Master of Science in Commercial Games Development

at University of the West of England - Bristol - Frenchay Campus United Kingdom

A stand-out course for students interested in risk in the global insurance industry, with extensive networking opportunities and progression towards the industry standard qualification (ACII).

Why study this course?
With the UK insurance market worth over £200 billion, and more than 320,000 people working within it, there are huge opportunities for graduates looking to enter the industry, particularly those with specialist knowledge and skills.

The MSc Risk Management and Insurance has been developed with employers, industry experts and the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), to give you the tools to progress rapidly in this varied and fast-paced sector.

You'll explore how risk is managed in insurance, and how insurance companies need to work with businesses to mitigate risk and prepare for the unknown and unexpected in today's global marketplace.

What are the big risk challenges for businesses in the future? How are technological advances impacting our understanding of capacity to manage risk, and how are insurance companies embracing change to protect businesses in a complex global environment?

The course includes opportunities to visit companies and Lloyds of London to see the market in action, work on consultancy projects and attend networking events.

Why UWE Bristol?

• Drawing on our long-standing links with employers, the CII and wider industry, you'll learn from industry practitioners and apply your learning in authentic industry contexts.
• You'll have regular access to the Bloomberg trading room on our Frenchay Campus, and work with our experienced team of academics and practitioners.
• The course content covers a significant amount of material in the industry standard qualification (ACII), giving you a head start on further professional training.

Where can it take me?

• With huge demand for qualified insurance professionals, your skills will be highly sought after in areas such as underwriting, broking or claims management, strategic risk management, governance and insure-tec.
• You could work in an insurance company, brokerage, at Lloyds of London, or for a global company with major risk challenges.
• With significant scope for international work, you could also take your skills into SMEs, new ventures, broader intermediation or commercial risk.

Applied Masters-level Occupational Psychology focuses on skills, knowledge and attributes employers and organisations seek. This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programme has input from leading researchers and practicing occupational psychologists.

Occupational Psychology applies psychological understanding to workplace, business and organisational issues, and is one of the key applied fields of psychology. Many businesses and organisations employ occupational psychologists to help identify and address many of the key issues organisations face today, like how to select the best talent, train leaders, manage teams, engage employees and develop a culture of innovation all using evidence-based solutions.

The MSc Occupational Psychology at UWE Bristol is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), covering Stage-1 training for Occupational Psychology. The course has been designed to reflect the most up-to-date BPS guidelines and has been developed in conjunction with the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology.

Whether you're a recent bachelor graduate or a professional looking to develop and enhance skills, the course offers an excellent grounding in the key skills of an Occupational Psychologist. Furthermore, UWE Bristol stands out for its focus on applying skills and competencies to real-world scenarios. The department has excellent links with local organisations who provide connections and invaluable insights.

If you hold Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS, the MSc provides Stage-1 training towards achieving Practitioner Occupational Psychologist status. As well as covering the BPS core curriculum, you'll enjoy a particular emphasis on highly transferable practical, professional and employment-related skills and the opportunity to gain course credit through your own practical work in business and organisational settings.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Design, Construction and Operations is fast becoming the industry standard approach to designing, analysing, and managing building lifecycle. On this course you will learn a holistic approach to everything from design and construction to maintenance, operation, and sustainability from industry and research experts using state-of-the-art BIM software. You will also benefit from regular talks from BIM experts and close links to the industry and BIM Regional Hub: South West.  

Hands-on experience and world-class research

A unique feature of this course is that you have the opportunity to be placed with a company to deliver a BIM Organisational Strategy and a BIM Implementation Plan. You will also provide companies with BIM research that has real business value producing an organisational strategy and implementation plan to ensure their BIM is aligned with business strategy. You will then research a BIM-related topic of your choice in-depth for your dissertation.

