Home >> Study in uk >> Universities in Uk >> University in Edinburgh >> Heriot Watt University Edinburgh >> MDes Games Design and Development

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Campus The Avenue,Edinburgh,Edinburgh

MDes Games Design and Development at Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

MDes Games Design and Development at Heriot Watt University Edinburgh
Course Duration 1 Years
Course Intake September
Course Details Website Link Visit Website 
Course Level Postgraduate
Tution Fees £ 19,800
English Language Requirment
IELTS 6.5
TOEFL 90
PTE 58

If you too are interested in a career in games design, our brand new Master of Design (MDes) programme in Games Design and Development allows you to explore your own creativity, develop game ideas, and launch your own games

Design your own games

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences is delighted to introduce a new Master of Design (MDes) programme in Games Design and Development, available for 2019 entry. This innovative programme 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 new Games Studio

The introduction of this Masters degree coincides with the launch of the new purpose-built Games Studio inside our new £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.

Programme structure

This Masters degree aims to concentrate on delivering a practical learning experience where students will be able to design game ideas, program prototypes, and fully release/publish their own game concepts at the end of their studies. The structure of this Masters degree concentrates in three aspects of games development: design, programming and entrepreneurship. As so, this programme includes two studio-based courses which are aligned with the industrial games development life cycle. Furthermore, there are two entrepreneurial components to the programme to allow students to fully exploit their creations in industry or by launching their own spin-out bespoke indie studios.

Heriot-Watt University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Specific tuition fees and other expenses at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh can vary based on several factors:

  1. Level of Study: Undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programs can have different fee structures.
  2. Domicile: Fees often vary for UK students, EU students (though this has been changing post-Brexit), and international students.
  3. Course or Programme: Some specialized courses might have different fees.
  4. Campus: Heriot-Watt University has campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia. Each campus has its own fee structure.

However, to provide a general idea:

For Undergraduate Students:

  • UK Students: The tuition fee for UK students was previously set by the Scottish Government, and in recent years, it was around £1,820 for students eligible for Scottish funding. Students from the rest of the UK (RUK) might have different fees, sometimes upwards of £9,000 per annum.
  • International Students: Fees for international undergraduate students varied widely based on the course, ranging from about £13,000 to over £20,000 per annum.

For Postgraduate Students:

  • The fees can vary considerably based on the program. Some courses could be in the range of £5,000 to £10,000 per annum for UK students, while international student fees could range from £15,000 to over £25,000.

Other Expenses:

  • Accommodation: Depending on the type of accommodation (on-campus, off-campus, shared, or single room), costs can vary. On-campus accommodation at the Edinburgh campus could range from around £4,000 to over £7,000 for an academic year.
  • Living Costs: These can vary based on personal spending habits, but students should budget for expenses like food, travel, books, and other miscellaneous items. A rough estimate might be between £8,000 to £12,000 per annum, but this can vary widely.

Please note that these figures are approximate and could have changed after 2021. Fees can also increase annually due to inflation and other factors. For the most accurate, up-to-date information on tuition fees and other expenses, you should consult the official Heriot-Watt University website or contact their admissions or finance department directly.

Heriot-Watt University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

International students applying through UCAS can find their exact tuition expenses by submitting the Fee Status Enquiry form. The cost of living will be determined by the course opted as well as the applicant's nationality. Edinburgh has a comparatively lower cost than other UK cities. Estimate cost of living on and off-campus for UK Campuses is tabulated below: 

Expenses Cost in Pounds(Monthly)
Hall Fees £500- £735
Food/Toiletries/Laundry £175
Social £140
Mobile Phone £25
Books and Equipment May vary
Travel £1.80/per bus ticket
Total £865- £1,100

Living in a rented flat may vary according to the type of accommodation and facilities being availed. The estimated monthly cost including food and travel is £923.

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Average Tuition Fee Per Year
Undergraduate £ 14,800
Postgraduate  14,800
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Cost Per Year
Overall cost of living £ 11,600
Campus accommodation £ 6,890
* Please note that fees may vary. Always check the exact cost of the program and bear in mind likely additional expenses.
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh English score required
IELTS Undergraduate 6.0
IELTS Postgraduate 6.5
TOEFL Undergraduate 80
TOEFL Postgraduate 90
* Please note that minimum score required for English language may vary from course to couse.Always check exact requirement for the programme.
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh University Contact Details
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Address
Campus The Avenue,Edinburgh Campus The Avenue EH14 4AS
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Email
studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Phone
+44 (0) 131 449 5111