Course modalities offered

Goldsmiths, University of London
Computer Games: Art and Design MA
Goldsmiths, University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Goldsmiths, University of London
  • Sep 1, 2022 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - Goldsmiths, University of London
  • Sep 1, 2022 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

This MA is tailored for people who want to start a career in the game industry. One of the only programmes in the UK taught by actual game developers, it will teach you game design, art & animation, and game programming, and has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and business.

As a fast-growing 150-billion-dollar business, the game industry offers countless professional opportunities. The MA Computer Games: Art & Design is right for you if you want to make game development a sustainable career and to work in this creative and rewarding industry. It is taught by actual game developers, designers, and artists with years of experience in the game industry.

Why Study MA Computer Games: Art & Design at Goldsmiths?

  • Learn to design and develop games using state of the art tools and game engines from actual game developer and industry veterans

  • Focus on which skills you want to learn, through a selection of option modules you can choose from

  • Collaborate with colleagues from other courses, including the MSc Computer Games Programming and the MA Independent Games and Playable Experience Design

  • Build your portfolio through practical coursework

  • Access state of the art game labs and facilities

  • Get your first internship in the game industry (or work on a research project instead)

  • Take part in the many events and game jams we organise every year, and be part of the creative and diverse environment that surrounds Goldsmiths

  • Access the strong UK community of publishers and creators with innovative voices creating ground-breaking titles

Who should apply? The MA Computer Games is the perfect fit for anyone who is – or wants to be – in one of the following positions:

  • People who want to find a job in the game and entertainment industries

  • Game designers who want to learn how to code to bring their ideas to life

  • 3D Artists, riggers, and animators who want to master state-of-the-art modelling software

  • Character artists and concept artists and who want to create assets for games

  • Game developers who want to improve their programming skills

  • Creative folks who want to use interactive technologies for their projects

There are no technical prerequisites for the MA, as the course will cover the basics of modelling, animation, and programming in the first week. However, a creative background is strongly recommended, and any experience with 3D modelling software or game engines is very welcome.

MSc Computer Games Programming If you are more interested in developing game-related technical skills such as advanced programming, mathematics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and shader coding, you may want to read about our MSc Computer Games Programming.

You will be working alongside the MSc students, and if you are unsure which programme is for you, you may be able to switch between them in the first two weeks of the course.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • (minimum 6.0 in Writing)
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • (minimum 6.0 in Writing)
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Computer Games: Art and Design, MA.

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject, such as Game Design/Development, Art, Design, 3D Modelling, Animation or Computer Science. You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. A portfolio of relevant work (such as programming samples, art-based/sketchbook, games assets, or games programmed/designed) will strengthen your application. If you have worked on other, non-games related creative projects, you are welcome to show that in your portfolio, as everything that can show your creativity and commitment is welcome. In some instances, we may ask to see more of your work or to conduct a short interview. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing to study this programme.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Goldsmiths, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

See all university rankings of Goldsmiths, University of London

What students say about studying Computer Games in the UK?

  • Stephen Seress-Smith, computer games art student
  • A Day in the Life of a Game Dev Student
  • Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) | De Montfort University
  • Computer Games degree at Abertay University
  • Game Dev University Experience | Final Year Q&A

About Goldsmiths, University of London

Founded in 1891, Goldsmiths, University of London, is located in the South-Eastern area of London known as New Cross. The facilities are impressive at this university, providing students with Art, TV, and Radio studios, as well as a host of other resources aimed at optimising the experience for students on any of their courses. With Goldsmith’s exceptionally active event calendar, making new connections is easy, giving learners a way to socialise without even having to step foot off campus.

  • Coming to Goldsmiths: living in London
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  • Meet the Students of Goldsmiths - Institute of Management Studies

Where is this programme taught

Goldsmiths, University of London
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