The expertise in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology sets this course apart. The MSc in Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Design Construction and Operations is challenging, as we cover a lot of ground, and prepare you in all aspects of BIM, so you are better equipped for employment. To do this we split the course, so its half theory and half practice, using the latest modelling and management, analysis and visualisation tools. You will learn to understand the complete building lifecycle, exploring innovative sustainable and collaborative practices in building information modelling and management, and examine a range of existing and emerging BIM issues.

The Government's Construction Strategy says all publicly funded projects must now meet the BIM protocol and is pushing for faster adoption of BIM. But, with a lack of skilled professionals, there are major obstacles. This fast-growing area is perfect for anyone looking to respond to this challenge and seize opportunities.

Develop an attractive mix of skills, a strong network and practical experience that will prepare you brilliantly for a career in computing, web, data analytics or marketing.

Why study business computing?

• Businesses need good IT people - and that means people who understand the technology, but also how to apply it to real business challenges.
• Web, programming and data analysis are all important strands. So is data analytics, with businesses increasingly using it for consumer research, marketing and social media.
• Having a solid base of IT knowledge across all these areas, with a relevant mix of business skills thrown in, will put you in a strong position for current and emerging roles in the digital industry.

Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Business Computing teaches you the fundamentals of computer science, with a particular focus on applying different technologies to the needs of businesses.

Gain core knowledge of programming, web development, databases and information systems, as well as technical skills in data manipulation and software design. Learn about data analytics, and specialise in aspects of marketing, business or advanced computer science topics. Develop broader skills employers value in IT professionals, from teamwork and leadership to problem-solving and project management.

Supported by UWE Bristol's engineering and computing partner employers, this course is strongly rooted in industry. Guest lecturers from businesses will regularly share their insights with you, and you'll have the chance to work on live briefs to apply what you learn to actual business scenarios. Depending on where you want to specialise, work placements are available in a choice of organisations.

Where can it take me?

• As a graduate, you'll have a strong mix of computing and data analytics skills within a business environment.
• This will put you in an excellent position for a wide range of IT-focused careers including business analyst, software developer, data analyst and marketing analyst, to name a few.

 A unique opportunity to gain advanced games development and research skills, by working on live commercial projects alongside the PlayWest studio.

This Master's in Commercial Games Development provides students with an intellectual experience of study in the field of games development. Created and delivered by staff with both research and games industry expertise, it is designed to meet the increasing shortage of adept games developers, designers and programmers. The course offers a unique pathway into the games industry and wider related research.

You will be engaged in advanced research and game development/design activities alongsidePlayWest, UWE Bristol's in-house commercial games studio. Each member of the cohort plays their part in the development team according to their prior experience: those with more experience or a related degree will help guide the cohort as a senior developer/designer, while others will take on the role of standard developer/designer.

During the course, you will develop a portfolio of live commercial and research projects, gaining practical experience, academic skills and a deeper awareness of commercial processes as you work in your multi-disciplinary game dev-team.

A rich stream of live PlayWest research and development projects with industry partners that have previously included Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Bloodhound SSC, allows you to explore the application of games technology and methodologies, as well as virtual and augmented reality for real-world applications.

By giving equal weight to both the research and games development aspects, the course aims to establish an essential bridge between ground-breaking academic research and the entertainment software industry, each often overlooked or misunderstood by the other.

Study towards Chartered Surveyor status on a course with close employer links that gives you the flexibility to go into a wide range of careers.

Why study real estate?

