BSc (Hons) Games Design

Robert Gordon University (RGU), located in Aberdeen, Scotland, offers a dynamic BSc (Hons) in Games Design program designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-growing and innovative field of game development. This program combines artistic creativity with technical skills, providing students with the knowledge and experience needed to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences across various platforms.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Games Design program at RGU is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics essential for success in the field of game development. Students study subjects such as game design principles, 2D and 3D graphics, animation, storytelling, game mechanics, and user experience design. The program also includes practical projects and workshops where students can apply their skills and work collaboratively to create playable game prototypes.

Research Focus: RGU is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of games design through its research initiatives. Faculty members at RGU's School of Creative and Cultural Business are actively engaged in research projects that explore new trends, technologies, and methodologies in game development. Students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) program have the opportunity to participate in research activities, gaining valuable insights and contributing to advancements in the field.

Industry Engagement: One of the key strengths of the BSc (Hons) Games Design program at RGU is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. RGU has established partnerships with leading game development companies, indie studios, and industry organizations. Through guest lectures, industry projects, and studio visits, students have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, gain practical experience, and build valuable connections within the gaming industry.

Global Perspective: RGU's BSc (Hons) Games Design program offers students a global perspective on the gaming industry. With its diverse faculty and student body, as well as collaborations with international game developers and organizations, RGU exposes students to different cultural, aesthetic, and market perspectives in game development. This global perspective enhances students' understanding of the gaming landscape and prepares them for careers in an increasingly globalized industry.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Students should have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 60% or equivalent in their country's grading system. The specific entry requirements may vary depending on the chosen program of study. Some programs may have additional subject-specific requirements.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 56 with no individual score below 51.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) in the United Kingdom is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment by offering a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing their higher education. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide financial assistance to students from around the world.

International Achievement Scholarship: The International Achievement Scholarship at RGU is designed to reward outstanding international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies. This merit-based scholarship provides financial support towards tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate students who have displayed exceptional academic performance. The Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate Scholarship aims to attract top talents to RGU and assist them in achieving their educational goals.

RGU SPORT Scholarship: Recognizing the importance of sports and physical well-being, RGU offers the RGU SPORT Scholarship to international students who excel in sports. This scholarship supports athletes in balancing their academic and sporting commitments, promoting a holistic approach to student life.

Santander Scholarships: In collaboration with Santander Universities, RGU provides Santander Scholarships to international students. These scholarships aim to facilitate educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and global perspectives by supporting students in various academic disciplines.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: RGU participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, offering international students from eligible Commonwealth countries the chance to pursue master's level studies. This scheme covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses, promoting access to higher education for students with limited financial means.

Graduates of Robert Gordon University's (RGU) BSc (Hons) Games Design program are well-equipped to pursue diverse and exciting career opportunities within the gaming industry. With their combination of artistic creativity, technical skills, and industry knowledge, graduates have the potential to make significant contributions to game development studios, indie game projects, and related fields.

Game Designer: Game designers are responsible for conceptualizing and creating the gameplay, mechanics, and overall experience of video games. Graduates of RGU's program are well-prepared for roles as game designers, where they use their creative vision and technical skills to develop innovative and engaging gameplay concepts. They work closely with teams of artists, programmers, and producers to bring their ideas to life.

Level Designer: Level designers focus on designing the layout, structure, and challenges of individual levels or environments within a game. Graduates of RGU's program have the skills to excel in roles as level designers, where they use their understanding of game mechanics and storytelling principles to create immersive and compelling game worlds. They collaborate with game designers and artists to design levels that balance difficulty, pacing, and player engagement.

Game Artist: Game artists are responsible for creating visual elements such as characters, environments, and animations that bring games to life. Graduates of RGU's program with a focus on art and animation are well-suited for roles as game artists, where they use their artistic skills and technical proficiency to create stunning visual assets for games. They work closely with designers and developers to ensure that visual elements align with the overall artistic vision of the game.

Game Programmer: Game programmers develop the underlying code and software systems that power video games. Graduates of RGU's program with a focus on programming are well-prepared for roles as game programmers, where they use their technical expertise to implement gameplay features, optimize performance, and troubleshoot technical issues. They work closely with designers and artists to translate game design concepts into functional code.

Indie Game Developer: Some graduates may choose to pursue careers as indie game developers, working independently or in small teams to create and release their own games. Graduates of RGU's program have the skills and knowledge to embark on independent game development projects, leveraging their creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to bring their game ideas to market.