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I am currently in third year of a computer science course and i was curious what post grad game (i.e. graphics, general game development, programming.. etc.) courses are around…hopefully in Ireland but other countries as well…
P.S. i would love to get some experience in a games company this summer but seems that it pretty doubtful at this point so if anyone knows anything that i can apply to or something up-coming let me know…. seems like a waste to be working a normal job this summer rather then getting experience in something i really want to do for a career… :wink:
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One would suggest looking at the courses section of the site…
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.. anyone know of any more though there are only 2 post grad courses..
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I’m looking out for Postgrads too, most options seem to be in the UK. Abertay or Teeside. Problem I have is I haven’t done Computer Science, I’m a multimedia graduate :-( Don’t know if they’ll laugh in my face!!
Would be nice to stay in little ol Ireland too though, with all its lovely traffic and expensive beer :-)
JohnnySlim
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Hrm…I’ve done abit of research into it myself lads and the courses in the UK seem to be the best at what they offer. I know if I go down the Post Grad route it’ll definitly be Abertay if they’ll have me! :D
Oh and if you havnt already check out this thread…
http://www.gamedevelopers.ie/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9
for other related info! -
There’s supposed to be an MSc in Computer Games Technology starting in Letterkenny IT this September. You could contact Thomas Dowling (thomas.dowling(at)lyit.ie) for more information. Seems like some people from Torc will be involved in teaching, or that’s the idea anyway. Also, DIT may have a similar course starting but it won’t be this coming September, possible the year after if they get approval. Anyone have any info on the course in Liverpool John Moore, is it supposed to be good?
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Anyone have any info on the course in Liverpool John Moore, is it supposed to be good?[/quote:576ec35839]
My friend is going to JMU this September for his post-grad course. He did the multimedia degree at Magee and they seemed happy to take him on. He picked it as he regards it to be the best in the UK. They work of the students is apparently very high quality. If you have any questions I’ll see if he has an answer for you.The UK have definately head a head start over Ireland in developing their courses so they’re obviously going to be better right now. I’m glad that Ireland has a lot more degree courses up and coming, just wish more of them were about animation!
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Hey Ronny,
Is that the “Digital Games MA” that your friend is doing or the “Computer Games Technology MSc”? Just been browsing their site and I’m getting a bit confused – wouldn’t mind Liverpool myself, coudl check out the odd match at Anfield :-)
And does anyone know any sly ways to get money for that kind of study? Grants/busking licences/mobile phone scams all will be considered.
Thanks,
JohnnySlim
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Well ive just accepted my place on the games design course in Teeside, for september. I got the offer back in March and i was pondering over whether or not to take a year out to save for it etc, but ive made my decision. Im going to have to take a student loan which is cool because i dont have to pay anything back until im in a full-time job.
I guess i just figured, WHAT THE HELL. I feel that a year out would be counter-productive and that it would do no good for me. So im dying to go, going over for a weekend soon enough to check the place out, ive heard good things about the place so i cant wait :)
Oh and John, you could always try a sponsored run or a “its for charity” collection ;)
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Oh and John, you could always try a sponsored run or a “its for charity” collection ;)[/quote:ce1b91e64c]
Could you spomsor me for a run…..
Whats the charity?
Helping poor student get money to do courses that require money..
(look innocent)You should have money in no time :twisted:
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In Scotland you get can a grant to do post-grads / MSc.
Don’t know about England though… ( probably not ) -
i read the cirriculum of the msc in hull university and it looks really good. alot of grads went on to rare, codemaster, sony etc.. had alook at their weekly assignments pretty hardcore, not for the faint hearted or the week programmer.. if i personally was doing one, i reckon i’d go their.
also they got gamecube dev-kits.. :) -
also they got gamecube dev-kits[/quote:5ad6d83dab]
You sure about that? I know there was a thing a couple of years ago where several unis in the uk got game-cube kits, but the number given out was very small. I think abertay got 3, can’t imagine other places getting many more unless they did it off their own bat. -
yeah 100%
they say it on the site
“The Game Cube development hardware and software have been supplied by SN systems.”
