Best UK Game Design & Development Courses
The top pick for most aspiring game developers in the UK is the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development at Abertay University. It combines a strong programming core with game-specific modules, has an excellent industry reputation, and its location in Dundee (a historic game development hub) offers direct access to studios. Abertay consistently ranks among the best for game education in the UK and produces graduates that studios actively recruit.
What to Look For
Before you compare courses, focus on these criteria that actually matter for a career in game development:
- Accreditation and Industry Links: Look for courses accredited by TIGA (the UK games industry trade association) or with strong partnerships with studios. These often include guest lectures, internships, and direct recruitment pipelines.
- Portfolio Output: The most important thing you leave with is a portfolio. Check whether the course includes a final year project, game jams, or opportunities to showcase work to industry professionals.
- Specialisation Options: Decide whether you want a generalist degree or one that lets you specialise in programming, art, or design. Some courses are more technical (programming-heavy), while others are more creative (design/art-heavy).
- Facilities and Software: Access to modern labs, VR equipment, and industry-standard software (Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, Blender) is essential. Check what you’ll have access to and whether you need to buy your own hardware.
- Teaching Staff: Look for lecturers with industry experience. They can provide invaluable insights and connections.
- Graduate Outcomes: Check the university’s official statistics for graduate employment in the games industry. High employment rates in game studios are a good sign.
Top Course Options
Abertay University – BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development
Strengths: Abertay is often called the “UK’s home of game education.� This course is heavily focused on programming (C++, C#, and graphics programming) and is accredited by TIGA. The university hosts the annual Dare Academy, a 10-week game development competition where students work in teams, which is a fantastic portfolio piece. Graduates are highly sought after by studios.
Trade-offs: The course is demanding and requires a strong aptitude for maths and programming. It’s less suited to those who want to focus on art or design rather than code. Dundee is a smaller city, which might not appeal to everyone.
Best for: Students who are committed to becoming programmers in the games industry and want a rigorous, industry-focused degree.
University of Hertfordshire – BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games
Strengths: This course combines a solid computer science foundation with game-specific modules in the final years. It covers programming, game engines, and artificial intelligence for games. Hertfordshire has strong links with local studios and a good graduate employment record. The university also offers a foundation year if you don’t have the required grades.
Trade-offs: The game-specific content is less intensive than at Abertay. You’ll spend a lot of time on general computer science topics, which might not be what you want if you’re purely focused on games.
Best for: Students who want a broader computer science degree with a games specialism, keeping future career options open beyond games.
Sheffield Hallam University – BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Games
Strengths: Sheffield Hallam has a strong reputation for practical, industry-facing courses. This programme focuses on programming for games, including console development (using the Unreal Engine) and game physics. The university has invested heavily in games labs and VR facilities. It also offers a placement year, allowing you to gain a year of industry experience.
Trade-offs: The course is less well-known than Abertay’s, but the quality is high. Sheffield is a vibrant city, but the games industry presence is smaller than in Dundee or London.
Best for: Students who want a practical, programming-focused degree with a placement year to build a strong CV.
University of Gloucestershire – BSc (Hons) Games Programming
Strengths: This course is specifically designed for games programming, covering C++, graphics, physics, and AI. It has a strong emphasis on building a portfolio through project-based assessments. The university has a dedicated games lab with high-end PCs and VR equipment. It also runs regular game jams and has a supportive student community.
Trade-offs: Gloucestershire is a smaller university and may not have the same industry recognition as Abertay or Sheffield Hallam. However, the teaching is often more personal due to smaller class sizes.
Best for: Students who want a focused games programming degree with a supportive, hands-on learning environment.
University of Portsmouth – BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
Strengths: Portsmouth offers a well-rounded course that covers programming, game engines, and game design. It has a strong focus on employability, with opportunities to work on live projects and an optional placement year. The university has a dedicated games lab and a good track record of graduates entering the industry.
Trade-offs: The course is less specialised than Abertay’s, and the games industry in Portsmouth is smaller. However, London is easily accessible for internships and networking.
Best for: Students who want a balanced course with a good mix of design and programming, and who value a placement year.
How to Choose
Budget: Tuition fees for UK students are capped at £9,250 per year for all universities, so cost doesn’t differentiate courses. However, living costs vary significantly: Dundee and Sheffield are cheaper than London or the South East. Consider your accommodation and daily expenses when choosing a city.
Use Case: If you are certain you want to be a programmer, choose a course that is heavily programming-focused (Abertay, Sheffield Hallam, Gloucestershire). If you want to keep options open, choose a broader computer science course with games modules (Hertfordshire). If you want to be a designer or artist, look for courses that include art/design modules, though many are separate degrees.
Common Trade-offs: A more prestigious name (Abertay) may come with a more intense workload. A placement year adds a year to your degree but gives you valuable experience and a foot in the door. Smaller universities often offer more personal attention but may have fewer industry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code before applying?
Not necessarily. Most courses assume no prior programming experience, but having some basic knowledge (e.g., Python or C#) will help you hit the ground running. A-level Maths is often required for programming-heavy courses.
What is the difference between game design and game development?
Game design focuses on the creative aspects: mechanics, story, level design, and user experience. Game development is broader and includes programming, art, and production. Some courses combine both, but many specialise.
Can I get a job in the games industry with a degree from any of these universities?
Yes, but your portfolio matters more than the university name. Abertay has the strongest industry connections, but graduates from all these courses have found jobs in studios. Attend game jams, build your own projects, and network online.
Should I choose a course with a placement year?
If you can afford the extra year, yes. A placement gives you real industry experience, a salary, and often a job offer after graduation. It also helps you build a professional network.
What about online courses or bootcamps?
They can be useful for learning specific skills, but a university degree provides a structured curriculum, access to professors, and a recognised qualification. For entry-level roles, many studios still prefer a degree, though not always.
How important is the university’s ranking?
Rankings (like the Guardian or Complete University Guide) can be a starting point, but they don’t tell the full story. Look at the specific course content, facilities, and graduate outcomes. A lower-ranked university with a great games course can be better than a high-ranked one with a weak programme.
Bottom Line
If you are serious about a career in game development and want the best possible start, Abertay University’s BSc Computer Games Development is the strongest choice. It has an unmatched industry reputation, a rigorous programming focus, and unique opportunities like Dare Academy. However, if you prefer a broader computer science degree with games modules, or you want a placement year, consider the other options. Ultimately, your success will depend on your own effort, portfolio, and passion – the university is just the launchpad.
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