Computer Games Development at UWS – University of the West of Scotland
The gaming industry offers diverse roles such as programming, art, level design, and narrative writing, with opportunities in large studios, indie teams, or freelance work.
Game development is an exciting career path for young people who love gaming, technology, and creativity.
It involves designing, coding, and producing video games for platforms like consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, blending technical skills with artistic vision to craft immersive experiences.
The global gaming industry, valued at over $200 billion in 2024, offers diverse roles such as programming, art, level design, and narrative writing, with opportunities in large studios, indie teams, or freelance work.
This field appeals to those eager to create engaging worlds and stories while working with cutting-edge tech like VR or AI. However, it demands persistence due to a competitive job market, a steep learning curve, and occasional crunch periods in some studios.
Entry-level salaries may start lower than other tech fields, but senior roles can be lucrative. Young developers can begin by learning tools like Unity or Godot, building small games for a portfolio, and joining communities on platforms like X to network and stay updated.
Participating in game jams or sharing projects on itch.io can boost visibility. With dedication, game development offers a rewarding chance to shape the future of entertainment, perfect for creative, tech-savvy youth ready to innovate.
Featured Course Provider: UWS
UWS offers this course: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development, a TIGA-accredited program designed to prepare students for careers as games developers.
It combines practical development skills with game design, focusing on game programming and engine scripting for multiple platforms using industry-standard tools like Unity and Unreal Engine. Students engage in project-based learning, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and project management, with access to dedicated games studios and a Retro Games Room featuring classic consoles.
The curriculum includes a Year 4 Honours project for specialization and encourages building a strong e-portfolio for employers. Graduates have secured roles at top studios like Rockstar North and PlayStation, or started their own companies.
Entry requirements range from BCCC (90 UCAS points) to CC (42 UCAS points) with additional qualifications, and international students need an IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 per component). The program, based at the Paisley campus, supports work placements and industry connections, preparing students for diverse roles in gaming, animation, and social networking.