(under the section of the website “equipment and labs” they’ve even got photos of the labs..)
actually says they got 9 gamecubes
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Hey Ronny,
Is that the “Digital Games MA” that your friend is doing or the “Computer Games Technology MSc”? Just been browsing their site and I’m getting a bit confused – wouldn’t mind Liverpool myself, coudl check out the odd match at Anfield :-)
[/quote:19ed3b48cc]
Hey Johnny,I’m pretty sure he’s taking the Digital Games MA, though I’d have to check with him. They have their own website that I’ll try to get you the link for. It shows the work their students have done. Good luck with the Champions League final. Not sure how much hope you guys have of being the best team in Europe when you’re not even the best team in Liverpool. :P
Well ive just accepted my place on the games design course in Teeside, for september.[/quote:19ed3b48cc]
Well done, Paul! That’s one of the universities I’m considering going to for my under-grad degree. I’ve looked up and down the length of Britain and Ireland to find one that suits my needs and qualifications. Teesside and Swansea are the ones I prefer. Hope you don’t mind if I use you as my test subject to get some info on the Teesside university and area. ;) -
teeside is meant to be a good course. ive heard only good things, games companies seem to like it too. Good few off the undergrad work for the big studios in the uk.
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Hope you don’t mind if I use you as my test subject to get some info on the Teesside university and area. ;)[/quote:ae2e4f88ec]
Cant see there being a problem there! I going for as many qualifications as possible. I already have a certificate and a higher national diploma, both in gmaes design, so a degree would be the icing on the cake. And a few letters after my name :P
Absolutely, i will keep you and anyone else thats curious about Teeside, posted. :)
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some of the courses, like in abertay, seem to focus a lot on 3D graphics, physics for games and that kind of thing- which of the courses do you reckon would be better if you’re not really interested in that end of things but more interested in game design and programming (also some AI)?
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Are you looking for a degree or a post-grad/MSc course ?
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i would say from undergrad teeside seems to have a good cirriculum. from msc hull.
Also i would say its hard to find game design and programming, because their a world apart in my opinion. unless you mean the system architecture for the game?
although if your interested in programming and ai, perhaps look into doing a research msc or something and then try to break the industry with that.
Because alot of companies now are looking for people with specific skills; who specialised in ai, or physic or sound to a huge level of depth as opposed to, all of the above to a lower level of depth. Thats why i did (msc ai) with that very intention of hitting this niche.
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Yeah, I agree with Peter it is good to get an idea of something specific to concentrate on such as graphics, physic etc as for design you usually expect to see a lead programmer, artist going on to become a designer due to experience, also those who concrentrate will have three/four years experience on that topic compared to a wide range of skills. I originally was going to try lot’s of different skills but am now concentrating on graphics and am starting as a graphics game programmer.
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Yeah, I agree with Peter it is good to get an idea of something specific to concentrate on such as graphics, physic etc as for design you usually expect to see a lead programmer, artist going on to become a designer due to experience, also those who concrentrate will have three/four years experience on that topic compared to a wide range of skills. I originally was going to try lot’s of different skills but am now concentrating on graphics and am starting as a graphics game programmer.[/quote:0643cab248]
I specialisation is generally a good idea, but you’re not going to be breaking into the industry to work on specialised area, as you will not have the experience. General practise is you start off doing generalised stuff and then specialise, however having an area that you’re stronger in from the start can help define your rule.
You will not see Lead Programmer / Artists going on to be designers. Leads go up the ladder, not down. They’ll have influence on design but will not become designers. Designers seem to come from Testers more often.
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Absolutely, i will keep you and anyone else thats curious about Teeside, posted. :)[/quote:4751edae19]
Good to know! That reminds me, there’s a thread about Teesside over on CG Talk. 500 pages long but it has a lot of useful info. Some people don’t have the best things to say about the local area. Apparently the government are putting a lot of funding into making it better. I certainly hope so. -
Thanks for the advice! I’d be interested in an MSc. I guess what I’m really looking for is something with a similar course outline to an MSc in software engineering but with a strong games component, including a major project involving creating a game.
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Hi all,
Just wondering if anybody has done the MSc in Abertay. Nearly 150% sure I’m going to apply for there once I’m finished next year. I know it comes highly recommend and I have read about it on the Abertay website but could anybody give an overview on what is taught, how it is taught, and what life in Dundee is like? Also slightly concerned it will be expenisive to do. Doesn’t mean I won’t do it but I’d prefer a year where I don’t open the cupboard to find Tesco Value written on everything as opposed to just the essentials :) . I know there is the possibility of getting a grant but does anybody know how to go about this?
Cheers
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I did the PgDip in Abertay and started the MSc but never had an intention of finishing it.
