UK · Bachelor's
Abertay University
BA (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development
Abertay University
Course Overview
Abertay University in Dundee is the world's first university to offer a Bachelor's degree in Computer Games (founded the programme in 1997) and remains the UK's #1-ranked games university (The Guardian University Guide Computer Science rankings for game development). The BA (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development is a 4-year programme combining programming, software engineering, game design, level design, and team production using industry-standard engines (Unity, Unreal Engine 5, Godot). Year 3 is a 35-week industry placement (paid £18,000-25,000) at studios like Rockstar Dundee (Grand Theft Auto), 4J Studios (Minecraft), Outplay Entertainment, or Ubisoft Reflections.
Sri Lankan applicants choose Abertay because Dundee has been formally designated a UNESCO City of Design and is the cradle of the European games industry — over 40 game studios operate within a 1-mile radius of the campus. The degree is BSC accredited and the Skilled Worker visa pathway is straightforward — graduates routinely convert placement-year roles into full Sponsorship. For Sri Lankan students from local game-dev houses (Arimac, 4Axis, Hayleys IT, John Keells) or aspiring solo developers, Abertay is the most concrete on-ramp to UK / global game studio careers.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels: BBB minimum including Mathematics OR Computer Science (one of two).
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 passes (Mathematics or ICT preferred).
- check_circle IB Diploma: 28 points overall.
- check_circle Direct Year 2 / Year 3 entry available with relevant HND in Computing / Games Development from SLIIT, NIBM, or Edinburgh-validated SL programmes.
- check_circle Personal statement (UCAS) — a public games portfolio (GitHub, itch.io, Game Jam entries) strengthens the application substantially.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 80 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 59 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from Edexcel/Cambridge International streams qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (£) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | £16,750 | Rs. 6,700,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Dundee) | £10,000 | Rs. 4,000,000 |
| Student Visa & IHS Fee (4 years) | £3,000 | Rs. 1,200,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | £29,750 | Rs. 11,900,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route on completion. Software developer / game programmer roles are on the Skilled Worker visa list. Top hirers: Rockstar Dundee, 4J Studios, Outplay, Ubisoft Reflections (Newcastle), Sumo Digital, Creative Assembly, Sony PlayStation London, Codemasters. Graduate Game Programmer salaries in UK: £28,000-35,000 outside London; £38,000-50,000 in London.
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