Computer Arts

Immerse yourself in a world of digital design on one of the most prestigious Computer Arts degrees in Europe. You’ll delve into subjects like animation, 3D development, concept art, asset and character design.

This professionally accredited course develops your skills and understanding in digital arts and design. You’ll delve into subjects like animation, 3D development, concept art, asset and character design.

We help you to expand your knowledge and develop your critical and contextual understanding of the digital arts. You’ll lead the design and production of a range of creative content for computer games, digital illustration, concept art, animation, visual effects and much more.

As well as lectures and classes, you'll have opportunities to engage with industry practitioners, attend visiting lectures, participate in masterclasses and receive project mentoring.

Our open-plan studios cultivate interdisciplinary study. This means you’ll use cutting-edge technology and entertainment production techniques as you work collaboratively with other students in game design and games technology.

Intern and mentorship opportunities

We offer internship/placement opportunities where students apply for placements in third year. Successful candidates work with games studios over the summer, getting professional hands-on experience.

Plus in year three you’ll work directly with industry mentors, developing a prototype project as part of an interdisciplinary team. This mentorship programme runs for successful third year students alongside their studies.

From film and advertising to visual effects and computer games, computer art is everywhere. This means our in-demand graduates work across the world in computer games, film, television and animation - so why not apply now and join them?

The 2024 Complete University Guide named us the top Scottish modern university for Art & Design.

Abertay is the top International School for video games design (Princeton Review 2024). Which makes Abertay the best video games school in Europe.

Accreditations

This degree is accredited by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry.

Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - ART106 Life & Observational Drawing; ART102 Digital Media Concepts; ART103 Elementary Animation; ART104 3D Digital Design; ART101 Illustration & Communication.

You will also be required to select one elective module. For detailed module information please check our website.

Much of your time will be spent in lectures and practical tutorials where you work with staff, peers and industry mentors, to develop solutions to project briefs. Tutorial sessions focus on developing ideas, process and technique to lead to a final outcome. Portfolios of creative work form the majority of assessment, often submitted with supporting documentation to underpin creative practice. Academic writing contributes to many assessments, often in the form of critical analysis or reflective reports. Verbal presentations are core to assessment, exposing your research and development process to the programme team and industry mentors. Assessment on the programme is in the form of portfolios of creative work, academic writing of critical and reflective form, and through verbal presentation of own and others work in critical and/or reflective modes. There are no formal examinations on the programme.