Overview

The Games Development and Production (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University provides students with a ground-breaking education in the technical and creative aspects of the modern gaming industry. This undergraduate programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical requirements of a thriving global gaming ecosystem. Students gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and releasing original titles under the guidance of industry experts.

Why Games Development and Production (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University?

Students benefit from exclusive access to a purpose-built Games Studio located within the £19m GRID building, featuring the latest development hardware and VR labs. The curriculum is led by BAFTA award-winning developers, ensuring that the teaching remains aligned with current industrial standards. As one of the first UK institutions to offer Computer Science, the university leverages over five decades of research excellence to support student innovation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: GBP 25808 per year
National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Software Development
Interaction Design
Games
Data Structures and Algorithms
Games Engines
Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
Computer Graphics
Games Prototyping
Games Programming

Careers with Games Development and Production (Hons)

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the international gaming sector, ranging from technical programming to creative narrative design. The programme focuses on developing career-ready professionals capable of working as game developers, UI/UX designers, or systems engineers. Many graduates find opportunities with major industry leaders such as Rockstar North, Epic Games, and Unity Technologies, or pursue independent paths as indie developers. Potential roles include:

Game Designer
Game Producer
AI Programmer
Graphics Developer
Narrative Designer

Programme Structure

An innovative teaching approach: Integrating portfolio construction, Computer Science fundamentals, and practical experiences with industry collaborators.
Networking and community opportunities: Being in Edinburgh means you're in the heart of the action. You'll have unparalleled opportunities to meet fellow creatives, with regular industry events, conferences, and meetups that allow you to connect with professionals, hobbyist, and potential employers in the gaming field.
Inspiration all around: Edinburgh's stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and vibrant cultural scene provide boundless inspiration for game design and storytelling. The city's unique blend of tradition and modernity is the perfect environment for nurturing your creativity.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-14 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

480 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Game Design View 255 other Bachelors in Game Design in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Year 1 entry requirements

Highers ABBB (including Mathematics)

A-Levels BBC (Including Maths at B)
Int. Baccalaureate 28 points (with Mathematics at Higher Level 5)
BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics)

HNC B in graded unit (including sufficient Mathematics)

Year 2 entry requirements

Advanced Highers BBB including Maths and Computer Science, plus Higher ABBB.

A-Levels BBB to include Maths and Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate 30 points. Must include Maths and Computer Science at Higher Level 6.
BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in relevant subject, including sufficient Maths and Computing.
HNC A in graded unit with 120 SCQF credit points.
HND AB / BA. Must include Maths and Computing at SCQF Level 6.

Global College: Successful completion of our Technology with Accelerator Programme
Advanced entry applicants are expected to be proficient in a high-level programming language and experience in Java, C#, or C++ experience is valuable.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25808 GBP / year

≈ 25808 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

9535 GBP / year

≈ 9535 GBP / year

Additional Details

Scotland students: Paid by SAAS

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Games Development and Production (Hons).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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