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Computer Systems (Games Programming)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 08/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Edinburgh Campus

Course summary

Our BSc in Computer Systems (Games Programming) degree is designed for students looking for a sound foundation, and applied skills in computing in addition to other professional skills which will enable them to communicate clearly, work independently and co-operate effectively.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
5Y6J
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

BBC - ABB
For entry to Year 2: ABB including Computing

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM
in a relevant subject for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in a relevant subject (including sufficient Computing).

Scottish Higher

ABBB

Scottish Advanced Higher

BBB
including Computing plus excellent Highers for entry to Year 2.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

28 points
For entry to Year 2: A total of 30 points including Computing at Higher Level 6.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

Scottish HNC

Pass
HNC with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: HNC in a relevant subject area (including sufficient Computing) with A in graded unit.

Scottish HND

Pass
HND with BB in graded units for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: HND in a relevant subject area (including sufficient Computing) with AB in graded units. For Year 3 entry: Approved articulation routes only - please contact the Admissions Office for further information.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)

Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.

We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

-

A level - BCC

-

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM

in relevant subject.

Scottish Higher - BBBC

-

GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)

-

Scottish HNC - Pass

with B in the graded unit and passes in all 15 units for entry to Year 2 (where there is a recognised route from a relevant HNC qualification).

Scottish HND - Pass

with BB in the graded units and passes in all 30 units for entry into Year 3 (where there is a recognised route from a relevant HND qualification).

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass

We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.

T Level

We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.

The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories:

Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets.

Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.

HWU English Language Requirements https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.

Learn more on the Heriot-Watt University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Scotland£1820Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£25008Year 1
International£25008Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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