Animation for Games BSc (Hons)



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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 interested in gaining the knowledge and skills required for a career in industry.

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 1

  • Experiencing the Digital City
  • Being Digital
  • Sonic Culture
  • Programming for Interactive Media
  • Digital Imaging
  • Producing Digital

Year 2

  • Practical Interaction Design
  • Digital Video Development
  • Visual Design for Digital Media
  • Playful Interaction
  • AI for Creative Industries
  • 2D Animation

Year 3

  • 3D Modelling
  • Motion Graphics
  • Interactive Audio
  • User-Centred Research Methods
  • 3D Animation
  • Group Project

Year 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?

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.


Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information. 

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 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB to include one of : Design, Art & Design, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication.
  • Minimum Entry Requirement: BBCC to include one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication, or Design and Manufacture

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • BCC to include one of: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts
     

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H2, H3, H3 to include one of the following subjects: Art or Music
     

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Extended Dip: DMM in rel subject (Art and Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts)

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D* in a related subject

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

  • Minimum grades DM plus A Level grade C

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with 6,5,4 in HL subjects to include one of the following subjects: Film, Music, Theatre or Visual Arts

T Levels

  • T Level at Merit with additional A Level in: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication, Moving Image Arts grade B 
     

Minimum Year 2

HNC

  • HNC - Pass with a B in the graded unit: Computer Arts and Design, Audio Visual Technologies, Art Design & Visual Communication, Computer Art and Design and Interactive Design, Digital Design and Web Development, Animation/ 3D Animation.  

Advanced Higher

  • BBC to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design (Design or Expressive), Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication
  • BB and SQA Higher BB to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design (Design or Expressive), Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication

A Level

  • BBB to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, or Graphic Communication.

 BTEC Extended Diploma

  • DDD in a related subject

 

Minimum year 3

HND

  • Pass in a related subject: Computer Animation, 3D Modelling, Computer Games Development, Creative Animation, 3D Animation, Computer Arts or other related subject with grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded unit(s) 
 
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.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level.

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 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,535
Overseas and EU £19,340 £20,310
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.
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 our Fees and Funding links above.
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

What can you do with a BSc (Hons) Animation for Games degree?

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

The course provides specialized skills in animation specifically tailored for the gaming industry. This can make graduates highly desirable to game development studios, which often seek individuals with expertise in creating animations for characters, environments, and special effects.

The gaming industry is booming, and there's a constant demand for skilled professionals who can contribute to game development. The course typically involves practical projects and assignments that allow students to build a strong portfolio of work. A robust portfolio showcasing animation skills is crucial for securing employment in the competitive gaming industry.

The gaming industry is not limited by geographical boundaries. Graduates of this course may find opportunities to work for game development studios around the world, providing an exciting chance to experience different cultures and environments. Also, while the focus is on animation for games, the skills learned in this course are transferable to other sectors such as film, television, advertising, and interactive media. This versatility can broaden career opportunities beyond just game development.

What does a Games Designer do?

As a Games Designer, you may find yourself brainstorming and generating ideas for new game concepts or features. This might involve sketching out game mechanics, creating story outlines, or developing character concepts. You will be also creating rough prototypes or mock-ups to test out gameplay ideas and mechanics. This could involve using game development tools, paper prototypes, or digital mock-ups to quickly iterate and refine game concept.

You might be also writing and updating design documents that outline the game's mechanics, rules, story, level designs, and other aspects of the game. These documents serve as a guide for the development team and help ensure that everyone is working towards the same vision.

Your role will also include collaborating with other members of the development team, including artists, programmers, writers, and producers. This might involve discussing ideas, giving feedback on prototypes, or coordinating tasks to ensure that the game is progressing smoothly.

Student with VR Set