Master of Design Games Design and Development

For Master of Design Games Design and Development, tuition comes to 35,893 USD per year.

The Master of Design (MDes) in Games Design and Development at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh is led by an award-winning indie developer and offers students the chance to design and develop their own computer games to industry standards. This 1-year, full-time, on-campus program is taught within the purpose-built Games Studio in the £19m innovation and entrepreneurship GRID building. Students gain hands-on experience with the product lifecycle, utilizing practical supervised studio learning, technical know-how, and an interdisciplinary entrepreneurship approach to Games production. Edinburgh's rich gaming legacy, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to numerous gaming companies and startups provide ample networking and internship opportunities.

Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh combines almost two centuries of history with a modern, career-focused education. Founded in 1821 in Scotland, the university serves around 9,765 students across ten distinct program areas, offering strengths in engineering, business, design and applied sciences. Its long-standing reputation for practical learning and industry engagement makes it attractive for students aiming to translate academic study into real-world outcomes.

Academically, Heriot-Watt is known for applied research, professional partnerships and strong postgraduate opportunities. International collaborations and a global campus network broaden study options and deliver a multicultural classroom environment. Facilities emphasize laboratories, design studios and industry-standard technologies, while staff often bring industry experience that helps shape practical curricula and employability-focused projects.

For international students, Edinburgh’s compact campuses provide supportive services, orientation programs and career guidance to ease transition. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, combined with access to Scotland’s business and energy sectors, offers internships and networking possibilities. Prospective applicants should highlight relevant practical experience and career goals when applying, as the university favors candidates who demonstrate how their studies will connect to professional ambitions.