Computer Game Applications Development

Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development

Overview

Study our world-leading Computer Game Applications Development degree and learn how to create games and script game mechanics. Ranked TOP in Scotland for overall satisfaction (Computer Games and Animation, NSS 2023)

Why study Computer Game Applications Development at Abertay?

Develop games and interactive experiences at the widely recognized Top International Games School. Find your niche on this world-leading Computer Game Applications Development degree.

Using the latest technology and tools, you’ll cover game development topics such as gameplay mechanics, AI for games and audio programming. You’ll also learn general games programming in custom frameworks and industry-standard game engines such as Unreal Engine 5.

You'll develop games at every stage of the course, including larger projects in multidisciplinary teams. Facilities include the PS5 lab, Virtual Production studios and an XR lab, and we are Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus.

This games-orientated programming course is directly relevant to the sector, evolving as fast as the industry does. Plus, there’s internship and mentoring opportunities with local and global games companies.

Gain all the skills you need to pursue a career in the games industry

Widely recognised as THE place in Europe to study games, you’ll develop skills in:

• Games programming
• AI for games
• Audio programming
• Games networking
• Game play mechanics in Unreal Engine

Industry mentoring and internships

You’ll get the chance to apply for internships or work placements, and receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of your project work. Plus collaborating with students from other games courses. All of which is as close as it gets to working in the business while you study.

Course details

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Award Title

BSc (Hons)

UCAS Code

G450

Modules

Year 1 Core Modules

• Games Programming - CMP105
• Computer Hardware Architecture and Operating Systems - CMP101
• Programming with C++ - CMP104
• Mathematics for Application Development 1 - MAT102
• Software Design - CMP102
• Abertay 101 - Being Successful at Abertay - ABE101

Year 1 MySuccess Modules - Term 2

• Successful Writing At Abertay - ABE102
• Digital Skills for University and Beyond - ABE103
• Dundee and Me - ABE104
• Research and Enquiry Skills for the Digital Age - ABE105
• How to Sell Your Idea - ABE106
• Planning Your Future Career - ABE107
• Welcome to the CommuniTAY - ABE108
• Wellbeing Tools and Tricks - ABE109

Year 2 Core Modules

• Game Programming and System Architectures - CMP208
• Data Structures and Algorithms 1 - CMP201
• Mathematics for Application Development 2 - MAT202
• Graphics Programming - CMP203
• Data Structures and Algorithms 2 - CMP202

Year 2 Option Modules - Term 2

• Being Successful at University (For 2nd year entrants) - ABE201
• Co-create (Negotiated Studies) - ABE202
• Anti-Racism in Professional Communications - ABE203
• Mind Your Language: Text Mining and Qualitative Approaches to Language Analysis - ABE204
• AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundation - ABE205
• Sustainability 101 - ABE206
• Food for Thought - ABE207
• Optimising your Professional Written Communication - ABE208
• Mythbusters: Separating Breakthroughs from Fake News - ABE209
• The Future in Work - ABE210
• Social Enterprise: What, How and Why? - ABE211
• Artificial Intelligence and Society - ABE212
• My AI: Past, Present and Future - ABE213
• Digital Safety and Cybersecurity - ABE214
• Numbers for Success - ABE215
• Creative China: Culture, Regulation and Business - ABE216
• Creativity Matters: Engaging Resources for Wellbeing - ABE217

Year 3 Core Modules

• Graphics Programming with Shaders - CMP301
• Artificial Intelligence - CMP304
• Professional Project - DES315
• Gameplay Mechanics Development - CMP302

Year 4 Core Modules

• Professional Development - CMP424
• Audio Programming - CMP407
• Honours Project Proposal and Execution - CMP400
• Honours Project Dissertation - CMP403
• Tools Programming - CMP405

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

• All applicants must have a pass in Maths - National 5 grade B or GCSE grade B/5 or equivalent. National 5 Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths.

UK Entry to Year 1

• Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
• Higher (standard entry) | ABBB | Including National 5 Maths at grade B
• Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below). | ABB | Including National 5 Maths at grade B
• A-Level | BCC | Including GCSE Maths at B/5
• T Level | Merit | Digital Production, Design & Development (Pearson) or Digital Business Services (NCFE) or Digital Support Services (NCFE) or Digital Production, Design & Development or Digital Support Services or Digital Business Services
• Irish Highers | H2H3H3H3 | To include Maths at O3 or better
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) | 29 Points |
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying. | We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
• BTEC Extended Diploma | DMM | Creative Media Production, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, IT, Art & Design
• SWAP Access | AAB | Access to Physical Sciences, Access to Engineering
• SQA HNC/HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
• AHEAD | | Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme

UK Entry to Year 2

• Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
• Advanced Higher | AAB | Maths and Computing
• A-Level | AAB | Maths and Computing
• BTEC Extended Diploma | DDD* | Creative Media Production and AS Levels in Maths at B
• International Baccalaureate | 34 Points | 3 Higher subjects at grade 4 to include Maths and Computing
• SQA HNC/HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | See next column | If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

International Entry

• We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world. Please select your country from the searchable list below to view different qualification entry requirements.

Fees and funding

• The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Scholarships

• We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.

Abertay RUK Scholarship: Games/Computing/Cyber

• A scholarship for prospective undergraduate games, computing and cybersecurity students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Ninja Kiwi

• The Ninja Kiwi Scholarship is a one-year scholarship of £1,500 and is open to students who are entering Year 4 of selected Games courses.

Abertay International Scholarship

• This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.

The Robert Reid Bursary

• Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.