Digital Innovation and Computing
Computer Games Development HND
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The Computer Games Development HND is an innovative course designed to provide you with an insight into the various technologies and techniques used in the video games industry. Explore the whole process of video game development, from planning and design, right through to project management. You will cover a wide range of computer development techniques, including 2D and 3D Animation, Programming and Games Design Theory.
This is a hands-on and practical course where you will work on real-world gaming projects and be given the creative freedom to develop your own computer games. This will allow you to build a portfolio of work, which you will need when applying for employment in the industry or further study. This course will allow progression into the 2nd or 3rd year of university study in games development, Games Design and multimedia courses at several universities.
What you will learn
Year one:
- Game Technology
- Structured Programming for Games
- Working in a Project Team
- Project Management for IT
- 2D Animation
- 3D Level Editing
- Interface Design
- Mathematics
- Creating Graphics
Year two:
- 3D Modelling and Animation
- Games Development: Object-Oriented Programming
- Game Customisation and Scripting
- Software Development: Developing for the World Wide Web
- Software Development: Abstract Data Structures
How the course is assessed
- The course is mainly assessed on practical skills
- There will be some written assignments and tests
- The Graded Unit for both years will be a practical game-based project
Number of days per week
- Approximately 16 hours per week, which we try to timetable into as few days as possible, e.g 3 days. However, the course is demanding, and assignments and projects will be set for you to complete in your own time, so it is recommended that you dedicate 5 days per week to this course.
Entry requirements
- For school leavers: Three Highers at C pass, one must be in Mathematics and one other numerate subject such as Computing or Physics
- For college learners: SCQF Level 6 course pass and a good level of Mathematics, which can be tested at an interview
- For everyone else: All enquiries are welcome regardless of qualifications. Edinburgh College computing staff can assess where you can start or progress in your computing career and find the right course for you.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
This course includes maths at SCQF level 7
- You may be asked to perform a maths screening exercise to assess your skill level.
- You will be advised of the maths question types in advance and have several days to prepare. If you need more time to prepare or require extra time during the screening, please request it in advance.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0 and Ideally no component below 5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Access to the second or third year of various university degree courses ,such as at Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University and Abertay University
- BSc (Hons) Computing, year 3 entry at the University of Highlands and Islands
Career options
- Employment in the computer games industry
- Games developer
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
