Games Programming
Games programming is the technical specialism concerned with writing the code that makes games work: the physics simulations, rendering engines, artificial intelligence systems, network infrastructure, and game logic that together create the interactive experiences players engage with. Where game design is concerned with what a game should feel like and do, games programming is concerned with how it is built, and the quality of that programming work determines whether the design can actually be realised within the constraints of available hardware and real-time performance demands.
Goldsmiths offers this games programming programme part-time, which allows students to study while working or managing other commitments. A sandwich year is included, giving you the opportunity to spend a significant period in a professional games development environment before completing the degree, which in the games industry, where employers look for demonstrated practical ability and portfolio evidence, can be the most important part of the whole programme. Work placement activity is embedded throughout.
Goldsmiths has a long association with creative computing and game studies, combining technical rigour with a genuinely creative intellectual environment that is unusual among programming-focused programmes.
Games programming graduates are in strong and sustained demand across the games industry, which is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic creative sectors. Roles in engine programming, gameplay programming, tools development, graphics programming, AI programming, and technical design are the typical starting points, with specialisation developing as careers progress. The games industry offers challenging technical work, strong graduate salaries, and the satisfaction of building products that people play and enjoy.
The portfolio you develop during the degree, including the work completed during the sandwich year, is your primary professional credential. Postgraduate study in games technology or computer science is available for those who want to pursue research or specialist technical development careers.