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 and are assessed You will spend an average of 15 hours per week in lectures and practical activities. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques throughout the course. Practicals increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technical, theoretical and collaborative work. During the course you will also be required to actively participate in discussion groups, lectures, practical tutorials and private study. Most modules are assessed using project-based coursework that requires detailed research, idea generation and concept development supported by exams and critical essays.

Career prospects “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. Video games are the core part of a wider interactive 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.