BA (Hons) Computer Games Art

Why study Computer Games Art at ARU?

• Join a degree that's accredited by TIGA, indicating to employers that you're well-versed in the practical and theoretical application of industry-standard practices and the latest industrial workflows.
• Study on a course that's a member of the Unreal Academic Partner programme, which recognises university courses that are committed to providing ongoing, high quality educational opportunities.
• Develop art skills relevant to the fast-moving computer games industry, including sculpting, modelling, texturing, characters and environments, enabling you to create characters, environments and more.
• Explore different aspects of digital art on our optional modules, helping you specialise and future-proof your career.
• Work collaboratively in a development studio environment that reflects the professional workplace.
• Attend exciting industry events including games jams, industry talks, conferences, and festivals, such as our annual student games fest Gamebridge, where you can show your work to major industry reps.
• Study in a region renowned for computer games: the East of England has nearly 200 active games companies, and Cambridge is home to 26 games companies including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory (source: Ukie Games Map, January 2024).

During your studies, you’ll discover how you can use your visual research, creative experimentation and technical development to forge a career as a computer games artist. You’ll learn how to move from concept to game-ready assets, bringing your work to life using Industry-leading software including UE5, the latest version of Epic’s Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, ZBrush and the Adobe Substance Painter.

82% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level, according to UKIE’s 2022 census.

The skills and knowledge you acquire on our Computer Games Art degree course will not only help you to land a career in the gaming industry but also equip you with in-demand skills across other sectors, including VFX, film, animation, television and motion graphics.

Through work-based projects, internships and placements, students can get hands-on practical opportunities. In recent times, ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight have all offered internships and work opportunities to ARU students.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and continue your studies with our MA Computer Games Development (Art). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.