Game Design and Production

Program Overview

BA (Hons) Game Design and Production

Overview

Push the boundaries of games making by studying a Game Design and Production degree in the city that spawned Grand Theft Auto. Ranked TOP in Scotland for overall student satisfaction (Computer Games and Animation, NSS 2023)

Course Detail

Start Date

September

Duration

4 years (full-time)

Award Title

BA (Hons)

UCAS Code

G452

Why Study Game Design and Production at Abertay?

Study your Game Design and Production degree at one of the most prestigious game design schools in the world. Learn to push the boundaries of games making using your outstanding creative and technical skills.

Gain a complete understanding of what it means to work in the modern games business, taught by people who’ve worked there. You’ll create concepts and prototypes, design levels, audio and systems to craft powerful and emotive experiences. You’ll be supported by staff with real-world technical, theoretical and practical experience. Building confidence and experience in inclusive multi-discipline teams, you’ll collaborate with professional game studio clients.

You'll learn to communicate through prototypes, asset creation, documentation and presentations, covering topics such as:

• Game concept development.
• Level design.
• Testing and user experience.
• Communication and leadership skills.

Play a Key Part in the Games Industry

You’ll focus on your specialisms in individual projects and lead teams with your new skills in production, quality assurance and user experience (UX). This means you will:

• Work with artists and programmers in small teams to design and develop prototypes and games.
• Study the historical context and fundamentals of game design, interaction and narrative theory.
• Develop professional skills in areas like concept development and user experience (UX).
• Learn how games are designed, developed and marketed.

Intern and Mentorship Opportunities

We offer internship/placement opportunities which you can apply for in third year. Successful candidates work with games studios, getting professional hands-on experience. Alternatively, you’ll work directly with industry mentors, developing a prototype project as part of an interdisciplinary team.

These hands-on experiences enrich your learning and enhance your CV by showcasing your ability to tackle real-world projects.

Work Creatively as a Game Designer or Producer

Job prospects in this area have never been better for game design graduates. You’ll graduate with a portfolio of work, and broad contemporary skills that perfectly match the expectations of this fast-changing industry’s biggest studios.

Abertay is the top European School for video games design (Princeton Review 2024).

Potential Careers

There is a global demand for skilled development staff, and our Game Design and Production graduates have gone into roles such as:

• Game Designer
• Producer/Product Manager
• Level Designer
• Narrative Designer
• Economy Designer
• Audio Designer
• UI/ UX Designer

The production and leadership theme of this degree has also given many entrepreneurial graduates the confidence to start their own companies in the games/media sectors.

TOP International School for Video Games Design

Abertay is the top International School for video games design (Princeton Review 2025).

Our reputation for excellence in computer games education, particularly game design courses, stems from Abertay's unique student experience. From the very start you'll study in a simulated workplace that promotes innovative game creation.

If you're applying from overseas or from outside Scotland, we have scholarships available to help make your studies more affordable.

Dare Academy - Significant Exposure and International Experience

Every year, we run the prestigious Dare Academy games design competition, where teams of game design and games technology students are given a unique month-long summer hot-housing experience. They work with games industry mentors to build and polish an industry-standard game.

We then showcase the games at EGX, the UK's biggest games event, and the top three teams are flown out to visit international games partners and be profiled.

This is unique to Abertay games students and it ensures you really stand out from the crowd.

Industry Links, Internships and Mentors

We have excellent business links across all the games courses here at Abertay. This includes working closely with leading game developers such as 4J Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft.

You'll work on team projects with professional mentors from studios across the games industry. There's also opportunities to apply for externally advertised industry placements/internships in third year. Plus guest lectures and demonstrations are all part of your studies.

All of these experiences are designed to help you gain real-world skills and enhance your employability.

About Your Modules

All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change. If you receive an offer to study with us we will send you a Programme document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.

Modules

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1 Core Modules

You must study and pass all six core modules

• Developing Game Concepts - DES101
• Game Art Production - DES102
• Game Engines and the Principles of Programming - DES105
• Quality Assurance and User Experience - DES103
• Game Studies And Criticism - DES104
• Abertay 101 - Being Successful at Abertay - ABE101

Year 1 MySuccess Modules - Term 2

You must study and pass three MySuccess modules of your choosing

• 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 Option Modules - Term 1

You must study and pass three option modules of your choosing

• Gameplay and Narrative Design - DES201
• Business for Games - DES208
• Audio Design - AUD201
• User Interfaces and Interaction Design - DES206
• Level Design and Scripting - DES205

Year 2 Core Module - Term 2

You must study and pass this core module

• Media Production - DES207

Year 2 Microcredentials - Term 2

If you are a Direct Entrant (new student) to this year of study and have not previously taken module ABE101, then you MUST take ABE201 as part of your Microcredential selection. If you have previously taken ABE101 then you are NOT permitted to take ABE201.