• The world of real estate is exciting, fast-paced and rewarding.
• There will always be a market for property, so a role in the development, valuation or management of the built environment entails job security as well as earning potential. Most large organisations today have property management teams, while residential properties have increasingly diverse managerial arrangements.
• If the idea of a traditional desk-based job doesn't appeal, a career in real estate could offer you the variety and independence you're looking for.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BSc(Hons) Real Estate is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• Learn about buying and selling, valuations, resolving landlord and tenant disputes, negotiating compensation and day-to-day management.
• Address sustainability issues and develop a site with students from different degrees in a way that reflects industry.
• Examine legal and economic forces and their impact on planning practice. Value property for different purposes and learn about property law. Explore commercial agency and the international environment for property management.
• Bristol is a sought-after location for new businesses, making it home to a thriving property market and a close-knit network of property professionals. We'll help you tap into that potential through our connections with real estate partner employers, including BNP Paribas, Capita Symonds and Savills. They'll share their insider knowledge and recruitment advice, and provide valuable work experience opportunities.
• Find out about different careers and approaches on site and field trips. Recent trips have involved reviewing the property market in Budapest, Prague and Germany, and exploring property investment in Dublin. You'll also have the opportunity to hone your skills on a placement, which may count as part of the professional development you need to achieve Chartered status. Graduate ready to begin an exciting career in the real estate industry.

What can I do with a real estate degree?

• After graduating, you can go into a range of careers across the public, private, residential and commercial sectors.
• Job opportunities are varied and include roles in property management, valuation, development, taxation, purchase, sales and disposal.

Study the history of Britain, Europe, America, Asia and Africa and develop valuable skills and a sense of enquiry that you can apply to both the past and the present

Why UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) History shows you how to interrogate the past and expand your knowledge through challenging academic study.
• Our staff are passionate about teaching and research. They'll help you deepen your historical knowledge and develop your critical thinking. Besides traditional forms of assessment such as essays, you'll have the opportunity to build practical skills, using software and editing tools, to make your own films, documentaries and websites.
• Nurture your imagination and creativity, and build on your fascination with the social, economic and political forces that have shaped history across centuries and continents.
• Using primary sources from the start, explore events in their historical contexts and gain a unique insight into the important global issues of today.
• Study a broad spectrum of history, working on individual and group research projects. Gain skills and experience that will help you succeed in your studies and in your chosen career.
• Take a look at the UWE History Community blog, a fantastic forum for student talent and creativity.
• There are many opportunities to engage with Bristol's culture and fascinating history. We have strong links with Bristol's museums, galleries and archives, including M Shed, Watershed, the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust and the National Trust.
• In your third year, you could negotiate a work placement with a local cultural provider, spending six months gaining real-world skills, experience and contacts. There are shorter placement opportunities too, and projects with heritage organisations.
• Focusing on the avenues that most interest you, through your modules and assessments, you'll graduate well equipped to pursue diverse careers.

Why study history?

• History isn't just about facts. It's about the human experience in all its diversity. It's also about acquiring a sense of enquiry, which will sustain you during and after your studies.
• History is a long-established discipline, much respected by employers because of the critical skills it gives you.
• Understanding the past equips us to engage more intelligently with the present and to play a more valuable and informed part in society, whatever career path you decide to follow.

What can I do with a history degree?

• The heritage sector, in particular, continues to grow dynamically and to attract history graduates.
• However, graduates also enter into and succeed in a wide range of other sectors, including publishing, education, advertising and marketing, communications, IT, law, broadcasting, tourism and more. Many go on to further study.

Develop advanced creative and technical skills and craft new technologies and practices on this leading JAMES accredited course.

Why study audio and music technology?

• New technologies and techniques are changing creative expression in music.
• Today's audio and music industry whether studios, production companies, or tech firms look for practitioners who think outside the box but also know what goes on inside it.
• Studying this field opens career pathways from musical practice and professional sound to acoustics and audio software development. It allows you to explore and influence technological and musical innovations to shape the future of audio.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BSc(Hons) Audio and Music Technology receives both accreditation and acclaim from JAMES, the education arm of the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS) and the Music Producers Guild (MPG).
• They describe the course as 'amongst the best in the UK and of international standing'.
• This course is ideal if you're passionate about music and the technology behind it, but don't necessarily have formal musical training or prior technical experience.
• It allows you to explore and develop advanced knowledge, techniques and technologies for recording, production, musical expression, digital creativity, audio programming and the science of sound (acoustics and psychoacoustics).
• Musical opportunities abound on and off campus, through our celebrated Centre for Music and countless venues, groups, studios and projects in one of the UK's most musical cities.
• Gain valuable real-world experience and a professional portfolio through a series of placements that prepare you for a career in the music industry.

