BSc (Hons) Games Development

Bringing together technical practice and theory, this programme equips you with the skills required for a career in the games industry.

• The games industry’s revenue is estimated to be larger than the film and music industries combined meaning that there are countless opportunities to work as a professional in the sector. This degree programme introduces you to various career paths in the games industry and the skill sets they require
• The degree is hands-on and practical from the start. You will explore your potential through practical projects, learn relevant technical skills and enhance your understanding of all areas of game development, including theory, practice, and technology
• Our specialist modules are delivered in a creative environment meaning you will have opportunities to collaborate and use new technologies in your own practice
• You will develop projects for platforms such as PC and Mobile, using state-of-the-art, industry-standard game engines and creative tools
• You will learn essential skills for a career in the games industry including how to program, solve problems, and how to produce game design documents
• You will undertake collaborative projects and hone your ability to work as a team in a creative environment
• The degree includes the opportunity for you to undertake a year-long placement in industry, enabling you to gain work experience, build confidence and contacts, develop your skills and industry insight, and enhance your career prospects
• By the end of your degree, you’ll have built a portfolio of work to kickstart your career

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Nima Jamalian.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: A1 A1 A2 B1

Additional requirements

If you don't have a Science- or Mathematics-based A-level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.

If necessary, applicants may be called for an interview, at which time they may be asked to take a computer aptitude test.

Alternative qualifications and experience

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades, and may still be able to offer you a place.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Careers

This degree programme offers an optional Industrial Placement Year between the second and third years of study. This provides you with an invaluable opportunity to gain real world experience and form valuable relationships with employers.

As a graduate, you will have the skill set to work in smaller creative studios, larger game companies or to build and publish your own games.

Our graduates also develop the skills required to pursue careers in other relevant field such as software development, web development, and creative computing.

As a graduate of this programme, you could pursue a career as a:

• Programmer in Games Industry, including casual, mobile, PC and console games
• Computer Game Designer or level design in the games industry, including casual, mobile, PC and console games
• Independent Game Developer (Indie Developer)
• Game Developer for serious Games and Gamification sectors.
• Creative Games and Interactive Technical Lead in an Advertising Agency
• Creative Technologist

Skills

Throughout the degree you will learn skills including:

• Programming skills, including those required for the design and implementation of computing systems
• An understanding of the fundamental methods, theories, techniques and technologies relating to games development
• Critical, analytical, creative, reflective and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a career in industry or research, including the ability to work independently and in groups
• An understanding of contemporary computing practice
• Computational problem solving
• Project management