Engineering Business Management students at the University of Warwick

Games Engineering (MSc) (2026 Entry)

Course code

P-H1SK

Start date

29 September 2025

Duration

1 year full-time

Qualification

MSc

Led by

WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group)

Location

University of Warwick

Games Engineering (MSc) (2026 Entry)

Course code

P-H1SK

Start date

29 September 2025

Duration

1 year full-time

Qualification

MSc

Led by

WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group)

Location

University of Warwick

Meet us

Download our prospectus Link opens in a new window

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Find out more about our Games Engineering taught Master’s degree at Warwick

The Computer Games industry is one of the most exciting and dynamic growth industries today. Yet recruiting graduates with the specific skills required is one of the industry’s greatest challenges. Games Engineering MSc, taught in the interdisciplinary WMG department, is designed to address these challenges, and train the games engineers and developers of the future.

Course overview

As a Master’s student of Games Engineering, you will be engaged in one of the most performance-driven elements of computer science and will be well prepared to launch your career as an expert developer in the multi-billion-pound computer games industry.

Video game development is a particularly complex software engineering process, requiring expertise in a number of wide-ranging areas including high-performance graphics, programming, data structures, physics, acoustics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, networking, modelling and rendering.

Throughout the course, you will be trained in the complex game development process, learning the fundamental and theoretical aspects of how to create game engines from the ground up, as well as working with established game engines (i.e. Unreal, Unity) to understand the intricacies of their capabilities and limitations.

Fundamental to becoming an expert developer is having deep understanding of algorithmic concepts and high-level programming languages, so, through this degree, you will not only master languages like C++ and python, but will form a conceptual understanding of computing principles with programming as a vehicle to grasp these concepts.

Developed in collaboration with Warwick’s Visualisation Research Group, this Master’s degree draws on our particular expertise in Visual Computing and games, with a strong focus on computer graphics, vision, imaging, distributed and parallel systems, Human Computer Interaction, and AI. This close link with research means that the course will cover start-of-the-art game development methods and will help prepare you for future developments in the industry.

It is delivered in the multidisciplinary WMG department, Warwick’s largest academic department with 1400 full-time MSc students across a portfolio of courses, and 34 research groups driving a significant amount of the research conducted at the university.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related STEM subject (Computer Science, Engineering, Technology, Maths).

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

Band A
IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.

Academic References

We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses, and two academic references for research courses.

You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.

View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window

Additional requirements

Candidates with professional experience should include their CV with their application.

Modules

Core modules

As part of the MSc in Games Engineering, all students are required to study the following core modules:

Module title

Credits

Optional modules

Alongside your core modules, you will need to select an elective module so that your taught modules equate overall to 120 CATS (or 1200 hours of learning).

Your elective module list will be shared at the start of the academic year and will include modules such as:

Module title

Credits

Please refer to the departmental website for more information and module content for this courseLink opens in a new window.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

Core text books
Printer credits *
Dissertation binding *
Robe hire for your degree ceremony

* - Dissertations and Assignments are only submitted digitally. However students may wish to print and bind their dissertation for their own purposes. Students on some courses will have a final poster presentation as part of their project and the printing of posters will be at the students’ expense.

Scholarships and funding

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Department specific funding and support

WMG MSc Funding Opportunities

WMG award over £1.5million in scholarships and bursaries each year to students commencing study across our portfolio of full-time MSc programmes. More information about our MSc Scholarships.

WMG Research Degree Opportunities

We have a number of research projects available which are fully or partially funded. The majority of these are for UK/EU applicants, though occasionally we advertise positions that are also open to overseas applicants. Please refer to specific project descriptions for details

Teaching

This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two-thirds of your time and effort, and a research component accounting for one-third.

For the taught component, we blend synchronous and asynchronous learning delivered through lectures, seminars, lab work, syndicate exercises, simulations, case studies, and professional portfolio development.

Our teaching faculty has extensive industry and research experience, with guest speakers from industry bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.

In addition to your taught modules, you will undertake a major project as part of your Master's degree. This is nominally 600 hours (60 CATS points) of learning, mainly taking place during the Spring and Summer terms. You will be expected to engage regularly with your Project Supervisor and to provide progress updates and drafts of your work to an agreed schedule. The outputs of your academic year will also form the basis of an industry standard portfolio.

Class sizes

This course can accommodate around 25-30 students.

Typical contact hours

Module delivery patterns vary, but most will be delivered in a short learning block of up to 4 weeks, allowing you to focus on one module at a time.