Where can it take me?

• Learn from professionals and experts from the music, film/TV and technology industries and research, and prepare for a variety of careers in audio.
• Choose from careers in audio and sound engineering as well as performance, composition and concert management. Work in creative areas where there is a heavy reliance on technology such as film, theatre and the arts. Apply your technical expertise with audio hardware and software companies, designing new musical instruments and digital technologies or as an acoustician, designing new spaces and concert halls.
• Graduate destinations include the BBC, Allen & Heath, Focusrite/Novation, plus various studio and production houses worldwide. Get support for freelance careers through Impulse, our in-house music technology innovation and enterprise studio and bridge to professional practice.

This course is ideal if you wish to develop your understanding and skills in managing projects for construction professionals in either practice or client organisations.
In today's ever-changing market, construction professionals need the knowledge and skills available through postgraduate study more than ever. Successful project managers need to be able to think, lead and act in an uncertain and dynamic business environment, have access to the latest information, understand the appropriate techniques and systems, and have the expertise to apply these to market needs and business opportunities.

The MSc Construction Project Management is designed specifically to enhance your understanding of managing projects, and to support construction professionals in practice and client organisations. It is aimed at architects, surveyors, services engineers, civil engineers, construction managers, and existing project managers who wish to formalise their training on the client and supply side.

International students
If you're one of our many international students, you'll have opportunities to incorporate material and examples from your home country into your studies, especially in the dissertation. We also visit construction project sites in the UK, so you can compare practices here with those in your home country. This enriches your overall learning, and ours.

Get to the heart of the issues facing society today by taking placements or internships, working with leading experts and developing your own insights into how to make a difference.

Why study sociology?

• In a rapidly changing social landscape, studying society and people's relationship with it is increasingly important.
• By exploring the nature, causes and effects of people's beliefs and behaviour, we can better understand social order and social change.
• Sociologists are particularly good at evaluating, reasoning and communicating. They assess and map the context of social issues and problems skills that employers will value whatever career you choose.

Why UWE Bristol?

• BA(Hons) Sociology focuses on how we can make a difference to 'self and society' using sociological theories and approaches.
• Through a broad range of modules, and with the support of our staff who are leaders in their field, you'll engage with real issues, and develop fresh insights and solutions to help improve people's lives.
• Learn to evaluate evidence, approach problems from multiple perspectives, and build your expertise in research, analysis and communication.
• Carry out your own research projects to develop, test and apply new solutions to contemporary problems. Student projects have focused on the refugee/economic migrant crisis, representations of gender or religion in the media, homelessness, the gender pay gap, the policing of public order and demonstrations, the impact of new technology on cultural industries, and how social class affects attitudes to education. These illustrate just a small number of the types of projects students undertake.
• Gain industry insights from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Youth Offending Team, Bristol Youth Education Service and the police.
• Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will build valuable vocational experience, and deepen your skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate.
• Recent graduate Sophia Hanke was inspired by her course to make a short three-minute film titled 'Welcome to Sociology at UWE Bristol', which features students and lecturers talking about their course.

Where can it take me?

• The broad skills and industry-focused experience you'll gain will make you attractive to a wide range of employers.
• You could pursue a career in research, education, social work, charity work, counselling, politics, journalism or writing, or work in the justice, legal or media sectors.
• You could also go on to do a postgraduate course or research degree.
• Graduating in Sociology from UWE Bristol will open up a variety of interesting and rewarding future possibilities for you. In this short film, some of our recent Sociology graduates discuss how their course has helped them to develop their graduate careers.