Undergraduate Profiles
John SpeakBSc Computer Science with Games Development
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Having come from a slightly different academic background to most Computer
Scientists here at Hull I felt I would struggle to adjust to a science
based course and keep up with the work load. It wasn't the case in the
slightest, software engineering is taught from the basics and gradually
down to a very advanced level. Support is constantly offered for those
who need it and work is testing yet rewarding. A broad range of areas
within computing are taught. I feel my degree has helped prepare me
for a career in the games Industry and am hopefully staying to do my
MSc in Games Development here which will give me the extra edge needed
to compete in a very compitative industry.
Hannah TrimbyComputer Software Development with Industrial Experience
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The course I am studying has a steep learning curve initially but is very well taught with excellent support resources. There are also regular practical sessions in the computer labs to enable skills acquired to be applied. For my year in industry, I did a placement at IBM in Warwick. I very much enjoyed working for this company and would like to work for them after I graduate. I plan to move to Canada in the next year, and have applied to IBM Canada and several other companies in the Vancouver area. I am particularly interested in application development, and would like to get involved in project management for a software company in Canada.
The Department of Computer Science has very good communication with the students and regular updates on job opportunities and other information are frequently emailed. There is also a departmental web site where students can access notes for modules they are taking and other useful course related materials.
The University has a fantastic social scene, and the bars and events organized make the nightlife extremely varied. The University has its own club, ‘Asylum’, which frequently has live bands playing, and also its own sports centre. There is a wide range of sports clubs and societies which cover most extra-curricular activities, and if a club does not already exist for your interest you can always start one up. The people are very friendly and the social network here means almost everyone knows everyone, or knows them through somebody else! The University campus is quite a way out of the centre of town [3 miles], which can make shopping etc. more of an effort, but there is a regular bus service and taxis are very cheap so this is not too much of a difficulty.
I enjoy scuba diving and am a member of the Hull University Sub-Aqua club. I succeeded in getting my Ocean Diver Certification at the start of this year, and there is a diving trip to the Red Sea planned for June. For three years I have been a member of the Hull University Ski and Snowboard club, and regularly go skiing at Castleford and Sheffield. This year the club went to the French Alps for a week. I am also an active member of HUSSO (Hull University Social Services Organization) and assist with the running of projects in the local area which help all kinds of people.
The city of Hull is a mixture of the historical and the contemporary. It has museums, beautiful buildings, and an ancient harbour for the cultural interest, and a lively array of shops, restaurants, pubs, entertainments and attractions for all tastes. There is also the world’s only ‘submarium’, The Deep, which is a huge underground aquarium on the waterfront and always worth a visit!
Hull is a great place for students to be at University in. There is a cheap cost of living and a lot of the restaurants and attractions in the city centre cater well for students and offer discounts. Most pubs and clubs have student nights and have very reasonably priced drinks. The city has three cinemas which show both current and old films and major concert venues where big acts regularly appear.
Scarborough is just less than an hour away from Hull and is a good place to go for a day trip to in the summer. It is a popular coastal resort and hosts the National Student Drama Festival every year.
Claire MennellComputer and Business Informatics |
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I joined the University of Hull straight from Hull College, where I continued my studies after leaving school. The University is located within an exciting, interesting and vibrant city. There are plenty of things to do and see, and Hull is well known for its low cost of living (which will help you to save on the small amounts of money we students have!). It has a lively nightlife, with plenty of pubs and clubs, as well as being famous for attractions such as The Deep, P&O Ferries and its ample free museums.
On visiting the University, I found that Hull’s Computer Science Department had many interesting courses to choose from, and a lot to offer to students who were considering degrees in computer-related studies. I also found that the University has an excellent reputation, not only among prospective employers but with students too, which was another great reason to study at Hull.
