MDes Games Design and Development

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, UIUX, and more. Our expert faculty will guide you through gaining real-world experience in designing, building, and releasing your own games.Design your own gameThe 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 StudioThis 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 SuccessEdinburgh'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.