Games Development BSc/BSc (Hons)



Join a community of students passionate about achieving a games development bachelor’s degree

Overview

A degree in Games Development prepares you for the technical end of this exciting entertainment industry. This course provides you with opportunities in the games industry, related research and development companies, as well as other screen industries such as VFX and complex data visualisation.

This course will enable you to become a proficient game developer and open doors to may game developer job opportunities.

On successful completion of this programme, you will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to gain graduate-level employment in games development and the software industry in general.

Your studies are designed to provide entry into the core software engineering layer of the digital entertainment industry. From here, you will be able to progress into a wide range of career paths, both technical and managerial. Based on sound software engineering principles, the course will also equip you for a software engineering career in the wider computing industry.

There is a host of British game developers around today and the market is only growing. Becoming accustomed to game development software at Edinburgh Napier University will allow you to compete for highly sought after positions in this exciting industry.

This programme is accredited by ScreenSkills, an industry-led skills body for the screen industries.

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Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

G443

Placement:

Yes

Student stories

Read stories from students of Edinburgh Napier's Computing study area

Course details

In your first and second years, you will cover a wide area of computing-related subjects. The emphasis is on building your software development and engineering skills.

The third year builds on the foundation established in the first two years and lets you apply these skills to games-related problems, like Computer Graphics, Physics-based Animation, Games Engineering or Artificial Intelligence.

In the final year of the degree, you will study advanced topics like GPU optimisation and complete your honours project.

Throughout these subjects, you will also be invited to produce artefacts which you can use to start building your portfolio!

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

     Concepts and techniques are presented in lectures. Practical sessions run in labs are a central part of the learning process.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     On average 70% of the work is assessed through practical projects and 30% through exams.
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    Work placement

    A year long Work Based Learning module is available for this programme which can be undertaken in 3rd year which consists of 60 credits.

    In 2nd year, students attend timetabled Placement Preparation sessions which provides comprehensive information about sourcing a placement, tips for enhancing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation. A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approving placements as part of the course. Whilst on placement, students undertake work-related assessments alongside gaining valuable work experience. If this option is chosen, the course duration will be extended by one trimester.

    If students are not undertaking the yearlong placement, then there is a Group Project or the Professional Internship Module in Year 3 (one trimester) which gives students the opportunity to complete a project for an external client.

    Find out more about Computing Placements here.
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    Facilities

     We have a dedicated lab, fully refurbished in 2018 and equipped with high-end PCs and GPUs.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Computer Systems
  • Foundations of Software Design & Development
  • Mathematics for Software Engineering
  • Data Science with Python
  • Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
  • Principles of Programming Languages

Year 2

  • Database Systems
  • Object-Oriented Software Development
  • Software Engineering Methods
  • Algorithms and Data Structures
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Web Technologies

Year 3

  • Games Engineering
  • Creative technology
  • 3D Modelling
  • 3D Animation
  • Computing in Contemporary Society
  • Group Project

Year 4

  • Computational Intelligence
  • Concurrent and Parallel Systems
  • Advanced Games Engineering
  • Secure Software Development
  • Honours Project

ACCREDITED BY

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 Games Development?

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. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.

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
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level.
  • Grade O4 in Ordinary Level Maths.

Scottish HNC

  • HNC with C in the graded unit in one of the following; Computing, Computer Games Development, Software Development or Data Analytics.
  • Unrelated HNC/HNDs may be considered and in addition have National 5 C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D* (Distinction*, Distinction*)
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

  • DM (Distinction, Merit) plus A Level grade C
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4
  • Grade 4 in SL Maths.

European Baccalaureate

  • Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects
  • Grade 6 in Maths and English.

T Levels

  • Merit - T Level
  • GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Minimum Year 2

HNC

  • HNC - Pass in Computing, Computer Games Development, Software Development and Data Analytics with Grade B in the graded unit.
  • HNC Computing (Next Gen) - Gain 'Achieved with Merit'

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC
  • BB and SQA Higher BB

A Level

  • BBB

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • HND Computing: Software Development - Pass with grades B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units
  • HND Computer Games Development - Pass with grades B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units

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

Close up of students hands building micro controllers

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

This course will introduce you to the exciting realm of game design and development, mastering the transdisciplinary skills needed to create immersive gaming experiences that captivate audiences around the world. From coding interactive gameplay mechanics to designing stunning visual effects, you will learn the art and science of game & experience design and development from industry experts. Our course prepares you to join the world of Interactive Experience Designers, a unique interdisciplinary career path which combines creativity and technical knowledge to create innovative and wonderful realities for global audiences. With your degree you could work in: 

  • Games Design & Development 
  • Interactive Experience & Service Design 
  • Immersive Mixed Reality Experience Creation  
  • Software development 
  • Games development 
  • Applied Artificial Intelligence 
  • Game Technology-enabled Virtual Production 

You will study the latest trends and technologies in game design and gain hands-on experience through game development projects and industry collaborations. As you explore topics such as game & experience design, game engines and immersive technologies, you will acquire the expertise sought after by top game studios and entertainment companies. 

After completing this course, you will emerge as a highly skilled game designer and developer, ready to unleash your creativity and passion in the dynamic world of experience design. Whether you dream of creating a game by yourself or pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment using augmented and virtual reality, our program will empower you to turn your love for gaming into a rewarding and resilient career. 

What does a Games Developer do? 

As a Games Developer, you will embark on an adventure to create immersive worlds, captivating narratives, and thrilling gameplay experiences that transport players to new realms of excitement and engagement. Whether you are designing characters, crafting environments, or fine-tuning gameplay mechanics, your role will be instrumental in shaping the virtual landscapes that gamers love to explore.  

From coding character movement and interactions to implementing complex AI behaviours and physics simulations, your expertise in industry standard workflows such as Unity and Unreal Engine will be valuable across multiple fields. You will leverage your understanding of game engines and development frameworks to optimize performance, enhance visual fidelity, and ensure seamless gameplay experiences across different platforms. 

In addition to gameplay mechanics, you will also be responsible for integrating audio, visual effects, and user interfaces to create a cohesive and immersive player experience. Whether you are designing levels, balancing gameplay, or troubleshooting technical issues, your attention to detail and problem-solving skills will be instrumental in delivering polished and memorable gaming experiences. 

Collaboration will be at the heart of your journey, as you work in multidisciplinary teams alongside fellow artists, designers, developers to bring your visions to life. You will have the opportunity to leave your mark on the gaming industry, captivating audiences with your innovative ideas and technical expertise.  

Furthermore, Games Technologies, whether the engines that power immersive visuals, or the cutting-edge innovations that enable engaging interactions, are incredibly adaptable and increasingly applied beyond the games industry. The same tools and workflows you will master as a games developer are increasingly utilised for everything from virtual production for film making & digital cultural heritage, to experience & service design for applications ranging from health and wellbeing to data visualisation, marketing, and AI-powered interactions. Your skills will be sought by multiple interdisciplinary industries seeking to leverage the ubiquitous capabilities of game technology. Gaming may be the start of your journey, but you will never be confined by it. Your knowledge and skills will make you an adaptable and resilient practitioner. 

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