The University is a great place to study, and I have made many close friends during my time here. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and nothing is too much to ask from them. This has made me feel very welcome, and I am really enjoying studying at the University. I am currently in the final year of my degree and can honestly say that I have been well supported by both my friends and the University staff involved.
The course has been very challenging, but it has given me a broad base and a greater understanding of the different aspects of computing. With the new scheme of free electives the courses are now more interesting than ever, because they allow you the opportunity to extend your studies into other areas, whether to support your degree programme or simply because you want to study ‘something different’ as well as computing.
I will deeply miss my student life at the University when I go out into the Big Wide World!
Lucas CooperBSc Computer Science with Games Development |
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The Computer Science with Games Development degree has been a few years of learning some really interesting topics and will be a great step for getting myself into the industry. If I had the choice of going back again I would choose it every time.
Ben MaslenBSc Computer Science |
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The staff have always been helpful, especially when I've been faced with a tough decision. Their advice has always been top-notch!
John CumbersComputer and Business Informatics |
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I applied to Hull having never heard of it and not knowing where it was. A friend told me her sister was there, and she enjoyed it, and it had an interesting computer science course, so I put it on the form. In fact I had decided to go to another university. But as the open day for Hull happened to be on the day I was visiting another friend in Leeds, I decided to come and have a look around.
I don’t know what I expected, but I instantly liked what I found: as soon as I walked on campus I felt like this was the place where I wanted to spend three years of my life. There was a real sense of community which is missing from many campuses around the UK.
I spent most of my first year asleep – in my bed and in my lectures. The second year came and I decided it was time to do some work. I soon realised that as soon as you start putting some effort into your degree you get so much more out of it. In my opinion it doesn’t matter what you study as long as you are interested in it. The free elective programme here allows you to broaden your horizons: Japanese, Greek Philosophy and Space Science are just some of the fantastic courses available.
Many people from Hull ask ‘Why have you come here?’ and many times you don’t have an answer, but after you have settled in you know why you want to stay. Hull may not be the most happening city, but, as a place to live and study, the area around the University has everything you need. It is buzzing with students, friendly people, and cheap food and accommodation, and you soon become part of the community here. And at £5.50 return by bus to Leeds, or £25 return by train to London, it really isn’t difficult to get around.
In my third year, the Department allowed me to take a year off from my studies. I applied to study as an exchange student in South-East Asia and Mexico, spent the year taking in a wide range of subjects including Spanish, Chinese and TV production. I came back with a different outlook on the world and a different attitude to my degree as well.
Now I am looking to change direction and study for a Masters in Biotechnology. My tutors and lecturers here at Hull have given me a firm grounding in computer science and I now have the confidence to continue my career in whatever direction I choose. I have changed so much since arriving here three years ago, and I will always remember the time I spent here.
Adrian ManicComputer Science |
I graduated from the University of Hull with a 2.1 in Computer Science. Like many of my course mates, I left Hull with a tear, to find employment in London.
Finding a job was not particularly hard. Hull has an excellent reputation among employers, and the Computer Science degree course especially. It covers a vast range of subjects, from writing a compiler through to virtual environments. There are also many team-based projects.
The Departmental staff are very accommodating and approachable, with lectures being quite interactive and fun to attend. Their support was also very much appreciated when, during my third year, I needed to take a year out for personal reasons.
Socially, Hull is an excellent choice, providing all the advantages of a campus university while being situated only a 10-minute bus journey from the city centre. On campus there is a massive students’ union, with many bars and theme nights – you’re always sure to bump into your mates there. Hull also has a large Sports and Fitness Centre on campus, accommodating many types of sport.
The city centre is full of life. It has at least 15 nightclubs, along with endless bars and pubs. Three cinema complexes, bowling alleys, and two large shopping centres can also be found in the bustling, clean and largely pedestrianised city centre. And if you’re adventurous you can also jump on a ferry for a trip to Amsterdam
If I had to do it all again, I’d never consider any other place than Hull. Those four years were the best of my life. Enjoy your own time here – as you’ll be graduating before you know it!
