Program Overview

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BSc/BSc (Hons) Games Development

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 many 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.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

G443

Placement:

Yes

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!

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.

Assessments

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

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.

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

Entry requirements

Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBBB. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.
• 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.
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject. 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.

Year 2

• HNC: HNC - Pass in Computing, Computer Games Development, Software Development and Data Analytics with Grade B in the graded unit.
• 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.

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.

English language

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.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

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

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.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU: £19,340

Careers

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.

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.

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.