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Artificial Intelligence for Games


Degrees Available



MSc Full-time

Suitable for International Students?

Yes

Award Tuition Fees Attendance Mode Length of Course
MSc

2012/13:

  • Home/EU - £4,900
  • International - £13,250

(A small increase can be expected for the subsequent year)

 Full-time 1 year
September - August

Course Introduction

On this course you will learn advanced techniques in Artificial Intelligence (AI), to create a range of artificial gameplaying agents and non-player characters for a wide variety of games, from chess through to complex first-person and real-time strategy and multiplayer games.

The course will cover advanced topics in machine learning, genetic and evolutionary algorithms, and neural networks. Options during the course will allow you to study areas such as computer graphics and animation, sound, software engineering and project management.

The course is designed for students with an enthusiasm for AI who prefer a hands-on course where your ideas can be implemented in a range of game environments, and for those with an enthusiasm for computer games aiming to get into AI design and development. You will be expected to have prior knowledge of programming skills and an enthusiasm for games, but knowledge of AI is not required.

Our graduates have skills that make them well suited to careers in the computer games industry, and to AI jobs in other areas such as finance, management and engineering, and for further AI research through to PhD.

Course Syllabus

Modules 2011/12: (C) = Core (O) = Option

Semester 1 (60 Credits - 2 x (C) Modules and 1 x (O) Module):

  • Advanced Software Development (20 Credits) (C)
  • Artificial Intelligence for Games I (20 Credits) (C)
  • Computer Animation and Special Effects (20 Credits) (O)
  • Concurrent and Distributed Systems (20 Credits) (O)
  • Software Project Management (20 Credits) (O)

Semester 2 (60 Credits - 2 x (C) Modules and 1 x (O) Module):

  • Artificial Intelligence for Games II (20 Credits) (C)
  • Interactive Systems and Video Games Development (20 Credits) (C)
  • Advanced Character Animation (20 Credits) (O)
  • Artificial Intelligence with Applications (20 Credits) (O)

End of Semester 2 onwards (60 Credits - 1 x (C) Module):

  • Dissertation (60 Credits) (C)

MSc Part-time

Suitable for International Students?

Not suitable for International Students

Award Tuition Fees Attendance Mode Length of Course
MSc

2012/13:

  • Home/EU - £2,450 p.a.

(A small increase can be expected for the subsequent year)

 Part-time 2 years
September - August

Course Introduction

On this course you will learn advanced techniques in Artificial Intelligence (AI), to create a range of artificial gameplaying agents and non-player characters for a wide variety of games, from chess through to complex first-person and real-time strategy and multiplayer games.

The course will cover advanced topics in machine learning, genetic and evolutionary algorithms, and neural networks. Options during the course will allow you to study areas such as computer graphics and animation, sound, software engineering and project management.

The course is designed for students with an enthusiasm for AI who prefer a hands-on course where your ideas can be implemented in a range of game environments, and for those with an enthusiasm for computer games aiming to get into AI design and development. You will be expected to have prior knowledge of programming skills and an enthusiasm for games, but knowledge of AI is not required.

Our graduates have skills that make them well suited to careers in the computer games industry, and to AI jobs in other areas such as finance, management and engineering, and for further AI research through to PhD.

Course Syllabus

Modules 2011/12: (C) = Core (O) = Option

Stage 1 (60 Credits - 2 x (C) Modules and 1 x (O) Module):

  • Advanced Software Development (20 Credits) (C)
  • Artificial Intelligence for Games I (20 Credits) (C)
  • Computer Animation and Special Effects (20 Credits) (O)
  • Concurrent and Distributed Systems (20 Credits) (O)
  • Software Project Management (20 Credits) (O)

Stage 2 (60 Credits - 2 x (C) Modules and 1 x (O) Module):

  • Artificial Intelligence for Games II (20 Credits) (C)
  • Interactive Systems and Video Games Development (20 Credits) (C)
  • Advanced Character Animation (20 Credits) (O)
  • Artificial Intelligence with Applications (20 Credits) (O)

Stage 3 (60 Credits - 1 x (C) Module) :

  • Dissertation (60 Credits) (C)
Game Republic

Special Features

  • The course is the first course of its kind in the world
  • It has strong links with the UK games industry and games Artificial Intelligence research, including prize sponsorship from Microsoft and scholarships for exceptional students from theGame Republic Academy
  • Our partnership with Game Republic and our programme of visiting speakers from industry ensure that you are up to date with the latest developments and techniques in the games industry, as well as giving you the opportunity to make contacts with potential future employers

Entry Requirements

  • A good understanding of the principles and practice of writing computer programs prior to entry

2:2 or above in a subject:

  • Containing a significant component in Computing; OR
  • Other than with Computing, but can demonstrate sufficient relevant experience in Computing; and relevant industrial experience (e.g. obtained through substantial experience of working in the games or software industry or through industrial experience of other relevant programming work) that will be assessed via a CV and references

Two-year full-time course options:

  • Students who do not quite meet our normal entry criteria, such as those on the three-year Chinese diploma, or those who in the opinion of the admissions team would benefit from an additional year of study, may be offered a place on an alternative two-year full-time MSc programme

Level of English Required

IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent

[Full information on our General English Language Requirements]

Collaborative Partners

Partnership with Game Republic.

Contact Details

School of Computing, Informatics and Media Admissions Office

Download Prospectus

Scim Brochure Cover

Computing, Informatics and Media School Prospectus 2012 (PDF 5.5MB)

Please note that these PDFs are correct as at time of print (September 2011). For the most up to date course information please use the web page.