Ope-Oluwa SoyannwoComputer Systems Engineering |
The Department encourages students to apply for a year out, which gives you work experience prior to graduation. A student placement is the ideal opportunity to develop your business, personal and technical skills, enhancing your academic study and preparing you for your future career. (It is also a chance to get yourself known in the company, which could be the first step towards starting a career once you graduate.)
During my second year I realised how much I had learned in a year and a half but wanted to know more about applications in a real-life setting. It was then I decided to intercalate for a year and I was pleased to be offered a position in the development laboratories at IBM Hursley, near Winchester. It was a great opportunity to learn, earn and gain an insight that the classroom could never provide.
I worked in a small team called WebSphere Platform Solution Test, dedicated to testing interoperability between IBM’s products, other software and open standards. I got hands-on experience with most of IBM’s products and specialised in the field of web services. While I was there, I wrote an article on the IBM developer Works Website and was given the opportunity to join seven highly experienced professionals in writing an IBM Redbook titled ‘WebSphere MQ Solutions in a Microsoft .NET Environment’. I also wrote a ‘stock trading’ game with six other interns for an activity called ‘Young Visions’ which IBM holds yearly for teenagers to enlighten them about opportunities within the IT industry. This was all great fun and gave me a great sense of achievement.
The experience was like being in university but without lectures, exams or coursework. We were dropped into a sea of opportunity and allowed to paddle through and gain as much out of it as we could, without any pressure. We were trusted to manage our own time and workload and still had tons of extracurricular activities. There were about 70 interns so you can imagine what a ‘campus-like’ place work was. We partied hard but worked hard too.
It was definitely a life-changing experience which challenged me, gave me more confidence and allowed me to build contacts with people of different levels and backgrounds. I’ve also built an excellent CV. I have no regrets. In fact I would advise everyone to do the same. Take a year out and gain experience. It’s worth it!
James GordonMEng Computer Science with Games Development |
"The course has been amazing. I came knowing the bare minimum and now I'm writing games and programs when I feel like it. One game is even going to be ported to the GameCube!"
Taught MSc Student Profiles
Kim BaleMSc Computer Graphics Programming (2002/3) |
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I decided to sign up for the MSc in Comuter Graphics Programming having thoroughly enjoyed a computer graphics module I took during my original degree at the University of Hull. The thing that impressed me so much about the original module was the way in which lecturers incorporated the teaching of computer graphics with rewarding and entertaining coursework throughout the MSc.
I thought that the lecturers showed a genuine enthusiasm for all aspects of computer graphics, not only in its more 'serious' scientific uses but also in its uses in computer games. This enthusiasm is clearly reflected in both the course work and the lectures.
As an ex-student of the course, I think it's my duty to mention the workload. You're expected to work hard. I seem to remember my coffee consumption definitely soared during my period of study. However in the lecturers' defence, they are sympathetic to this and because everybody is in the same position it doesn't seem so bad.
I'd definitely recommend this MSc, it has inspired me to go on to do a PhD. But more importantly I think the programming, report writing and presentation skills that I have learnt throughout the year will help me enormously in industry.
Edward Cieslik (2002/3)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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My aim in taking the MSc in Computer Graphics Programming was simple – to get a good job in computing – and the course certainly provides the foundation with which to do so. Right from day one, the teaching is intense and very tightly focused on skills that will be of relevance in either industry or academia. By the end of the first semester I had designed and implemented a flight simulator, written up in-depth research, and delivered a number of presentations on complex subjects. This level of work is maintained throughout the year!
It must be said that this is not an easy course, and can be quite a shock after the relative ease of undergraduate life. The pressure is, however, worthwhile, and the course opens up a number of career options. For the academically-minded, a wide range of research topics are covered and there is the opportunity during the dissertation in particular to research a subject of particular interest in detail. For those looking for a job in industry, the software projects set as coursework are suitable for submission to prospective employers.
