BA (Hons) Available in Clearing

Computer Games Design

Become a specialist in the field of games design and learn to work as part of a creative project team.

Start date
September
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
I620

Start date
September
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Duration
4 years with foundation
UCAS course code
I622

Start date
September
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Duration
4 years with placement
UCAS course code
I621
1st

in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.

Source: GOS

Learn about the main areas of computer games development, from idea generation through to releasing a playable and polished game.

You’ll develop specialist skills in game design, level design, user interface design, and user experience design, with a focus on intuitiveness and accessibility.

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the two most popular commercial game engines, Unity and Unreal, and build a professional portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.

Why ARU?
  • Learn specialist skills in game design, level design, and user/interface experience design.

  • Work collaboratively in a development studio environment that reflects the professional workplace.

  • Gain opportunities for placements, live briefs and networking through our links with companies like Sony, Jagex and Frontier.

  • Attend industry events such as games jams, talks, and festivals including our annual Gamebridge.

  • Access cutting-edge research materials through our partnership with Global Science & Technology Forum.

  • Study in Cambridge or Chelmsford, both home to a host of games companies (source: Ukie Games Map, January 2024).

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Build a professional portfolio as you study, including an online presence on portfolio sites, websites and blogs, so you’re ready to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Games Development (Art). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching and modules

Matthew Holland

Develop a portfolio of professional skills in player-centric design, communication and implementation, in a variety of specialities.

Matthew Holland, Lecturer - Computer Games

You’ll start this course by learning about game design theory, key game development stages, industry-standard game creation tools, world-building techniques, and various roles in the games industry.

In years 2 and 3, you’ll deepen your knowledge of tools and techniques for creating characters, environments, and narratives, often working collaboratively.

Finally, you’ll develop artefacts for your portfolio, take on live briefs for industry partners, and complete a Major Project that brings together all your skills and knowledge.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Game Concepts and Analysis
  • Video Game Prototyping
  • Introduction to Gameplay and Levels
  • Player-Centric Game Design
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Collaborative Games Development
  • Player Experiences in Games
  • Technical Development for Games
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Studio Practice for Games
  • Major Project for Games
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Creative Workshops 1
  • Approach to Design
  • Critical and Contextual Studies
  • Creative Workshops 2
  • Specialist Project
  • Composition and Style
Module details

You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.

Placement year
  • Work Placement - Cambridge School of Creative Industries
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

From gaming and 3D modelling software through to HD cameras and graphic tablets, our games studio is filled with the latest industry-standard tools and equipment.

Our dedicated Computer Games Technical Officer will be on hand to offer full training and support.

You can also get training in the use of all our creative facilities, including a digital workshop with variety of computer aided manufacturing machines.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Computer Games Design

Clearing places available

UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct

Loading...