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.

Careers

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

Courses include:

Software Development
Interaction Design
Games
Logic and Proof
Discrete Mathematics
Computer Systems
Web Design and Databases

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-07-24 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-08-28 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

OR

4

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Game Design View 249 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

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

79

OR

4

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

Standard entry requirements

Highers ABBB (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
A-Levels BBC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
BTEC Extended Diploma DDM.
HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.

Minimum entry requirements

Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
A-Levels BCC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.

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

Free

Additional Details

Scotland - Paid by SAAS
England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland - £9,790/ year

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

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

Careers

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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