The course is FREE if you know what you’re doing. Apply to the SAAS ( http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/ ) . Scottish grant for European students cover the whole course. Don’t get greedy and apply for extra money for things like rent and you’ll be fine ( it does cause problems ). They’ll cover all of the fees.I’e posted before about the course in Abertay, but it has been 2 years since I was there so things will probably have changed somewhat…ps2 are in instead of ps1 and directx is definitelly now taught..don’t know what other changes there have been other than lecturer changes.
Actually, anyone interested in Design / Production might be interested in the course that started last year I think it was…can’t think of the name, but it deals with those issues…
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Anyone know any other post-grad courses in england or other countries i.e. America or canada.. or if you know a website that has info for game courses in this countries would be much appreciated :wink:
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edge have an advert this month, to do games programming in new zealand
actually a fairly well known one is full sail. seen some of their work, pretty cool stuff made in labs\projects etc.
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Anyone know any other post-grad courses in england or other countries i.e. America or canada.. or if you know a website that has info for game courses in this countries would be much appreciated :wink:[/quote:bc3250e8c9]check out Gamasutra – they have a section on courses in North America, I think
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Thanks for the feedback omen. I found that other post as well. Most helpful. http://www.abertay.ac.uk/Applicants/Fees/NHome.cfm is the link for the fees as, being Irish, we qualify as EU students. I have decided I’m going now. Dundee beware…..
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Oh by the way, SAAS said they covered fees for PgDip course and didn’t cover the MSc part if it was attached like it is in Abertay. However, the start of the MSc, we went to registeration and were told SAAS was still covering us :)
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Well I have some interesting news for anyone going into college this year or next. By the way can’t believe I never found this site. I’m currently a student in UL (Uni of Limerick) in Computer Systems and I found out from my soon to be graphics lecturer that THIS YEAR if the numbers are there a new course is starting a BTech. I think he said in Multimedia and Games Development! This is possibly the best news for prospective students as now theres no need to go to Abertay or somewhere in England to get your degree! They have missed the CAO for febraruy but it will show up apparently before the final changes deadline and is under code LM110, i think, the URL on the UL page is broken however so I don’t know exact modules but contact UL!!!!!
I’m currently on my Co-operative education in Shannon but I found this out from one of my lectureres that I talk to. He says if no-one is interested this year it will be next year it starts but it is going ahead! I personally am GUTTED beyond belief! I am still going to go to Abertay for my Masters as one won’t be available in UL for at least 6years :evil: :evil: :evil:. Hope this is some nice info for anyone you know who might be interested. I think I’ll be coming here more often :D its exactly the site I’m looking for!
(By the way UL is well reputated as being a brilliant Computers and Tech college, even my current employer has offered me the chance to work here when i finish, and im working for a company owned by GE, the Daddy of all companys, I imagine this course will be excellent)
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No matter how good the uni is for computer tech, they’re still going to need game knowledgeable lecturers and preferably game industry links, and in todays industry, console dev kits.
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This is possibly the best news for prospective students as now theres no need to go to Abertay or somewhere in England to get your degree![/quote:95dd78e730]I think you’re missing the point slightly. A games development qualification is only worth the skills you can pick up while studying for it. Studying towards one is really not something you should do “to get your degree”, as simply having a degree is nowhere near enough to get you an industry job.
By the way UL is well reputated as being a brilliant Computers and Tech college[/quote:95dd78e730]It loves to tell its students that it is. My experience as a graduate from UL, and the perspective on its teaching I got from studying for a postgraduate qualification in England puts it in a rather less healthy light.
But then, I have yet to get off my arse and start actually applying for jobs, so what I have to say comes with an obligatory pinch of salt.
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Well, LYIT is doing it, AFAIK.
They posted an announcement on their website rather late (like, 3 weeks ago or so), but who cares as long as they do it!
well, they better do it, otherwise I am gonna have to find a way to do a MSc in game programming somewhere else :?
Tomorrow I’ll know… -
Conor,
LYIT are definitely going ahead with their MSc. As someone above stated Thomas Dowling is the man to contact. (He’s a civil guy, you’ll get his direct dial number on http://WWW.LYIT.IE, under staff). LYIT is a great place, and the lecturers really really really push you to work. But you come out with fantastic projects.