Instructions: Please choose a total of TWENTY credits of microcredential (ABE) modules.

• 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 - Term 1

You must study and pass this core module

• Production and Leadership - DES303

Year 3 Core Modules - Term 2

You must study and pass this core module

• Professional Project - DES315

Year 3 Option Modules - Term 1

You must study and pass one option module of your choosing.

• Gameplay and Systems Balancing - DES312
• Player Experience Design - DES313
• Interactive Sound and Music Design - AUD313

Year 4 Core Modules

You must study and pass all four core modules

• Research Design for Games - DES403
• Critical Design Practice - DES402
• Creative and Cultural Industries - DES401
• Honours Project - DES404

How the Course Works

Learning and Assessment

A large part of the course revolves around making games and building a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and specific area of creative practice.

You’ll spend around 15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and practical activities, with the remainder of your time spent in self-directed learning. Full-time students are expected to spend around 35 hours per week studying.

Lectures, tutorials and practical activities increase your understanding of game design and production, and allow you to develop competencies in technological, theoretical and collaborative work.

During first and second year, your work will mostly be assessed through practical coursework, presentations and reflective essays.

In later years, taught module assessment is by a mixture of critical essays and coursework. Project modules are assessed through the submission of conceptual work, design solutions, interactive media products and project reports.

The final year dissertation and project allows you to focus on a specific topic within design and production and develop a specialist area of expertise as an independent developer and learner.

Accreditation

Partnerships

Adobe Creative Cloud

As a student on this programme, you'll have full access to a comprehensive suite of over 20 applications designed to provide tools for graphic design, video editing, photography, and more. Key applications available include Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and many others.

In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.

Through our partnership, Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering them to enhance their digital skills with industry-leading tools.

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

Please visit our College Qualifications pages for suitable College courses.

Republic of Ireland applicants, click on the UK tabs and scroll down to find your Entry Requirements.

See information about studying and applying to Abertay for International students.

UK Entry to Year 1

Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects ---|---|--- Higher (standard entry) | ABBB | None 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 | None A-Level | BCC | 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 | 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 | Business, Creative Media Production, IT SQA HNC/HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses

UK Entry to Year 2

Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects ---|---|--- Advanced Higher | AAB | Two from Graphic Communication, Art, Computer Science, Maths, Design & Manufacture, Music A-Level | AAB | Two from Art, Computer Science, Maths, Music, Design Technology International Baccalaureate | 34 Points | 3 Higher subjects at grade 4 to include 2 subjects from Visual Art, Computer Science, Maths, Design Technology and Music SQA HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved 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

UGPGPreparation

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. If you have different qualifications to those listed, please contact us using the form below.

Select your country from the searchable dropdown list

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Andorra
• Angola
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• British Overseas Territories
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Curacao
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• East Timor (Timor-Leste)
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Estonia
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Overseas Territories
• French Polynesia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guadeloupe
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran, Islamic Republic of
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire)
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
• Korea, Republic of
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lao PDR
• Latvia
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mali
• Malta
• Marshall Islands
• Martinique
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Palestine, State of
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Qatar
• Reunion
• Romania
• Russian Federation
• Rwanda
• Saint Barthélemy
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore
• Sint Maarten (Dutch Part)
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• St Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha
• St Lucia
• St Pierre And Miquelon
• St. Kitts-Nevis
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Syrian Arab Republic (Syria)
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania,United Republic of
• Thailand
• Togo
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• United States Overseas Territories
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
• Vietnam (Viet Nam)
• Western Sahara
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

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Select your qualification from the list below

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Academic Requirements

All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

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.

• Undergraduate student fees - Scottish Students
• Undergraduate student fees - UK Students (outside Scotland)
• Undergraduate student fees – EU & International Students

Scholarships

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

As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.

Scholarships

• Abertay RUK Scholarship: Games/Computing/Cyber
• Abertay International Scholarship
• The Robert Reid Bursary
• Ninja Kiwi

Get Inspired

Meet some of our Game Design and Production graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

• Arran Topalian
• Eilidh Macleod
• Natalie Clayton

Discover Uni

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education. It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.

• Game Design and Production (Full time) KIS