If you are looking for a masters course that will keep you thinking, programming and achieving for a whole year, this one is ideal.
Simon Grey (2001/2)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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I had been working for a couple of years after graduating with a 2:1 in Physics prior to attending the MSc in Computer Graphics Programming. I chose the MSc to try to move myself in a new direction. At first I found the course difficult, and it was a lot of hard work. However, I was inspired by the course and found a lot of satisfaction in the results I was producing, which helped me stick with it and graduate with a distinction. Now I’ve come back to the department to pursue a doctorate as part of the Simulation and Visualisation Research Group.
Craig Moore (2001/2)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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I enjoyed my time at Hull University a great deal and loved the MSc
course. I have always loved computer graphics and spent a great deal
(maybe too much) of my BSc time teaching myself to program graphics,
and was not disappointed when the opportunity to do the masters was
proposed. I still continue to be inspired by many of the teaching methods
and projects done during this time, even though I do find some of the
maths challenging! Programming in C++ is still tricky, but the lecturing
staff in particular really took a personal crusade in our education,
replying to difficult problems by email even in the middle of the night!
They are fantastic people who really love their subject.
Nils Jensen (2000/1)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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I received my MSc after graduation in 2001. Before, I had received my German Diploma in Software Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg in 2000 and worked for two years as software developer and consultant at several companies. I had very good offers from my past employers, but I decided to study for an advanced degree in UK. Virtual environments attracted me, probably because they represented an aesthetically appealing symbiosis between art and science.
But why did I choose Hull? The University of Hull's MSc course in Computer Graphics Programming gave me a unique opportunity to learn about subjects that were under-represented elsewhere. Specifically, I liked taught subjects that bridge the gap between a challenging theoretical background and practical use in academia and industry, introductory opportunities for autonomous research, tight schedules and professional supervision, prospects for skill development, and excellent ratio between students and teachers. First, I was doubtful if had done the right thing. Would I meet the expectations of my supervisors and fellow students? But everyone turned out to be very helpful, friendly, and competent, and the course met my expectations. And what is perhaps most gratifying: my fellow students and I have managed to stay in contact from time to time, albeit many of us work in different countries around the world. You see some of their CVs on the Web site.
After graduation, I have become a research associate and doctoral student at the University of Hanover in Germany. I conduct research on e-learning environments and network-distributed virtual reality systems. I apply most of what I have learned at Hull in this context, for example to incept and engineer software for distributed 3D visualization, publish papers, and review submissions to conferences.
The course in Computer Graphics Programming is an excellent investment in your career.
Kostas Pataridis (2000/1)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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I decided to start the MSc course in Computer Graphics Programming after graduating from Hull University, holding an MEng in Electronic Engineering. I was always interested in computer graphics, having already spent alot of time writing demos. It was a very good choice. The course was quite tough, with plenty of exercises, all of them being, however, very creative, and open-ended. This is what I liked most: The insight the academics gave us to the artistic merit of graphics, not just the formulas and algorithms. It expanded our imagination quite a lot! Of course, I was used to living in Hull. After all, I had spent four years there already. I remember that the student nights were great, amazing community and environment, especially around the university campus.
After graduating, I left Hull to find a job in UK. Since then, I have been working in the games industry, doing special effects for games. In January, I am starting a PhD degree in Radiology, at Oxford University. I would be working in a clinical environment, using image processing/computer graphics, to identify and visualize patterns on scans of the human body. All in all, it was time and effort worth spending. The degree offered me a wealth of knowledge and insight into finding solutions to challenges that are ahead in my career.
