Games and XR Lab I
Postgraduate
MSc
Games and Extended Reality
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
September 2024
In a nutshell
Are you looking for a path into the exciting and rapidly evolving area of gaming and XR?
This programme provides you with the skills and knowledge to break into this new and exciting field, becoming one of the key innovators that will shape its future. The focus of this course is on the creative application of immersive and extended reality technologies to a wide range of design contexts. This is a rapidly evolving field, with applications as diverse as engineering, architecture, heritage, medicine and education.
In particular, the growth of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications, grouped under the umbrella term of ‘Extended Reality’ (XR), is driving to radical transformations in the production and consumption of digital media products. As leading brands such as Facebook (now Meta), Microsoft, Apple and Google all align into this direction, the surge of new XR products and experiences will redefine the ways in which we interact with the people and the world around us. This explosive growth is substantially increasing in the demand for professionals with the creative and technical skills to lead the way.
Find out more by signing up to an upcoming Open Day, or if you have any generic questions please contact course enquiries.
International applicants: Please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
You will:
- explore and gain an in-depth knowledge and skills on the technologies that are shaping the future
- be part of an active and vibrant learning community that will boost your creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills
- have access to a range of cutting-edge technologies and equipment that will turn you into a confident and capable developer
- be guided by an enthusiastic team of active practitioners and leading scholars in games and XR
- develop contacts and relationships with leading industries in Manchester, a city leading the next wave of innovation in the UK and Worldwide
International
students accepted
All about the course
The programme will be delivered across three trimesters using a combination of practical workshops, lectures and tutorials. Through practical and theoretical modules, you will gain the confidence and in-depth understanding of the technologies and techniques used in game and XR production while acquiring the critical skills to become the innovators able to shape the future of this new field.
See below for module details.
The details below outline the structure for full time.
Part time delivery would be spread across two years.
Trimester one
In this module, you will become familiar and develop expertise with game engines, asset production and coding. You will develop your skills in 3D modelling and visualization, acquiring practical skills in industry-standard techniques and pipelines for the production of 3D assets and environments. You will also be introduced to the latest technologies used for immersive visualisation, such as motion capture, photogrammetry and PBR texturing.
Creative Research Methods
This module will lead you to become a creative reflective practitioner, capable of proposing innovative solutions to complex problems using ludic and immersive development pipelines. Through selected readings, seminars and guest lectures, you will gain a thorough understanding of the main debates surrounding the fields of creative gaming and XR.
Trimester two
Games and XR Lab II
In this module, you will develop your expertise in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality design and development. You will start by working with Web XR, moving to more complex projects using game engines such as Unity and Unreal. You will also have the opportunity to produce social VR environments evaluating current frameworks for implementing immersive spaces for social interactions.
Project Research and Proposal
In this module, you will apply your skills to designing a solution for a real-world problem. This proposal will form the basis for your final project in Semester 3.
Trimester three
Final Project
In this module you will develop your project proposal. This project will provide you with the opportunity to critically engage in an action-research project, applying your skills to respond to a defined research problem. The outcome of this project will be discussed with your supervisor, who will help you define your research questions, methodology and support needed. This project will allow you to develop an original piece of practice-based research demonstrating an advance degree of specialist knowledge.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
BE A PART OF A CREATIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
This course is delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.
Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.
Each year - through the Create Student Awards – our School rewards the incredible achievements and successes of our final year and postgraduate students.
Whatever you choose to study with us, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
FACILITIES
Our MediaCity and Peel Park facilities are industry-standard, so much so that they are used by our industry partners themselves.
When you study with us on this Creative Games and XRs course, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our facilities. These include:
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Digital labs – use the latest XR equipment in an space especially designed for virtual and augmented reality development.
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Fabrication labs - bring your designs to life using 3D scanners and printers, power tools and a range of art and craft materials.
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Computer Suites and Editing Studios – our computer suites are equipped with the latest industry-standard software. You’ll learn from our experienced demonstrators, who’ll teach you the skills needed to turn your concepts into a reality.
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Green screen facilities - these allow you to create effects such as those you see on weather reports and incorporates a camera system and 3D graphics software.
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Equipment stores - we have a fully equipped equipment store available for you to use in your projects.
Explore our Creative Digital Media and Gaming facilities at the University of Salford.
ACADEMIC STAFF
Dr Juan Hiriart is an artist, programmer, digital designer and lecturer with more than twenty years of professional experience in various creative industries. He started his professional career working in the film and animation industries, later specialising in game design and development. As an academic, Dr Hiriart has developed and taught in a range of digital design and creative technology courses at undergrad and master levels. In this master, he teaches on the modules Games and XR lab I-II and Final Project.
His research interests lie in the intersections between serious and critical gaming, digital heritage, and education. His current research focuses on developing participative and ethical design frameworks for historical game design and, more generally, the use of XR and game technologies in contexts where they can promote positive social change. He is also interested in digital storytelling, the design of affective and empathic user interfaces and creative design research methods.
What about after uni?
Graduates from this programme will find professional opportunities in games design and development, XR development, instructional design and software engineering. Graduates will have access to a wide spectrum of roles in the public and corporate sectors, all of which are searching for individuals with specialised knowledge and skills on this rapidly evolving field. As the adoption of gaming and XR technologies continue to increase, professionals with the creative and technical skills on this type of development will be in high demand in sectors including but not limited to retail and fashion, healthcare, workforce training and real estate.
Entrepreneurial endeavor is also a potential avenue for graduates, who will be supported to start start-ups and new business.
Career Links
This postgraduate degree course benefits from established partnerships and links with creative industries in the UK, which have been working with us at several levels, ranging from guest lecturers, live briefs, placement opportunities and extra-curricular activities. These include the BBC, Matmi New Media, Trunk Manchester, Yippee Entertainment and Carbon Digital, among others.
What you need to know
This is an interdisciplinary course open to students from a wide range of backgrounds, however, a previous academic or industry experience in any of the following disciplines would be beneficial: game design and development, 3D art and animation, game programming, digital media, and computing science.
As part of the application process we will want to see a portfolio of work in demonstration of your previous experience and skills. These might include:
- stills and images showcasing examples of work on relevant areas, for example: game art, coding, UX, immersive experiences, virtual or augmented reality projects.
- links to personal or commercial projects
- examples of creative projects not directly related to games or extended reality, but which give demonstrate your potential to engage with these technologies
Once you have made your application we will be in touch with more information about the next steps.
Standard entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
A relevant undergraduate degree, normally at 2:1 or above, and supporting evidence of digital/games design experience.
For International students
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.