compulsory)

Working with industry professionals, this 20 CATS module is designed as an experimental laboratory for the students to apply their knowledge and their skillset from the other 2 modules (Introduction to Games Technologies/3D in Games) to develop group-based research projects/prototypes of their choice. These could include topics related to games, media, design, culture, heritage, science or social science. It is critical to nurture a team spirit and develop perspectives in a group project, this is designed to resemble industry practice. The industry professionals will bring real-world problem-solving opportunities and practical technical supporting workshops related to real-time 3D applications.

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.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Introduction to Games Technologies (20 credits)

  ×

  Introduction to Games Technologies

  Overview

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MDL7001

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  10 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Studio 1 (20 credits)

  ×

  Studio 1

  Overview

  Working with industry professionals, this module is designed as an experimental laboratory for the students to apply their knowledge and their skillset from the other 2 modules (Introduction to Games Technologies and 3D in Games) to develop group-based research projects/prototypes of their choice. These could include topics related to games, media, design, culture, heritage, science or social science. It is critical to nurture a team spirit and develop perspectives in a group project, this is designed to resemble industry practice. The industry professionals will bring real-world problem-solving opportunities and practical technical supporting workshops related to real-time 3D applications.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this module students will be able to:
  - Understand the general workflow of developing a creative research project and the iterative nature of it.
  - Research and interpret the product marketplace, technologies and development methodologies.
  - Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver a project.
  - Create projects from initial conceptual development to final prototyping.
  - Demonstrate prototypes by executing the knowledge and skillsets learned.
  - Engage with user testing to inform design iteration.
  - Publish a prototype on the platform of their choice, performing necessary system-specific optimisation.

  Skills

  By the end of this module students will be able to:
  - Demonstrate entry-applied level prototyping skills, including feasibility analysis.
  - Understand and apply appropriate development methodologies.
  - Nurture individual creation and critical thinking.
  - Demonstrate skillsets to work independently with initiative.
  - Work collaboratively and respectfully in a team to accelerate the working efficiency.
  - Being able to articulate an individual's contribution within a multidisciplinary team.
  - Engaged citizenship through interdisciplinary practice.
  - Ability to problem solve and explore creative solutions confronting the problems.
  - Utilization of combining individual critical thinking with creative tools to generate projects/artworks expressing one's statement.
  - Manage the prototype development process using source control and build processes.
  - Capability of clear written, verbal, and visual communication/expression for project presentation.
  - Spirits of self-motivation and self-reflection on design process and decisions.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MDL7003

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  10 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  3Din Games (20 credits)

  ×

  3Din Games

  Overview

  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.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MDL7002

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  10 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

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.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. 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.

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.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lativa Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

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.

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	DfE Funded students: Free / Other students: £2,434
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£2,434
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£3,083
EU Other 3	£7,166
International	£7,166

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 to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

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.

Download a prospectus