MDes Games Design and Development: Fees & Entry Requirements at Heriot-Watt University, UK

MDes Games Design and Development

UK

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What will I learn?

Join Scotland's top game design programme at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. With industry-leading facilities and hands-on projects, our MDes in Games Design and Development offers you the opportunity to turn your game ideas into reality. Led by an award-winning indie developer, you'll acquire sought-after skills in game design, 3D graphics, UI/UX, and more. Our expert faculty will guide you through gaining real-world experience in designing, building, and releasing your own games. Design your own game The Master of Design (MDes) programme in Games Design and Development provides students with a unique opportunity to design and develop their own computer game to the highest industry standards while gaining hands-on experience with the product lifecycle, gathering technical and professional skills, and further practical entrepreneurship knowledge. It is the perfect stepping stone to enable students to smoothly transition to design and programming roles in the games industry. Our Games Design Studio This Masters degree benefits from the utilisation of our purpose-built Games Studio inside our £19m innovation and entrepreneurship GRID building. As there are only a handful of universities worldwide capable of offering such design-led programmes, this studio will provide students with a unique mixture of practical supervised studio learning experience, technical know-how, and an interdisciplinary entrepreneurship approach to Games production. Studying in Edinburgh, the key to for Your Success Edinburgh's Gaming Legacy: Edinburgh has a rich gaming legacy, home to a multitude of gaming companies, studios, and indie developers. It's a city where innovation, creativity, and technology converge, making it the perfect backdrop for your journey into the gaming world. Networking Opportunities: Being in Edinburgh means you're in the heart of the action. You'll have unparalleled networking opportunities, with regular industry events, conferences, and meetups that allow you to connect with professionals and potential employers in the gaming field. Inspiration All Around: Edinburgh's stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and vibrant cultural scene provide boundless inspiration for game design and storytelling. The city's unique blend of tradition and modernity is the perfect environment for nurturing your creativity. Internship and Job Prospects: Many gaming companies and startups in Edinburgh actively seek fresh talent. The proximity to these opportunities enhances your chances of securing internships and job placements during and after your studies, setting you on a path to a successful career in the gaming industry.

Which department am I in?

School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees
£26,296.00 (28,65,112) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Heriot Watt University - Edinburgh Campus

Riccarton, Edinburgh,

Edinburgh,

Scotland,

EH14 4AS, Scotland, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in subject area which includes University level mathematics and programming as components. Games experience is valuable, however a detailed statement of purpose would be acceptable.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading institution ranked in the top 18% of universities in Europe (QS Europe Rankings 2025).

  • Five modern campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia
  • 2nd in UK for graduate employability (2024 GOS)
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