Georgios Komporozos (1999-2000)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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I decided to start the MSc course in Computer Graphics Programming almost 10 years after graduating from TEI of Athens, Greece, holding a Beng in Software Engineering. Since then I worked as a programmer, systems analyst and finally as a computer science teacher in high school. I wanted to continue my studies and after obtaining a scholarship from IKY (a Greek institution) I searched for a MSc course in UK. I chose the University of Hull, Department of Computer Science and MSc in Computer Graphics Programming for the following reasons:
University of Hull is a good university
The course was in an area I had never worked on since I graduated before
the era of Microsoft Windows
The town of Hull is cheap enough for my Greek standards
By doing the course I also discovered that the staff in the University
were very friendly to all the students and always available to us
Computer facilities of all kind were always available to us around the
clock
Good academic standards applied by the university emphasized mainly
in the research areas
An exciting area of knowledge relevant to future work
A very interesting town to live and a lot of new English friends to
make
After graduating, I left Hull to return in Greece, as it was a basic
term in my scholarship. The MSc has affected my work and changed the
way I now look at things. I think that taking that course was most worthy.
I don't know how anyone else looks at it, but I think this course in
this particular department can be a really good boost to your computer
science career.
Dimitrios Christopoulos (1998/1999)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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Why I choose this MSc:
After graduating with a Degree in Computer Engineering and Informatics
from the University of Patras Greece, I tried to expand my knowledge
and expertise into a specific scientific area. Computer Graphics was
a field of study which always fascinated me since the 80's when I programmed
on the Commode 64. Therefore I decided to pursue a Postgraduate degree
in the field of CG at University level. After thoroughly searching for
University programmes throughout the primary Universities of Europe,
I decided to apply for the MSc programme of Computer Graphics Programming
at the University of Hull. I came to the decision that this MSc programme
was the most complete in modules, staff, equipment and experience. Although
there are currently a lot of other similar MSc programmes offered at
other Universities, it is my opinion that it is still the best MSc in
CG and VR in the UK since it has adapted its content and facilities
to meet the demands of today's industry.
About the MSC:
If would be asked to describe my experience as a former student of this
MSc programme my words would be: "It's a unique one year venture
into the magical field of Computer Graphics, Science and 3D Worlds,
which provides the knowledge, experience and foundation needed to enter
this exciting Science."
Although the course is very hard and demanding. It only assumes you have a good Science degree and the will to learn. The modules were rock solid, the information essential to the point, the facilities excellent and the course staff very knowledgeable, easy going and willing to help out. The exercises and course plan although very tough are well laid out in order to give each student enough time to learn and experiment.
Expect to stay ALOT of evenings in front of your computer or at the PC Lab until very late or early in the morning!!!
The foundation knowledge gained through my time in Hull was the cornerstone of my future development. The broad knowledge gained in C++, Computer Graphics Theory, Real-Time Graphics, Simulation and Physical Based modelling, Virtual Environments, Visualization and even modules like Essay writing, Presentation planning, Time management and Report writing which I assumed at first glance to be "useless" are almost of daily need now that I am working as a professional. This MSc is a very well thought out programme and I would suggest it definitely to everyone pursuing a career in Computer Graphics.
What happened after the MSc:
Since graduating from Hull with the MSc in Computer Graphics Programming,
I am working as a Senior Virtual Reality Software Engineer at the Virtual
Reality Department of Foundation of Hellenic World in Athens Greece
(http://www.fhw.gr). The Foundation uses state-of-the -art computer
technology to pursue the research, awareness and understanding of Hellenic
History and culture. It's the only place in Greece and one of a handfull
of places in Europe where professional VR technology and applications
are made accessible to the broad public. My duties focus on the development
of computer graphics amd VR applications for architectural walkthroughs,
education, entertainment which are primarily experienced through Immersive
Virtual Reality technology. Setup and Maintenance of the VR Installations
(CAVE, Immarsadesk) hosted at the Foundation. I have also gained valuable
hands on experience in all fields of VR Hardware since our applications
have been presented throughout the World at shows and conference on
a variety of graphics hardware ranging from Reality Centers, CAVES,
Domes, Workwalls, Plasma displays and Monitors in Passive/Active Stereo
on various OS's Windows/IRIX/Linux.
