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Aidan studies on our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme at Paisley campus.
“UWS has connections with big studios, such as Rockstar North. One of the best things about UWS is the lecturers: they’re really supportive and really enthusiastic about games as well!.”
Aidan found his place at UWS – find yours!
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme combines practical development skills with aesthetical design.
Throughout the course you will develop your skills in games programming and scripting for multiple platforms. With multiple pathways on the programme, you will also be provided with the opportunity to enhance your aesthetical design skills focusing on 2D and 3D modelling.
This is a practical, career-focused degree that encourages you to showcase your games and demonstrate your work to employers at our end-of-year Digital Futures event.
Major games studios only employ the most talented and technology-aware graduates, which is why we emphasise the need to work on real-world tasks and to create a strong games portfolio and showreel.
Our multi-skilled graduates work in various industries including games and software development.
As part of the course I had the opportunity to travel to Georgia, and I met so many new friends and gained some really useful skills.”
Lara, BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development is a TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) accredited course supporting students towards different pathways in the games industry. Students are supported in using the relevant industry game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine allowing them to focus on various aspects of games design and development.
The course maintains solid working relationships with industry partners who support the continuous growth of the programme by advising us of aspects of best practice and the evolving skill sets required to work in the games industry. We provide our students with the skill sets essential for working in the games industry, generic skills required to become indie developers and we also act as a stepping stone for further study for students to explore more specialist industry roles.
UWS Computer Games Development Graduates enjoy careers in Creative industry companies that might be either games, animation or web and mobile related. Companies where Computer Games Development graduates have found employment include Rockstar Games, Rivet Games, Build A Rocket Boy, Formation Games, Code Ninjas, Add Jam, Equator, JPMorgan Chase & Co and iomart. Games Development graduates have also established their own independent games studios working on a freelance basis.
Interested in a career in computer games development? UWS is the place for you! Our course will equip you with all the skills and training you need for a successful career. Don’t just take our word for it – watch our video, where some of our graduates discuss the benefits of studying Computer Games Development at UWS.
100% of Computer Games Development students were satisfied with the teaching on the course (National Student Survey 2025).
Our Programme Leaders have recorded videos to help you discover all there is to know about our courses. From professional accreditation to programme modules and career opportunities, our Programme Leaders will help answer all your questions. You can view the video for this course by clicking the link below.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme gives students the chance to engage with a wide variety of activities as part of their academic journey. One exciting feature is the Retro Games Room, which allows undergraduates to immerse themselves in a nostalgic gaming experience, featuring a vast collection of classic consoles. These include iconic systems such as the GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 1 and the ZX Spectrum 48K. The room serves as a bridge between the past and the present of gaming, offering students the opportunity to explore the evolution of video games, providing both educational and recreational experiences.
Check Out Our Blog Entry
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme is very diverse. It caters for students who are keen to pursue their development and programming skills, as well as the core aspects of games design, such as Level Design.
Throughout the programme, you will become familiar with game engines, such as GameMaker, Unity and Unreal Engine. You can also specialise in the area of mobile games development using scripting languages such as JavaScript.
A key aspect of the programme is its synergy with Computer Animation Arts. You'll be involved in the creation and development of 2D or 3D modelling as you work on your projects. For example, you will able to develop your proficiency in using Maya or Blender.
This is a practical, career-focused degree that encourages you to publish games and develop an online presence via the creation of a showcase portfolio.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development course provides you with the chance to illustrate your work to prospective employers from the Creative Industries. In addition to organising creative industry showcasing events, guest speakers from the industry provide students with insights about working in this area. Regular game jams are also organised throughout the degree course, which also provide with opportunities to develop games for your portfolio.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development course is predominately project-based with an emphasis on team work, problem-solving, project management, version control, collation and dissemination of project tasks. Though some assignments are individual, project work is designed to prepare you for the world of work, particularly in a games studio environment.
The Year 4 Honours project is an individual piece of work that is practical in focus allowing you to specialise in a particular games related area that interests you.
Stuart Watt, a graduate of BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development, secured a post as an Associate QA (Quality Assurance) Tester at Scottish games developers, 'Build a Rocket Boy'.
'Build a Rocket Boy', which has offices in Edinburgh, Budapest and Montpellier, represents 32 countries and has nearly 300 employees positioned around the world.
Stuart graduated from UWS in 2022 with First Class Honours.
“One of the best things about studying at UWS is the freedom and support you have to explore the areas of your chosen subject that you really have interest in. Every member of staff at the University was willing to support and advise on ways to grow and succeed, no matter what my focus was.”
You may undertake a 36-week professional work placement between Years 2 and 3, or Years 3 and 4.
Computing courses at UWS are designed in collaboration with leading companies to produce work-ready graduates with the skills that industry needs.
We work with major industry leaders to give our students work-based learning opportunities to put their knowledge into practice.
Our students graduate ready for career success in this fast-changing, dynamic industry.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from English language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. UWS courses available are:
Why not add language modules in BSL, French or Spanish to your studies which can count towards your degree or as extra modules? Go on! Broaden your horizons, extend your international perspective and enhance your CV.
Study languagesThe BSc Computer Games Development course equips you with industry-relevant skills to build a career as a games developer, while combining creative games design with practical development skills.
It's always possible to augment your studies and broaden your horizons by learning a new language and prepare for the best international opportunities. Contact us to find out more on learning a language and studying abroad.
You will study the games industry and games development alongside modelling and animation for games. Core skills in programming for games complement use of game engines to develop games.
You will deepen your understanding of game programming and development using game engines such as Unity 3D and Unreal as well as producing games for the web. You will also learn about game design and creating and using game assets. By the end of this year you should be producing games for your portfolio.
The emphasis is on more advanced techniques in game programming and developing your skills for the games industry. You will undertake a year-long team design and development project, creating a working 3D game for release. You will also explore development of mobile games.
You may undertake a placement on a full-time basis over a minimum 36 weeks duration, leading to a sandwich award. This can be taken between years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4.
You will undertake an individual project, creating a major portfolio piece to showcase your skills. You will extend your knowledge of level design, the use of games in learning and of advanced web games.
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£18,000 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£3,000 per module (20 credits)
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£18,900 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,630 per module (20 credits)
£1,630 per module (20 credits)
£3,150 per module (20 credits)
Estimated cost per year of study.
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply on UCASAll UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS. You can find out more about applying for this undergraduate course on UCAS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
UK students
Our enquiry team is here to help: ask@uws.ac.uk
International students
Contact our dedicated international team: international@uws.ac.uk
Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification, it’s also the chance to enjoy an exciting social life, gain some independence and make the most of the new opportunities available.
DiscoverWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.