Also, UU Magee (www.infm.ulst.ac.uk) has a very strongly focused MSc in Computing & Design, which you can complete in one calendar year (12 months straight). Subjects include 3D Modelling & Animation (3DS Max) and Photoshop is used pretty much everyday. There is also a significant amount of research and documentation with this course, so if your not keen on technical writing, you mightn’t like this…
You should also look at NWIFHE’s HNC in Interactive Computer Entertainment. Its not a PostGrad, but its one hell of a year! The course is designed around the IGDA’s Curriculum Framework, and EVERY aspect is geared towards gaming. C/C++, Photoshop, 3DS Max, Level Editing, Engine Design, and DirectX are CORE to this course. Its scheduled as being only 3 days a week, but you’ll be in the HIGHLY-SPEC’d labs around the clock, all week. There is also the added bonus of them having a fully fledged Games Company, Phooka, down the hallway, so if you run into a problem, you’ve got people to ask. Robbie Hegarty is the man to talk to about this course. http://www.Nwifhe.ac.uk
Of all the courses I’ve completed, I’d recommend NWIFHE’s. If you’ve been studying Comp Sci for 3 years now, you’ve probably learned alot of Bullsh*t that you will never ever ever use (Ian Sommerville’s Software Engineering, Systems Analysis & Design come to mind…). Where as Derry Tech really just stripped away all the crap usually added to Comp Sci degrees and focused solely on programming and modelling for games.
So thats what I’d recommend, but it all depends on what you want to focus on. What is your field of interest? DirectX, Engine design, Level Editing, modelling, texturing, etc?
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I was recently talking with some guys from a games studio in the uk and they said that currently they dont like that game development courses which are popping up are teaching everything from sound\ai\graphics\gameplay\3d modelling\everything at once etc.
They said its very rare you find a good 3d modeller who is also an excellent coder, they dont really go hand in hand. Apparently the majority of demos they get from amateurs coders trying to get in contain boxes and cubes drawn in 3d max as place holders for real models. Which they said is fine, 3d modelling isnt your area, so dont try it. Stick to what you know and let the 3d modeller do their job.
They said that what they looked for in candidates was focus in one discpline fro example for working on the physics in a game, they required someone with a physics background, someone with a cs\eng background to do the general coding, someone with ai expertise for the ai (alot very little games use true ai but they said this will probably be addressed in the next gen consoles timespan etc), someone with expertise in graphics to do the graphics and sound engineer\dsp coders\sound experts to do the sound.
Just one other note, they did mentioned that you wouldnt start in a specialised area, you would go into a core team, so as to learn the technology etc, but then you’d specialise perhaps 1-2 years on
Therefore you have people which are very focused in one area, but they know this stuff to a great depth. So seems to me if you want in you have to specialise and go with your strengths, not try to do 5 disciplines at once in 3-4 years.
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I can highly recomend the ICE course at NWIFHE.
It is very intense and covers all apsects of design. In my opinion the fact that you get to experience every discipline even areas that will not be your chosen career path means that you have a better understanding of other roles and can communicate easier with members of a wider team.
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Totally agree with that Peter.
You’re not going to be expected to jump straight into physics or ai on starting your first jump in the industry. You’ll have to understand the engine you’re working on first of all and then as you prove yourself, you can start specialising for real. Having a specialisation coming into the job gives an idea of where you want to go and how you’ll fit in, but chances are ( unless you’ve got a lot of experience in an area ), you’ll begin in ‘game-play’. -
you have a better understanding of other roles and can communicate easier with members of a wider team[/quote:1f5bb58c55]
You have no idea how important that is too! Needs to work both ways though, it would be nice if all art / code / design could appreciate each others areas but thats not going to happen… -
better understanding of other roles and can communicate easier with members of a wider team.[/quote:8b8e1e67ba]
I think this is very important indeed but i suspect you’ll learn this big time from the word go at your new position, or you’ll be handed your “marching orders”. ;)
Just seems like having direction in what you want to do makes you more appealing to a developer because they dont waste a year floating you from team to team to find what your interested in, few companies can afford to this and desire to do this. Only ones which jump to mind are banks!
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peter,
I am sure this tendency to consider the Game Development area as one single domain is just the first step. You have to appreciate that for normal lecturers, it’s all new stuff (well, at least for those I know), so the Academics have to start somewhere. And rather than make a decision, they start with a general course, so to speak. With time and several promotions behind them, I am sure this will be refined and specialised: just like you can get specialisations in Telecom and Sat for a Computing Course, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Game Dev being split along the graphics guys and non graphics guys…Personally I did Fine Arts courses at home in France as well as a Dip in Telecom and Networks, so I having everything altogether will only give me a chance to do everything I like all at once like I used to do when I had spare time :P
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