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What was it like studying MSc Games Programming at the University of Hull?

What was it like studying MSc Games Programming at the University of Hull?

Zoe Summers, BSc Software Engineering and the MSc Games Programming graduate of the University of Hull

Zoe Summers

University of Hull
BSc Software Engineering and the MSc Games Programming graduate

What was it originally that attracted you to study there?
 
It was highly recommended within the programming community and had strong industry links. Also, C# and C++ were the featured languages not something less useful like Java or Python.
 
What was the most important thing you learnt:

a) conceptually

Conceptually, I got a very good foundation for software engineering and design patterns.

b) technically?
 
Technically, the course made me very comfortable with C based languages, it allowed me to learn a new language in a matter of weeks to a high enough standard to get a distinction for my MSc dissertation!

the lecturers and teaching…you always felt able to approach them and ask for help, or for more detail. This was particularly the case with regards to C++ and advanced graphic rendering techniques

What was the toughest, most challenging thing you encountered?
 
The challenges really started with the MSc, we were dropped into the deep end holding an anvil and told to swim cross channel!! However, after getting a job in the games industry I can vouch it’s exactly like that! So yay for Hull University, they got me prepared, but it was hellishly scary at the time.
 
What do you feel were the best parts of your course/university?

 
The quality of the lecturers and teaching. You always felt able to approach them and ask for help, or for more detail, or even really low level specifics. This was particularly the case with regards to C++ and advanced graphic rendering techniques.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon RisingWhat was the biggest achievement/success on the course for you?
 
I went back to University after being successful in another career entirely, because I really couldn’t understand Object Orientated Programming by myself (I started with Commodore BASIC in the early 80s so it was quite a leap).

Within 4 months I’d written two games – one in C# and the other in C++ both getting me a Distinction level mark. At that point, I knew I’d made the right decision.

Find out here how being a MSc Games Programming graduate has helped Zoe's career.

And click here for further details on the Skillset Accredited MSc Games Programming degree Zoe took.

Tags: Accredited Computer Games Course, Computer Games, Pick the Tick, Search all Courses, Women in Media

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