Visual Effects for Games and Real-Time Media - BSc

Combine strong technical expertise in visual effects (VFX) with game programming and creative design skills. Learn to develop visual and audio effects for real-time media such as games, film, TV, immersive experiences and more. Abertay is Europe's TOP University for video game design (Princeton Review 2026) and Scotland’s TOP Modern University for Student Satisfaction (The Complete University Guide 2027 and The Times Good University Guide 2026.) Our degree is perfect for aspiring VFX artists who want to develop technical expertise and imaginative storytelling skills. Unlike other VFX degrees, this course focuses on real-time methods. That means creating effects that you can see, hear and feel, using professional software like Houdini and game engines such as Unreal Engine, alongside other programming and software tools. Leading game developers and production companies You’ll gain hands-on experience through studio collaborations, developing a work portfolio that mirrors professional practice and pipelines. We work closely with companies such as Sony, Microsoft, Epic Games, Vicon, Industrial Light and Magic, Wild Child Animation and more. Industry-standard tools from day one From day one you’ll learn using the professional tools you'll use in the workplace, exploring topics such as game development, cinematography, graphics programming, audio design and real-time production techniques. This mixture of industry toolsets and contacts, alongside real-world projects, helps you gain the skillset employers are looking for. You'll study using the tools, workflows and expectations of modern, real-time studios. Which gives you a valuable head start, as you'll graduate knowing how to use the same professional tools you'll rely on throughout your career This means working with software like Houdini, which is widely used to develop VFX and 3D animation. (We are Scotland’s first Houdini Certified School Partner.) Alongside this, you’ll work with game engines like Unity, and learn to build projects for various platforms, from PC to games consoles to Mixed Reality.