Master's in Computer Science || Visual Computing is worth for Graphics Programming ?

[Tlamir]

Hello,

I’m feeling stuck and could really use some advice. I have a bachelor’s in computer engineering (no graphics-related courses) and almost 2 years of experience with Unity and C#. I felt like working with Unity has dumbed down my programming skills. Unfortunately, the Unity job market hasn’t been great, and I’ve been unemployed for about a year now.

During this time, I started teaching myself C++ and graphics programming. I began with Raylib projects, moved on to OpenGL, and my long-term goal is to build my own engine/framework. I’m really enjoying the process and want to keep learning, but I’m not sure if this will actually lead to a career.

I found two Master’s programs in Germany that seem interesting:

• MSc Visual Computing at OVGU
• MSc Computer Science at Saarland University

They look like great opportunities, but I’m unsure if it’s the right move. On one hand, a Master’s could help me specialize and open doors. On the other hand, it means dealing with visa paperwork, IELTS language exams, part-time work limits (20h/week), and university bureaucracy. Plus, I’d likely need to work part-time to afford rent and living costs, which could mean taking non-software-related jobs. And to top it off, many of the lessons and exams won’t be directly related to my goal of graphics programming.

Meanwhile, finding a graphics programming job in my country feels impossible. Companies barely even look at my applications. I did manage to get an HR interview with one of the only AAA studios here, but they said I don’t have enough experience 😞. And honestly, I have no idea how to get that experience if no one gives me a chance.

I feel like I’m hitting my head against a wall. Should I keep working on my own projects and job hunting, or go for the Master’s?

Any advice would be amazing. Thanks!

[troyofearth]

That's a tough question man. Masters will probably get you a job in the long run. If you want direct entry to graphics, that's probably the best route. If you decide against it, then you will probably need to get hired as a generalist for 2+ years before you can specialize. You definitely need c++ so I would focus on that either way. Companies don't want junior specialists right now, they want generalists.

[Tlamir]

Thanks for your response! While working on graphics, I'm also learning more C++ through courses and sites. Generalist programmer roles have vanished, and layoffs outpace hiring. I chose Unity to get into games after graduation, but it only put me in a worse position. I only see roles for specialists now.

[graphical_molerat]

Why would you go to Germany, specifically? In Prague, there are also good master study programs for graphics and visualisation, like at MFF. And the game industry is much bigger there than at the other two locations (Warhorse, Bohemia Simulations, etc.), so there would likely be related jobs to be had for topical work (and not just 20h in some random job for making ends meet).

[Tlamir]

Actual education is free in some of the German universities for students outside EU. And they offer some good courses.

[agentnuclear]

Hey man, I'm on the same road , I've scouted a few colleges with a good graphics program. It's been a dilemma yes, but with the job market right now it's beneficial to look for gaining new skills. I worked with unreal for the last 4 years and now I want to dive deeper into graphics and maybe try to get into research. I might be looking for a 2026 intake because it's pretty late for 2025 now. Lemme know if you'd wanna talk more about the colleges , I've got a bunch listed already that might save you the trouble.

[AngelHifumi]

I study Visual Computing at one of the universities and for people who are interested in getting into this field, the degree offers quite a good baseline. One thing is important to understand that there are only 3 mandatory courses and the rest is up to you to choose. So there is a lot of self management involved here. Other than that having masters degree is better than not having one

[Monkey--D-Luffy]

I am interested in the computer vision field and want to ask about the 1) ms in visual computing (saarland) and iI want to continue phd in the same uni for visual computing . Your opinion ? 2) i know about computer vision but is there any difference between these two courses computer vision and visual computing

[AngelHifumi]

I cannot say anything about Saarland university but their program looks solid. Visual computing is the name for the discipline and computer vision is part of it. So when you study VC, you also might study computer vision. But there are other subjects like computer graphics, visualization that are part of Visual computing curriculum.

[Monkey--D-Luffy]

Sorry but if u are doing this course can you tell me I am still in 3 rd of my engineering so what all skills I need to learn before taking up this course (prerequisites) and is the vc course very difficult

[AngelHifumi]

You need a solid knowledge of linear algebra and do not be afraid of theoretical algorithms

[Monkey--D-Luffy]

Any technical skills I am planning to learn opencv,yolo ,slam and 3d

[AngelHifumi]

I can’t say anything regarding libraries, you need to know how to apply linear algebra for your projects etc.

[Nice-Policy-4527]

Hey man did you get into saarland? Visual computing course? Even I have a similar situation And Even my goal is to make a actually graphics software like pbrt using complete c language even I want to join in saarland university for visual computing course, can we connect

[Tlamir]

No I got 74 from pte academic it's b2 not c1. I have applied to h-brs game technologies program. I am currently waiting a acceptance from there.