I am very happy that all started in Hull and very thankfull to everyone
I met there. It was an unforgettable experience.
Lily Jin (1998/9)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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I am an international student from the People's Republic of China. I am really pleased that I chose the MSc course in Computer Graphics Programming run by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Hull.
At the beginning of my studies, I had some sense of nervousness because, not only are there some difficulties with language and culture, but also the one-year MSc course is really intensive and tough. I tried my best to study hard and, while I had some sleepless nights, I got help from my friendly classmates and the staff. Due to the excellent staff-student relations, I gradually got along better and better with my studies.
I was awarded the Master's degree at the graduation ceremony. My parents are proud of me. Now I am studying a PhD at the University of Wolverhampton, with a 3-year full scholarship which I took up after I finished the MSc course. I think the MSc course was essential for me in applying successfully for a PhD. The modules and practical work gave me not only a good understanding of computer graphics and virtual reality but also project skills such as methodology, presentation and so on.
There is a Chinese idiom: Once the bitterness has ended, the sweetness is coming. It was the right decision to choose the MSc course. Many thanks again to the staff and the MSc and PhD students who gave me help. I will never forget the time I spent at Hull University.
Adam Bell(2003/4)MSc Games Programming |
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"After getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, I found it difficult to break my way into the Games Industry. After successfully completing the MSc Games Programming course at the University of Hull, it helped me find a job for a games company after just three interviews. Thanks very much University of Hull." Adam Bell, Graduate MSc 2003
Laurie Cheers(2002/3)MSc Games Programming |
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“The MSc was demanding, but very enjoyable. Before, despite my 2.1 Computer Science degree, I found it impossible to get a job in games programming. After finishing I got 3 offers, and I'm now working as a software engineer at Rare.” Laurie Cheers, Graduate MSc 2003
Francisco Viciana (2002/3)MSc Games Programming |
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I have always dreamed of working in the games industry and after completing the MSc in Games Programming at Hull University I had three job offers from top UK games companies (Criterion, Rare and Sony). I am working at Sony as graphic engine programmer in new generation AAA title" Francisco Viciana Ruiz, Graduate MSc 2003
Kieran Connell (1996/7)MSc Computer Graphics Programming |
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After graduating from Nottingham University in 1996, with a degree in Mathematics, I knew that I wanted to become a video games programmer. I had been programming for many years, and was always interested in computer graphics, but didn’t feel that my formal training was strong enough to guarantee me a first-class job in the video game industry. An MSc in Computer Graphics Programming, from the University of Hull, turned out to be the ideal solution!
The course itself was hard work but immensely fun. To my genuine surprise, the pace was much faster than the final year of my undergraduate study and the standards for coursework far higher. For instance, we were taught the C++ programming language in a two week intensive course which covered things I’d not learnt in a previous course lasting two semesters! I really enjoyed the challenging, sometimes seemingly impossible, coursework given to us and by the end of the first term I had already completed several major graphics programs that I was immensely proud of.
I decided to propose my own third-semester dissertation title so that I could steer my academic efforts towards producing a great demonstration of my skills to prospective employers. The quality of the coursework that I was able to provide with my job applications, along with my detailed knowledge of a wide range of up-to-date graphics techniques and technologies, learnt on this course, meant that I was offered a position at a number of well known game development studios, both in the UK and abroad.
Ever since graduating, with distinction, in 1997 I having been working at world respected video game developer Rare, now part of Microsoft Game Studios. The skills attained and high standards set by this course have held me in good stead over the years. Whilst technologies constantly evolve, the strong emphasis on object-oriented software engineering, coupled with a solid foundation in all aspects of computer graphics, has been invaluable to me throughout my years as a video game programmer.
Put simply: this course helped me get my dream job and I had a damn good time doing it to boot!
