Computer Games Technology

Learn everything you need to become a highly skilled games programmer. Join our world-leading Computer Games Technology degree and study the engines and hardware that make computer games work.

You'll create your own game prototypes, showcasing current techniques using the latest technologies. This means diving into subjects like games programming and AI, through to console and engine development. Along the way you'll be taught by industry experts who worked on award-winning games (console and mobile) and be studying right here in Dundee - home to over a third of the country's games companies.

This degree was created in consultation with the games sector, a direct response to the acute shortage of games programmers. For example, we host one of the largest PlayStation 5 labs and the development kits are fully integrated within the curriculum.

Worldwide shortage of games programmers

You'll graduate work-ready and able to thrive on the kind of challenges the games sector throws up, having covered topics like:

Games programming.
Graphics.
Artificial intelligence (AI).
Games hardware.
Engine development.

Essential industry experience

To make sure you're learning at the cutting-edge, the course is kept up-to-date as the games industry changes and technology advances. Industry experience plays an essential part of the course, to improve your CV and make you even more employable. Our students have worked as interns at companies such as:

• Ninja Kiwi

• TT Games

• d3t

• People Can Fly

• Pocket Sized Hands

Your expertise and knowledge will be sought after in the games industry and beyond.

The course ranked TOP in Scotland for overall satisfaction in Computer Games and Animation (National Student Survey 2023). And 92% for Overall Satisfaction and 94% for Teaching Quality (NSS 2022).

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

Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - CMP104 Programming with C++; CMP101 Computer Hardware Architecture & Operating Systems; MAT101 Applied Mathematics 1; CMP102 Software Design; CMP105 Games Programming.

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

You will spend around 12-15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and laboratories. Lectures are used to present key concepts, theories and techniques. Tutorials and laboratory-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work. During the course you will be required to actively participate in group work, discussions, seminars, and private study. There is a mixed assessment strategy used on the course. Most modules are assessed through coursework, which may include project work and student-led presentations. Some modules use a mixture of coursework and formal examination.