University of Abertay School of Computing and Creative Technologies

The Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University of Abertay Dundee (UAD) was established in 2009 as a result of Scottish Government investment in the UK’s first Centre for Excellence in Computer Games Education.

UAD offered the world’s first MSc in Computer Games Technology in 1997 and Europe’s first full undergraduate degree in Computer Games Technology, and is currently ranked by Skillset (the UK government/industry sector skills council for creative media industries) as offering the best degree programmes in the UK in Computer Games and Computer Arts. The Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games brings together world-class expertise in teaching, research and knowledge transfer and an international reputation for innovation and collaboration within the computer games technology and computer arts sectors.

Games related education at UAD developed alongside the industry sector in Dundee and has worked closely for over a decade to create a thriving sector in the region. Industry legend Dave Jones, who studied at UAD in the late 1980s, went on to create the Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto franchises. The studios that spun out of this early success have established Dundee as one of the most creative games development hubs in the world.

In 2006 UAD became the only UK University to offer accredited courses in both Computer Games Technology and Computer Arts, and in 2008 the Institute was awarded Media Academy status by Skillset, joining the top 20 institutions in the UK recognized by the media industry as delivering high quality education in the creative media sector.

Students at the Institute enjoy the support of some of the world’s leading development studios, publishers and technology companies. Regular master-classes and technology investments mean that students apply current development practices with the latest generation of technologies.

In 2007 the UK Games industry recognised these achievements by awarding UAD a unique New Talent award for its contribution to the development of the industry.

UAD is home to Dare to be Digital, a unique industry-backed video games development competition for students at universities and art colleges. The competition invites teams of art, design and technology students to develop their games ideas to prototype stages with full support. Dare to be Digital provides a prime opportunity for new-start businesses in the creative industries, and this year the Dare winners were also the recipients of the “new talent” BAFTA award.

Prof. Lachlan MacKinnon

School of Computing and Creative Technologies
University of Abertay Dundee
Bell Street
Dundee
DD1 1HG

Tel: +44 (0)1382 308600

institute@abertay.ac.uk