(Full time) 2021 start
Computer Science with High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering MEng, BSc
Overview
This course teaches the skills and knowledge you’ll need to join one of the most performance-driven applications of computer science – the multi-billion pound global games industry. As a graduate, you will work at the top end of the games industry and will develop computer graphics on high-performance platforms, or write engines for the next generation of games.
Developed in collaboration with a prestigious steering group from industry, this course focuses on computer graphics, where programmers must push computing resources to the limit using deep understanding of architecture and high-performance programming to generate new levels of graphical realism and visual effects on cutting-edge hardware platforms.
You’ll gain proficiency in low-level programming (C++, Graphic and Compute shaders), a thorough understanding of multi-core and many-core programming techniques, game engine and tool development techniques, and fundamental insight into graphics and the practical techniques used in games including geometric models, animation and simulation, and advanced methods for visual realism.
This course is a four-year degree. If you choose to finish after three years, you will graduate with a BSc in Computer Science.
This course has been developed in collaboration with a prestigious steering group from industry comprising:
Members of our steering group contribute to the delivery of the course, ensuring you’ll learn the latest technical skills and industry developments. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage directly with the games industry, through:
co-curricula industry lectures
visits to games development companies
attending UK games events.
We are also a member of Game Republic, an industry-led professional games network that supports and promotes the Yorkshire and Northern England games sector. We hope that students of this course will take part in the Game Republic student showcase.
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to laboratories equipped with high-end Unix workstations with dual monitors and platforms for teaching mobile computing (Android/iOS devices), and robotics.
During your fourth year, you’ll use workstations running DirectX12 as games development platforms and have access to other specialist hardware including Oculus Rift headsets for experimenting with VR. For learning games engine design and exploring new rendering techniques you’ll work with the source code of a leading game engine, Epic’s Unreal Engine 4.
Accreditation
Course content
Interested in graphics? This course provides unparalleled opportunity to study graphics in depth, with more modules on advanced graphics and graphics programming than any other institution in the Russell Group.
Our Computer Science courses all share a common first year, which focuses on the fundamentals of programming and the mathematical principles that underpin computer science.
Year 2 allows you to deepen and broaden your knowledge of computer science, with core modules introducing you to topics such as artificial intelligence and developing your understanding of algorithms and operating systems.
You’ll build on this in Year 3, when you’ll have far greater choice in your optional modules and undertake a significant research project on a topic relevant to the gaming and graphics course.
In Year 4, a series of compulsory modules will develop your knowledge and skills in computer graphics and high-performance programming. By the end of this course, you will develop advanced-level, industry-standard technical skills in the following areas:
low-level programming (C++, Graphic and Compute shaders)
multi-core and many-core programming techniques
computer graphics, from core principles to the practical techniques used in games, including geometric models, animation and simulation, advanced methods for visual realism
game engine development techniques.
Projects
Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.
Find out more about our Projects.
Ethics
You’ll study computing ethics as part of your course. This is taught using real life case studies, with input from specialist ethicists as well as your tutors and lecturers. The team responsible for the ethics taught in computing has produced educational material used to stimulate debate in class about topics such as ethical hacking, open source software, and use of personal data.
Not only will this enhance your reasoning and decision making skills which are crucial to employers, but it will help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you will encounter in your professional life in the IT industry.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industrial visits allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in science and technology-related careers.
Members of our steering group will contribute to the delivery of the course ensuring that you learn the latest industry developments. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage directly with the games industry through industry lectures, visits to games development companies and attending UK games events.
Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. He or she will be an academic member of staff: you will have weekly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first year, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester.
In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment will consist of coursework problems issued during term, closed examinations at the end of term, and, for the individual project, a written project report usually accompanying a software product. The mix of assessment types varies between modules. In the fourth year of the course, the emphasis is very much on practical skills in computer graphics and high-performance programming, and as a result the coursework/exam split is close to 50% in that year.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including Mathematics or Computing. Grade B (6) or above in GCSE Mathematics is required if no Mathematics A-level is taken.
Where an A-level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Due to the competitive nature of this course, the Admissions team may take a variety of factors into account when assessing applications. Please read the admissions statement for further information.
Extended Project Qualification - Whilst we recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, we do not currently include this as part of our offer making. We do however encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement and if invited, at interview.
GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.
Other course specific tests:Lower offers may be made based on demonstrated interest and aptitude for the subject (typically AAB). Where Maths or Computing are required this must be at grade A.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction (including an appropriate number of Mathematics modules) and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
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BTEC
D*D*D with Distinctions in all Mathematics units. Mathematics units must include Further Mathematics. This unit may be optional on your BTEC but is it required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information. Please note: there may be different requirements for the new RQF BTECs, please contact Admissions.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level including 5 points at higher level in either Mathematics or Computing. If only Computing is offered from the IB, Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics is required.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics. -
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics or Computing, and AABBB at Higher level.
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Other Qualifications
IT or Engineering Diploma: A (plus A or above in Mathematics or Computing in A-level).
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB, including an A in Mathematics or Computing. Grade B (6) or above in GCSE Mathematics is required if no Mathematics A-level is taken.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £23,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
There is a shortage of highly skilled graduates in this field, so once you’ve completed this course it’s highly likely that you will be in demand. You’ll be well placed to join the multi-billion pound global games industry, in positions such as a software developer, technology leader for graphics and rendering or a games development leader or a technical director. You’ll be expected to progress rapidly into leadership roles, becoming the go-to person for expertise in graphics technologies. University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.
Outside the games industry,the programming skills you develop during this course would allow you to secure a position in other performance-driven industries, for example embedded systems. Your computer graphics expertise could lead to opportunities in the animation and visual production industries.
Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our Computer Science students are working now.
Careers support
You’ll have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.
You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Find out more about careers support and employability.
Study abroad and work placements
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake a placement at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your degree by 12 months and on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your unique expertise to future employers.
Find out more about work placements.