The world of gaming is having a moment. Nintendo announcing a successor to its highly successful Switch console, platform-exclusive games coming to an end, and the release of what could possibly be the biggest, most anticipated game in history, “Grand Theft Auto VI.” These are just the tip of the iceberg of exciting new things happening in the gaming industry this year – and we are only in the first quarter of 2025.
If you are interested in this industry, then Abertay University is where you should start your journey towards a career in this dynamic field. Best known for its expertise in video games education and its status as the National Centre for Excellence In Computer Games Education, this UK university is one of the nation’s leading tech institutions that also ranks among the top in Europe. Its teaching quality is in the UK’s top 20 (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and it is the top modern university in Scotland for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2024).
Abertay University is a pioneer in games education. As the first high-level educational institution in the world to offer a games degree in 1997, this university continues to lead the industry with innovative programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate-taught, and research degree levels. These programmes are designed to prepare you to meet the demands and make your mark in the games industry. Industry-led, hands-on project briefs are built in, ensuring you gain practical experiences before entering a professional workplace.
From game jams and guest lectures to industry visits and cutting-edge research opportunities, the university offers an immersive experience in the world of game development. “Not only did I get exposure to code, but the course also offered insights into the business of game development and the type of markets that are out there,” says MSc in Computer Games Technology graduate Rejosh Samuel. “The course helped me build my portfolio of projects, which helped me get my first job in gaming.”
The university is home to approximately 4,000 students, residing in the big small city of Dundee, Scotland. Source: Abertay University
Being small allows Abertay’s programmes to provide big experiences. Small classes ensure more personalised attention and immersive insights into the games industry. It also helps that the teaching staff here are either actively involved in research or working in the field, giving you the chance to learn from industry leaders first-hand. They put students first, supporting you at every stage of your academic journey to see you thrive and achieve your full potential during your time here and beyond.
“Our programme coordinator and instructor, Dr. Euan Dempster, was instrumental in guiding us towards the end goal – getting work,” Samuel says. “He helped us focus on the tasks and overcome limitations and setbacks to move forward.”
The university’s alumni network is happy to help you with your journey, as well. Some former Abertay games students have gone on to work at top games companies like Ubisoft, Sony, EA, and Rockstar North, allowing you to grab the chance to network and build professional relationships with some of the key players in the industry.
“I found the transition between university and the working world a bit stressful because I sent out many applications and didn’t get a lot of final interviews, but getting connected with the alumni network helped me immensely,” graduate Courtney Spivey says. “I received industry insights and great interview/résumé/portfolio tips that helped me ultimately get hired. When I got the job offer, I had to relocate to London, and with the help of the company and co-workers who were Abertay alumni, the transition was smooth and exciting.”
Abertay University puts students at the heart of everything they do. Source: Abertay University
Located in Dundee, Scotland, Abertay University is in the middle of a vibrant hub of game development. The city actively supports its gaming scene with events, conferences, and initiatives to connect professionals, future developers, and fans, building a strong community of gamers. Soon, Abertay University will host Scotland’s first-ever Festival of Play to expose young creatives to the game industry. Another is xCoAx, a global conference that serves as a platform for artists, researchers, computer scientists, and media practitioners worldwide to explore how art, technology, and culture intersect.
Legendary games such as “Crackdown,” “Lemmings,” and the aforementioned “Grand Theft Auto” were born in this city too, thus cementing it as the place to succeed if you want to be part of the games industry. Now, with studios like Ninja Kiwi, 4J Studios (developers of the mega-hit game “Minecraft”), and Rockstar Dundee currently operating in the city, Abertay University is the perfect start for your career in games.
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