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Visual Effects for Games and Real-Time Media
- BSc
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Abertay Campus
Course summary
Combine strong technical expertise in visual effects (VFX) with game programming and creative design skills. Learn to develop visual and audio effects for real-time media such as games, film, TV, immersive experiences and more.
Our degree is perfect for aspiring VFX artists who want to develop technical expertise and imaginative storytelling skills. Unlike other VFX degrees, this course focuses on real-time methods. That means creating effects that you can see, hear and feel, using professional software like Houdini and game engines such as Unreal Engine, alongside other programming and software tools.
From day one you’ll work with industry-standard tools, exploring topics such as game development, cinematography, graphics programming, audio design and real-time production techniques. Abertay is Scotland’s first Houdini Certified School Partner and Adobe Creative Campus. Houdini is industry software widely used to develop VFX and 3D animation. Alongside this you’ll work with game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity, and learn how to build projects for a variety of platforms, from PC to games consoles to Mixed Reality.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through studio collaborations, developing a portfolio that mirrors professional practice and pipelines. We have close contacts with companies such as Sony, Microsoft, Epic Games, Vicon, Industrial Light and Magic, Wild Child Animation and more. This mixture of industry toolsets and contacts, alongside real-world projects, helps you gain the skillset employers are looking for.
You’ll graduate able to design and develop high-level integrated audio and visual effects in real-time. You’ll also have a strong awareness of the emerging trends and technologies in this fast-moving field. With demand for real-time VFX expertise increasing, you’ll be ready to join this exciting and evolving industry.
Abertay ranked top three in Scotland for overall satisfaction in Computer Games & Animation in the 2025 National Student Survey.
Modules
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- G460
- Institution code:
- A30
- Campus name:
- Abertay Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 3
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Creative Media Production, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, IT, Art & Design
Scottish Higher - ABBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
With 3 subjects at a minimum at S5 or H4
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H3, H3, H3
To include Maths at O4 or better
Scottish HNC - Pass
Computer Arts & Design- Graded Unit B
Next Gen Computing- Grade M
Digital Design and Development- Graded Unit B
T Level - M
Digital Production, Design & Development (Pearson) or Digital Business Services (NCFE) or Digital Support Services (NCFE) or Digital Production, Design & Development or Digital Support Services or Digital Business Services
Please note: All applicants must have a pass in Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
-
A level - CCD
-
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMP
Creative Media Production, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, IT, Art & Design.
Scottish Higher - ABB
-
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 25 points
With 3 subjects at a minimum at S5 or H4
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H3, H3
to include Maths at O4 or better.
Please note: All applicants must have a pass in Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £16950 | Year 1 |
| International | £16950 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
International/EU fees are £17,950 for the following courses:-
BA (Hons) Computer Arts
BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
BSc (Hons) Computing
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cybersecurity
BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking
BA (Hons) Game Design and Production
BSc (Hons) Visual Effects for Games and Realtime Media
Abertay University
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Dundee
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Course contact details
Recruitment and International team
Make an enquiry - chat to us directly
Email:sro@abertay.ac.uk
Phone:01382 308080
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