Introduction
Become a specialist in the field of games design and learn to work as part of a creative project team, with our Computer Games Design degree in Cambridge.
Our BA (Hons) Computer Games Design course will take you through the main areas of computer games development, from idea generation all the way to releasing a playable and polished game.
As you study you’ll develop specialist skills in game design, level design, user interface design, and user experience design. You’ll learn about different methods for user and task analysis that will help you develop intuitive and accessible interfaces.
You’ll also develop a deep understanding of the two most popular commercial game engines, Unity and Unreal – knowledge that is highly sought after in the creative industries.
And of course you’ll build a professional portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.
Course options
Key facts
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Specialist equipment
Computer gaming students will have access to:
- four computer labs containing state of the art gaming workstations with software including Unreal Engine; Unity; Microsoft Visual Studio; Adobe CC Suite; Atlassian Bitbucket; Autodesk Maya; Blender; Pixologic ZBrush; Substance Suite Tools
- industry-standard peripheral equipment, including VR devices/headsets; devices for testing mobile apps; Wacom creative pen tablets for digital painting and texturing; and a 16-camera motion capture system.
Our Computer Games Technical Officer will be on hand to offer training and support. You can also get training in the use of all our creative facilities.
Outstanding student support
As a student at ARU you'll benefit from:
- live briefs and guest speakers from companies like Sony, Sumo Digital, Jagex and Frontier
- a Personal Development Tutor to guide you through your academic journey
- careers and employability support from day one
- ongoing support to find placements and work experience
- our learning management system Canvas, for accessing learning materials, tutor presentations, and class files
- events and groups including games jams, industry talks, and ARU esports and Level Up! Gamer Society events.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Dominic Chapman
Course Leader and Lecturer Practitioner, BA Computer Games Art / BSc Computer Games Technology
Baris Isikguner
Deputy Head, Computer Games
Holly Akrill
Lecturer, Computer Games Art
Luis Azuaje
Course Leader, BA (Hons) Visual Effects Technical Art
Ian Brown
Course Leader, MA Computer Games Development (Art) / MSc Computer Games Development (Computing)
Follow Ian on Twitter
Email: ian.brown@aru.ac.uk
Careers
Our BA (Hons) Computer Games Design will help you get experience and find future work in design-focused roles such as game designer, level designer, user interface designer, and user experience designer.
All your work on the course will go into your professional portfolio, including an online presence on portfolio sites, websites and blogs, so you’ll be ready to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.
The live briefs you take part in will not only help you prepare for work in the games industry – some may show you how you can use your skills for communal wellbeing, regardless of where your career takes you. For example, our brief in conjunction with mental health charity Safe In Our World will allow you to research the professional and ethical issues faced within the games industry, and present your findings through a group presentation.
Research-based learning will play a large role in your project work, helping you develop a range of academic skills including information literacy, critical thinking and presenting an argument. You’ll also pick up transferable skills in teamwork, project organisation and management, and self-development.
After you graduate, you might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Computer Games Development (Art) degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save 20% on your fees.
Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. We're here Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about CambridgeBuild your portfolio
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