Each 15 CATS module nominally accounts for 150 hours, which includes scheduled classroom and lab time, as well as your independent study and assessments.

Assessment

Your modules will be assessed through a variety of methods including original programming applications, programming projects, game development, reports, and critical reviews. In additional to the main assessment, there may be assessed presentations, online tests, self-reflection, and a range of other assessment methods during each module. Your assessments can be used to develop your professional portfolio. There are no written exams for this course.

For the research component, you will undertake a major project. Project submission is likely to include both a written and a presentation element, accounting for 33% of your overall academic grade.

Reading lists

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform. 

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.  

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department. 

Your timetable

Core modules will be allocated to students at the end of the first week of term - you will then be able to view your individual module schedule for the rest of the year via the WMG module selection system.

Your elective module will be bookable through the same system later in the term.

Modules will include scheduled classroom/lab time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments, and will usually be delivered within a 4 week timeframe. Occasional classes and study skills sessions may be held at weekends or in the evenings.

As a Master's student, you are expected to manage your own time appropriately. On average, you are expected to commit 38-40 hours of study each week, in order to successfully achieve your Master’s degree.

This is a full-time postgraduate course - undergraduate term dates do not apply. Whilst there are no holidays as such, there will be no teaching scheduled when the University is officially closed for staff, during the two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Careers

The academic, technical, and professional expertise you will gain on this course are highly sought by multi-billion pound computer games industry. We would expect graduates to secure senior technical roles within the industry where there is such a huge demand for talent.

The skills you will develop are also highly transferable into other sectors - from the film industry through to the finance sector - where visual computing, advanced programming, and machine learning are widely required.

Throughout the course, you will develop an industry standard portfolio to present to future employers.

You will enjoy networking opportunities with leaders in the games industry, and our close proximity to Leamington Spa, nicknamed ‘Silicon Spa’ due to the abundance of Game Companies located in the area, means excellent access to many of the industry leaders as well as rising stars, including Codemasters, SEGA, Ubisoft, Lab 42, Midoki, and Pixel Toys.

Department

WMG at Warwick

As one of the largest departments at Warwick, WMG (originally Warwick Manufacturing Group), is a multidisciplinary department delivering a unique combination of world-class education with real business and industry application.

Our industry relevant management and technical education, and highly impactful applied research, have positioned WMG as a leading international role model for successful partnership between academia and industry. Having forged strong links with local, national, and global companies through 45 years of collaborative research and development, we really understand the global market you’ll be operating in and have designed our programmes to match.

Our expansive expertise includes artificial intelligence, automation systems, cyber security, data science, engineering management, design, supply chains, healthcare systems, sustainability, energy applications, materials, manufacturing, and visualisation to name but a few.

Find out more about our full-time Master's coursesLink opens in a new window, find out more about our part-time programmesLink opens in a new window, and learn more about the WMG department.Link opens in a new window

Our courses

Our part-time courses for working professionals

Engineering Business Leadership (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research degrees

Visiting WMG

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. WMG also organises events and information sessions for prospective students including 1-1 bookable appointments, departmental open days, and independent visits so you can connect directly with the departmentLink opens in a new window and speak with staff and students from WMG. For more about university wide open days and tours, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.

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How to apply checklist

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Application deadlines

Applications are now open for courses that start in September and October 2025.

Applications will close on 2 August 2025 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

Please note, places are often limited, so we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. Please check our department webpagesLink opens in a new window for more specific information.

Useful links

Applicant portal
After your applied
Admissions statement
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2025 entry

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For more detailed advice on the courses offered in WMG, to book a 1-1 appointment or visit with the WMG team, or for any course specific queries, you can connect directly with the recruitment team in WMG.

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We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:

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Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

8th in the UK

in the Guardian University Guide 2025

6th Most Targeted University

by the UK's top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd)

69th in the World

out of 1,500 institutions across 104 locations (QS World University Rankings 2025)

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We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2026 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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Games Engineering (MSc) (2026 Entry)

Games Engineering (MSc) (2026 Entry)

Find out more about our Games Engineering taught Master’s degree at Warwick

Scholarships and financial support

Living costs

How to apply checklist

I'm ready to apply

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Connect directly with the WMG department

Explore ways to connect with us

Why Warwick

Why Warwick

Why Warwick

Why Warwick

8th in the UK

6th Most Targeted University

69th in the World

5th best student city in the UK

Gold standard teaching

92% of our research

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