COURSE INFORMATION

If you have a desire to delve into the depths of computer games and investigate how they work, then this is the ideal course for you. You will need an interest in and flair for programming, maths, and solving complex problems. You should enjoy playing a variety of computer games and you may even have designed a few games of your own. You will need great communication and team working skills and the determination to persevere until something works.

The Computer Games industry is a target area for growth and needs intelligent, hardworking and innovative people to drive the future of gaming in Scotland.

The industry is a major contributor to the UK economy, and the Official Department for Digital Culture Media & Sport estimate that the video games industry added £2.9bn of Gross Value Added to the UK economy in 2019.

This course could be your first step towards fulfilling your ambitions.

  • Software Development
  • Program Design
  • Games Design
  • Character Design
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Animation
  • 3D Modelling & 3D Level Editing
  • Games Engines
  • Maths
  • Team-working
  • Problem solving
  • Project management
  • Two years full-time
  • Computer Games Design and Development
  • Games Programming
  • Games Interface Design
  • 2D Animation
  • 3D Level Editing and Scripting
  • 3D Modelling and Animation
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Character Creation and Storytelling
  • Mathematics for Computing
  • Problem solving, team working, and project management

Year 1

You should have successfully completed a pre-course assessment and possess one of the following:

  • Two Highers at Grade C or above in Maths, Computing Science, Graphic Communication or any Science/Technology subject; plus four National 5s at Grade B or above, one of which must be Maths
  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Information Technology: Software Development SCQF Level 6 plus National 5 Maths at Grade B or above
  • Advanced Certificate or National Certificate: Computer Games Development SCQF Level 6 plus National 5 Maths at SCQF Grade B or above
  • Advanced Certificate or National Certificate: Computing with Digital Media SCQF Level 6 plus National 5 Maths at Grade B or above

Year 2

  • Successfully complete Year 1 HND: Computer Games Development

It is possible to progress on to a degree at university from this course - see our HE and Degree Pathways guide for more information.

  • Abertay University - BSc (Hons) Computing
  • Glasgow Caledonian University - BSc Computer Games (Design)
  • Glasgow Caledonian University - BSc Computer Games (Software Development)
  • Glasgow Caledonian University - BSc (Hons) 3D Animation and Visualisation
  • Glasgow Caledonian University - BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (Art and Animation)
  • Robert Gordon University - BSc (Hons) Digital Media
  • University of the West of Scotland - BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development

Progression Route after successful completion of FA

Please note: to progress to years 2 or 3 of a university course, you MUST have Higher Maths at Grade B or above. You can study Higher Maths at Fife College as an addition to this HND course.

After further study:

  • Level designer
  • Games programmer
  • Games producer
  • Games designer
  • Games tester
  • Software developer
  • Programmer

 

  • Course books may be required
  • You may be required to take part in an informal conversation as part of the application process. This group/individual conversation may be an information session, a portfolio discussion, or a skills-based exercise
  • In the case of Fife School leavers, the College will request a Transition Form from the school