Degree type: BA (Hons)
UCAS Code: G452 BA/GPM
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
Abertay has an international reputation for excellence in computer games education and is recognised by the computer games industry through the Skillset accreditation awards.
The BA (Hons) Game Design and Production Management degree has been designed to address the need for individuals with practical experience of game design and development as well as an understanding of project and personnel management skills. You will be encouraged to work creatively and professionally to design and communicate concepts through prototypes, visuals, game assets, documentation and presentations.
The course further encourages professional communication and management skills through multidisciplinary projects and professional masterclasses from visiting professionals.
In first year, you are introduced to the fundamentals of games design and interactive entertainment production. This year gives you a solid foundation in the individual elements of game design and development - covering content such as pre-visualisation, industry awareness, narrative theory and introductory programming.
Second year focuses on professional skills and practices. Your technical, practical and communication abilities will be enhanced through project work that will require you to manage teams, develop game concepts, create 3D models and deploy them in games engines.
At the end of third year, you will be eligible to graduate with a BA degree. This year prepares you for employment by developing skills that combine theory, practice and communications in relation to Game Design and Production Management. You will come a confident design practitioner and develop a strong understanding of production management issues through sustained personal effort in producing a range of production solutions.
In fourth or Honours year you will undertake a significant design and production project, individually, or in a cross-discipline group. You will be expected to demonstrate understanding of the contextual factors that inform design and production practices, and explore the application of your skills and knowledge in the development of solutions.
How you learn
You will spend around 15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and practical activities, with the remainder of your time spent in self-directed learning. Lectures present key concepts, theories and techniques. Tutorials and practical activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop competences in technological, theoretical and collaborative work.
You will also actively participate in discussion groups and critique sessions. You will also be given support in developing a portfolio which will showcase your work and provide a valuable means of demonstrating your abilities to clients or potential employers.
How you are assessed
During first and second year, your work will be assessed through coursework, presentations and reflective essays. In later years, taught module assessment is by a mixture of exams, critical essays and coursework. Project modules are assessed through the submission of conceptual work, design solutions, interactive media products and project reports. The final year dissertation allows you to focus on a specific topic within design and production and develop a specialist area of expertise.
Higher BBBB; A Level CCC; ILC (H) BBBBB; UCAS Tariff 240 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: literate subject (e.g. English)
Advanced entry (Year 2)
A Level AAB (including Computer Studies or Art and Business Studies)
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
What our students say
"My interest in the production side of game development is well-catered to and I enjoy working with people from different disciplines to create fun and interesting game prototypes."
Mark, Northern Ireland
"As an aspiring designer, I have found that Abertay has given me access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise and encouraged me to develop my own understanding of game design theory."
Alan, Dundee
"Abertay's strong links with industry, and focus on practical projects helped me to get hired upon graduation and work on my first Triple-A game title."
Ewan, Dumfries
"As well as gaining theoretical and practical experience, the course introduced me to some great companies and industry professionals - some of which I have been able to continue to work with."
Maciej, Poland
Your future
Video games are the core part of a wider entertainment marketplace consisting of film, DVD, mobile devices and the internet. The companies in this marketplace vary from small games studios to national and international media groups. They require talented individuals with proven skills in team management, design and production control of new media products.
The games industry offers long term career potential through its continued expansion with opportunities varying from quality assurance through to production, design, and management of interactive media development. Prospects have never been better as it is a growing and exciting industry, with a global demand for skilled development staff.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
The 2012 fee will be announced Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
