Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to all international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-timeAward Title
MSc/PGDipUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
Join our MSc Computer Games Technology and gain a globally reputable qualification which will make you highly desirable to employers. Our graduates have gone on to work with the world’s most recognisable games companies, including:
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Ubisoft
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Sony
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EA
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Rockstar North
Others have set up successful games companies of their own.
Designed and maintained in close association with games companies
It’s an ideal route if you wish to expand and focus your existing programming skills for the development of computer games. Designed and maintained in close association with games companies, the MSc Computer Games Technology course will provide you with access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities.
During your studies, you’ll benefit from being part of a community of likeminded individuals within our School of Design and Informatics.
With strong industry links and the opportunity to work on real team projects, you’ll benefit from developing the skills and expertise essential to computer games companies, as well as building your own network of contacts in this exciting industry.
And, of course, you’ll be studying your Masters in the city of Dundee – identified as a key hub of games-making activity in the UK.
Entry Requirements
A good honours degree (minimum of 2:2) or equivalent in computing, including a good knowledge of object oriented programming and mathematics.
How the Course Works
The programme is designed around five themes:
Games Production and Design: Uses the games development template as the basis for games design, development and production. This theme is strongly grounded in the market reality of games publishing.
Games Programming: Develops the core programming competence of students using DirectX and console hardware programming.
Professional Knowledge: Provides the underpinning mathematical and games industry knowledge required to be a professional in the computer games field.
Programming Specialism: Provides an opportunity to develop and evaluate the techniques used to implement network computer games and the AI techniques used in games.
Research: Provides an opportunity to explore a personal research topic related to computer games technology.
You’ll leave us with the confidence and skills to work in one of the most demanding industries in the world, and at a distinct advantage over other computing graduates intending a career in the games industry.
Accreditation
This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Modules (Subject to change)
Programming For Games (CMP502)
Introduction to the techniques and underpinning mathematics for developing games and real-time graphics applications with a moderm API.
Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence (MAT501)
Covers the basic mathematics necessary for graphics and introduces you to Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically in computer games. The module will provide you with the mathematical techniques involved in realistic computer graphics, and a critical understanding of the basic features used to implement AI, in a computer game or entertainment product.
Network Game Development (CMP501)
A critical understanding of the principles of computer networks as they are applied to the development of various types of networked computer games. You will develop and evaluate the techniques used to implement networked computer games with a particular emphasis on real-time, fast action games.
Research Methods (2) (GRS501)
An introduction to research methods and statistical analysis for postgraduate students. Combines theoretical, historical and statistical concepts with hands-on practical lab sessions using both qualitative and quantitative techniques to put theory into practice.
Game Design and Development (DES502)
An opportunity for you to operate at a professional level of games development and show your ability to critically review and consolidate your working practices within a team environment. This module requires you to be part of a team that apply their skills in the critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of a professionally aligned video game. This will include being actively involved in the concept development and game design, as well as taking a central technical role in its development.
Advanced Procedural Methods (CMP505)
An understanding of the various techniques used to generate procedural content in games, tools and common media editing packages to a cutting-edge standard. You are also taught further graphics, games and general programming techniques and practices.
Masters Project (CMP504)
Select, plan, conduct and write up a research based investigation for the Masters Project. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data/information and the evaluation and communication of findings. The result is a solution appropriate to the project aims and a dissertation.
Fees & funding
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities exist in a variety of sectors including computer games development, graphics and visualisation, multimedia and education.
Typical job titles include games programmer, graphics programmer, and AI programmer. Opportunities also exist for graduates to become self-employed, freelance contractors or to start their own games development business.
Get inspired
Meet some of our Computer Games Technology graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.
John Pile Jr.
John is current Technical Director and Principal Engineering Manager at Schell Games.
Claude Dareau
Since graduating Claude works on VR projects for Oscar-winning visual effects studio Framestore.
Rejosh Samuel
From Abertay to Canada, Rejosh works as a Development Team Lead for Pong Studios in Toronto.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community. Specially designed to promote integration and inculcation of interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers, postgraduates study and learn together at Abertay – from Environmental Management to Law, Psychology, Bioscience, Economics and Business, Cybersecurity and Computer Games Development.
Joining as a Postgraduate Student
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll be part of a community of creative likeminded scholars and automatically gain access to our dedicated study and social spaces. These provide a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
Making the Most of Masters
The Making the Most of Masters project provides opportunities for master’s students to undertake work based projects, allowing you to enhance your employability at the same time as studying for your master’s degree.
Working with external organisations and employers, the projects are an integral part of your academic programme, and address real needs within an organisation meaning you’ll have the opportunity to add valuable experience to your CV.
Explore our Dundee Campus
Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
Why Abertay?
We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.
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