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Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus

PO Box 294345 , Dubai ,United Arab Emirates

BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems (Computer Games Programming)

Our four-year BSc Computer Systems (Computer Games Programming) Honours degree is oriented to constructing robust and useable computer games. We aim to teach people not only how to deploy cutting edge games, but also help them to develop other professional skills that will enable them to communicate clearly, work independently and cooperate effectively. In the gaming industry, where business transactions are underpinned by technology, workplaces need individuals who can create effective systems. Our graduates will move into the games development industry armed with a blend of interpersonal and technical skills that will meet current needs and the needs of the organisations of the future.

The first three years of this programme and the BSc Computer Systems programme are identical, as students learn the underlying skills required to develop computer games. Then, in fourth year, students specialise by taking Computer Games Programming courses as well as completing an approved dissertation topic suitable for this specialism.

Why study Computer Systems (Computer Games Programming) at Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus?

  • Unlike other universities, ours offers a technical programme that equips students with the right skills for games programming.
  • We carry out extensive research in computer science subjects, which feeds into our teaching programmes, keeping them relevant and up to date.
  • A large percentage of our graduates get good jobs following graduation.
  • We have transfer options to our Edinburgh Campus that allow students to complete their studies in the UK.
  • Students who wish to remain in Dubai after graduating with an Honours degree award can extend their studies by entering one of our postgraduate Master’s programmes.

Intakes

  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Prospects in the games development industry are excellent. The growth in computer games on personal computers, and on mobile devices, has increased the demand for experts who can design, implement and manage computer games combining rich computational, communication and multimedia facilities for non-specialist users.

PSW Opportunity

After completion of their studies, students can change their study visa to work visa to extend their stay in Dubai.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Our entry criteria are listed below. However, please note that the final decision remains at the discretion of the course director after evaluating scores of individual relevant subjects.

Students who are eligible to be admitted directly into second year can choose to join the first year, where available.

First year entry

  • GCE A-Level CCC (or AABB at AS-Level)
  • CBSE 65%.
  • American High School Diploma + SAT 1s - 1000
  • Tawjihiyya 80%
  • International Baccalaureate 24 points.
  • BTEC Level 3 Ext Diploma MMM
  • Foundation year Successful completion of Heriot-Watt University Degree Entry Programme (Engineering) with a BBBB.
  • FBISE grade 12 or equivalent – 70%
  • Curriculum Russian/Kazakhstan (Attestat) with minimum grade of 5 + IELTS 6.0
  • EmSAT minimum 1400 English, 1300 Maths, 1100 Physics, 1100 Chemistry
  • Compulsory subjects to include English.

Second year entry

  • GCE A-Levels BBC.
  • International Baccalaureate 27 points.
  • CBSE Overall 85%
  • American High School 70% + 3 AP at grade 4 OR Minimum 3 SAT 2’s 500 each
  • Higher National Diploma (HND) PPP
  • BTEC Level 3 Ext Diploma DDD
  • FBISE grade 12 or equivalent 85%
  • Transfer students from other universities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Compulsory subjects to include Computer Science and English.