Games design courses in Scotland: 8 universities where you can study video games including Abertay

As the industry evolves and increases in value, there is an ever-increasing number of people looking to get involved.

And as the development of a 4,000-seat esports arena in Dundee progresses, here are undergraduate courses related to the games industry on offer in Scotland.

Abertay University

In 1997 Abertay launched their degree in video games becoming the first university in the world to do so.

In the years since it has been joined by a number of prestigious institutions, yet Abertay has been able to maintain its reputation among the world’s best. It was most recently recognised by the Princeton Review as the top in the UK and among the top 25 in the world for game design.

It is also one of the only TIGA-accredited universities in Scotland, the trade association which represents the UK’s games industry, with courses designed to produce graduates with industry relevant skills.

Computer Arts BA (Hons)

This four-year course will help students develop their skills and understanding of digital arts and design, including subjects such as animation, 3D modelling and concept development. It has partnerships with PlayStation.First and Unreal Engine.

Computer Game Applications Development BSc (Hons)

If you want to create and script games, this four-year course is worth considering. It will teach you script game mechanics and programming tools, artificial intelligence for games, network programming, interface design all while using industry standard game engines and technology. Students will receive a mix of both industry and academic experience to prepare them for life after university.

Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons)

If you’re interested in studying and developing the engines which make games work, this course will teach everything from games programming to games hardware. It will be delivered by experts who have worked on titles including Grand Theft Auto with modules to help prepare you for working in the game industry.

Game Design and Production BA (Hons)

For both creative and technically minded students, this is another four year course designed to make people work-ready. From game concepts and asset creation, to game prototyping and production and leadership skills you will study the context and fundamentals of game design while developing professional industry skills and learning how interactive products are created from start to finish.

Edinburgh Napier University

One of the largest higher education institutions in Scotland, Edinburgh Napier offers a selection of courses relevant to the games industry. It is the ninth best university in Scotland according to the 2023 Times Good University Guide.

Games Development BSc (Hons)

With the opportunity to take on a yearlong industry work placement during your third year of studies, this is another course which focuses on producing work-ready graduates. Students can expect to develop their knowledge of the general games industry but also software engineering to provide a wide range of career paths. This course is accredited by ScreenSkills, an industry-led skills body for the screen industries including games.

Animation for Games BSc (Hons)

While this course is for undergraduates, it is available only for year 3 and 4 entry. If it is of interest, however, entry requirements include a HND in a related subject such as computer animation or games development. It will focus on portfolio development alongside the development of both theoretical and practical skills such as 3D modelling, scripting and visual effects storytelling.

Sound Design BSc (Hons)

While not technically a games-specific degree, Napier’s Sound Design course can allow for collaborations with those on courses such as games development. Game sound design can make or break a title and could be of interest for those who perhaps don’t have the same passion for programming.

Glasgow Caledonian University

Despite its relatively young age, Glasgow Caledonian is among the top ten universities in Scotland. Formed from The Queen’s College and Glasgow Polytechnic in 1993 it has a wide range of industry links and placement opportunities available.

3D Animation and Visualisation with pathways for Games and VFX BSc (Hons)

A course which aims to instil graduates with a mix of creative and technical skills to boost employability, students will learn about 3D modelling, digital sculpting, surfacing and texturing, rigging, rendering and more. Another ScreenSkills accredited degree, during year 3 students will be able to choose between VFX and games modules to best suit their future goals.

Games Development BSc (Hons)

During year one of this ScreenSkills accredited course, students will be taught the foundations of creating games using technology such as the Unity and Unreal games engines. However, from year two onward students can specialise in either games design or games software development. Those interested in games design will be able to focus on portfolio development and modules such as games narrative, user psychology and more, while those in the software development stream will develop their expertise in AI, C++ and network game development.