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This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please contact PGRS Recruitment.
The UK video games sector is a highly dynamic and ever evolving global success story.
Abertay University continues to lead the development of games as an academic meta-discipline, incorporating computer science, computer art, digital design, sound and music, human computer interaction, and media studies.
Game Design at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. As technologies evolve and audiences expand, now is an excellent time to engage with research in games, with research spanning novel game mechanics, multiplayer game balancing, narrative design and interaction design.
At Abertay, you will be supported to conduct this research by our world-leading expertise in computer games education, our connections with key industry partners such as Microsoft and Sony, and our specialist computer arts and game development facilities.
Our research is inherently cross- and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in game design. We lead the InGAME project, one of the nine AHRC-funded Creative Industry Clusters Partnerships, which is a consortium of industrial and academic partners. This project will underpin growth of the regional games and media sector.
Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs. The city has longstanding relationships with local, national, and international game studios. Undertaking a research degree in game design at Abertay will prepare researchers for careers not only in academia, but also within wider society.
Programme overview
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please contact PGRS Recruitment.
The UK video games sector is a highly dynamic and ever evolving global success story.
Abertay University continues to lead the development of games as an academic meta-discipline, incorporating computer science, computer art, digital design, sound and music, human computer interaction, and media studies.
Game Design at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. As technologies evolve and audiences expand, now is an excellent time to engage with research in games, with research spanning novel game mechanics, multiplayer game balancing, narrative design and interaction design.
At Abertay, you will be supported to conduct this research by our world-leading expertise in computer games education, our connections with key industry partners such as Microsoft and Sony, and our specialist computer arts and game development facilities.
Our research is inherently cross- and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in game design. We lead the InGAME project, one of the nine AHRC-funded Creative Industry Clusters Partnerships, which is a consortium of industrial and academic partners. This project will underpin growth of the regional games and media sector.
Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs. The city has longstanding relationships with local, national, and international game studios. Undertaking a research degree in game design at Abertay will prepare researchers for careers not only in academia, but also within wider society.
Admission Requirements
185+
7+
67+
95+
The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. Degree studies must include an independent research component evidenced in the degree transcript, such as dissertation, project, or thesis.
30 Apr 2026
3 Years
Feb
Jun
Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
Tuition fees
Domestic
5,006 GBP
International
14,750 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Game Design PhD
Dundee, GB, Dundee, United Kingdom
36 monthsProgramme duration
14,750 GBPTuition Fee/year
30 Apr, 2026Application Deadline
Feb, Jun, OctStarting Month
Programme overview
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please contact PGRS Recruitment.
The UK video games sector is a highly dynamic and ever evolving global success story.
Abertay University continues to lead the development of games as an academic meta-discipline, incorporating computer science, computer art, digital design, sound and music, human computer interaction, and media studies.
Game Design at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. As technologies evolve and audiences expand, now is an excellent time to engage with research in games, with research spanning novel game mechanics, multiplayer game balancing, narrative design and interaction design.
At Abertay, you will be supported to conduct this research by our world-leading expertise in computer games education, our connections with key industry partners such as Microsoft and Sony, and our specialist computer arts and game development facilities.
Our research is inherently cross- and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in game design. We lead the InGAME project, one of the nine AHRC-funded Creative Industry Clusters Partnerships, which is a consortium of industrial and academic partners. This project will underpin growth of the regional games and media sector.
Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs. The city has longstanding relationships with local, national, and international game studios. Undertaking a research degree in game design at Abertay will prepare researchers for careers not only in academia, but also within wider society.
Programme overview
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please contact PGRS Recruitment.
The UK video games sector is a highly dynamic and ever evolving global success story.
Abertay University continues to lead the development of games as an academic meta-discipline, incorporating computer science, computer art, digital design, sound and music, human computer interaction, and media studies.
Game Design at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. As technologies evolve and audiences expand, now is an excellent time to engage with research in games, with research spanning novel game mechanics, multiplayer game balancing, narrative design and interaction design.
At Abertay, you will be supported to conduct this research by our world-leading expertise in computer games education, our connections with key industry partners such as Microsoft and Sony, and our specialist computer arts and game development facilities.
Our research is inherently cross- and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in game design. We lead the InGAME project, one of the nine AHRC-funded Creative Industry Clusters Partnerships, which is a consortium of industrial and academic partners. This project will underpin growth of the regional games and media sector.
Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs. The city has longstanding relationships with local, national, and international game studios. Undertaking a research degree in game design at Abertay will prepare researchers for careers not only in academia, but also within wider society.
Admission Requirements
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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