Animation for Games (Advanced Entry) BSc (Hons)



Overview

Do you have a passion for games? The Games Industry is the largest global entertainment industry, set to reach 256 billion dollars by the year 2025.

More than 2.5 billion people currently play games worldwide, and with continuing technological developments in hardware and software, gaming as a recreational, educational, or therapeutic pursuit, continues to grow.

The BSc Animation for Games degree is designed to provide opportunities for students coming from the FE College HND advanced entry route, interested in gaining the knowledge and skills required for a career in industry. However, if you have appropriate experience, you will also be considered. 

Studying Animation for Games will allow you to develop a portfolio of work, either in a specialist discipline in preparation for a role in a team-based larger organisation, or as an independent freelancer with a wider and more generalised skill set.

Students on computers

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

G444

Course details

During this course, you will gain an appreciation of the theory, development and application of visual and audio assets related to animation for games. You will gain expertise in bringing narrative ideas to life through design of 2D and 3D assets, and through implementation of interactive elements within game engines and audio middleware. You will also develop and understanding of the current cultural context for development and use of new types of games, giving you confidence to critique and explore new areas as they are developed. 

You will study a range of theoretical and practical skills related to gaming, including 3D modelling and animation, scripting for interactive media, interactive audio, visual effects storytelling, 2D motion graphics, and team-based creative practice. You will be provided with opportunities to develop your portfolio, to focus on specialist roles through an honours project, and by working with others on a creative project of your choosing.
  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

     The degree will comprise of taught on-campus lectures, practical sessions and tutorials.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     Assessments will vary from module to module, from practical coursework’s, project work, evaluations and self-reflective reporting.
  • library

    Facilities

     Edinburgh Napier has state of the art equipment in our specialist labs, including high-end PC’s and iMacs, capable of running appropriate game pre-production and production assets.

Popular modules

Year 3 (Stage 3) 

  • 3D Modelling
  • Motion Graphics
  • Interactive Audio
  • TechnoCulture and Society
  • 3D Animation
  • Creative Practice 

Year 4 (Stage 4)

  • Honours Project  
  • Visual Effects Storytelling   
  • Professional Identity through Portfolio Development 
  • Scripting for Interactive Media

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Animation for Games (Top-Up)?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

This course is available for year 3 and 4 entry only. For year 4 entry, please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 3 or Year 4 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information. For year 4 entry, please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the Undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above. 

Minimum year 3

HND

  • Pass in a related subject: Computer Animation, 3D Modelling, Computer Games Development or other related subject with grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded unit(s).
  • Applications are also invited from applicants who have successfully achieved 240 SCQF credits (or equivalent) of which a minimum of 120 credits are at SCQF level 8 (or equivalent). 
If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £15,160 £16,680
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Teacher with VR Set

This course will equip you for both specialist roles and provide you with a general skillset for more general independent work.Careers that you could pursue include:


  • 3D Artist
  • 2D/3D Animator
  • Lighting Artist
  • Texturing Artist
  • Games Audio Programmer
  • Games Designer
  • Games Programmer
  • Level Designer 
  • Freelancer 

Student with VR Set