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Computer Games Technology

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Abertay Campus

Course summary

Learn everything you need to become a highly skilled games programmer. Join our world-leading Computer Games Technology degree and study the engines and hardware that make computer games work.

You'll create your own game prototypes, showcasing current techniques using the latest technologies. This means diving into subjects like games programming and AI, through to console and engine development. Along the way you'll be taught by industry experts who worked on award-winning games (console and mobile) and be studying right here in Dundee - home to over a third of the country's games companies.

This degree was created in consultation with the games sector, a direct response to the acute shortage of games programmers. For example, we host one of the largest PlayStation 5 labs and the development kits are fully integrated within the curriculum.

Worldwide shortage of games programmers

You'll graduate work-ready and able to thrive on the kind of challenges the games sector throws up, having covered topics like:

Games programming.
Graphics.
Artificial intelligence (AI).
Games hardware.
Engine development.

Essential industry experience

To make sure you're learning at the cutting-edge, the course is kept up-to-date as the games industry changes and technology advances. Industry experience plays an essential part of the course, to improve your CV and make you even more employable. Our students have worked as interns at companies such as:

  • Ninja Kiwi

  • TT Games

  • d3t

  • People Can Fly

  • Pocket Sized Hands

Your expertise and knowledge will be sought after in the games industry and beyond.

The course ranked TOP in Scotland for overall satisfaction in Computer Games and Animation (National Student Survey 2023). And 92% for Overall Satisfaction and 94% for Teaching Quality (NSS 2022).

Abertay is the top International School for video games design (Princeton Review 2024). Which makes Abertay the best video games school in Europe.

Modules

Assessment method

The course uses a mixed assessment strategy. Most modules are assessed through coursework, which may include project work and student-led presentations. A small number of modules use a mix of coursework and examination.

You’ll spend around 12-15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Lectures are used to present key concepts, theories and techniques. Tutorials and laboratory-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work.

Throughout your degree, you’ll be required to actively participate in group work, discussions, seminars, and private study.

The course also allows for customisation, so you can develop a specialisation such as artificial intelligence, while building a broad foundation in game applications development.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • The Independent Game Developers' Association

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
G470
Institution code:
A30
Campus name:
Abertay Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BCC

To include AS Maths at grade B or A Level Math at grade C

Entry into Year 2 with AAB to include Maths and Computing

T Level
M

Digital Production, Design & Development (Pearson)
Digital Business Services (NCFE)
Digital Support Services (NCFE)
Digital Production, Design & Development
Digital Support Services
Digital Business Services

Scottish HNC
Pass

Entry into Year 2 with an HNC in one of the following:-
Computer Games Development - Graded Unit B plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60% or Bespoke Maths for D&A College
Computing - Graded Unit B plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60%
Next Gen Computing - Graded Unit M plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60% or Bespoke Maths for D&A College

Scottish HND
Pass

Entry into Year 2 with HND Computer Games Development - Graded Unit B plus Advanced Higher Maths at B and National 5 Physics (or equivalent)

Entry into Year 1 with an HND in one of the following:-
Computer Science - Graded Unit B plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60%
Computing: Networking - Graded Unit B plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60%
Computing: Software Development - Graded Unit B plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60%
Computing: Technical Support - Graded Unit B plus Scottish Higher Maths at B or Open University Essential Mathematics 1 at 60%

Scottish Higher
ABBB

To include Maths

Scottish Advanced Higher
AAB

Entry into Year 2 to include Maths and Computing

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 26

With 3 subjects at a minimum at S5 or H4

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Creative Media Production
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Engineering
IT
Art & Design

Must include A Level Maths at B

Entry into Year 2 with DDD Creative Media Production (Games Development) to include A Level Maths at B

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H3H3H3

To include Maths

Applicants should have National 5 Maths at grade C or equivalent

Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: Year 2 - Higher National Certificate/Diploma or equivalent

Please see website for accepted courses https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/computer-games-technology/

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level CCD

To include AS Maths at grade B or A Level Math at grade C

Entry into Year 2 with AAB to include Maths and Computing

Scottish Higher ABB

To include Maths

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Offer: 25

With 3 subjects at a minimum at S5 or H4

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) MMP

Creative Media Production
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Engineering
IT
Art & Design

Must include A Level Maths at B

Entry into Year 2 with DDD Creative Media Production (Games Development) to include A Level Maths at B

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) H2H3H3

To include Maths

English language requirements

We look for applicants to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band lower than 5.5.https://www.abertay.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We don't just look at your grades, admission is based on academic merit, considering personal circumstances and potential. We look for applicants to demonstrate relevant and appropriate level of academic achievement as well as personal and professional experiences providing an indication of ability to meet the demands and professional requirements of the course. For a small number of courses, additional means of assessment such as an interview or portfolio may also be required.

Learn more on the Abertay University website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Scotland£1820*
EU & International£17950*
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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