BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

Why study Computer Games Design at ARU?

• Journey through the main areas of computer games development, from idea generation all the way to releasing a playable and polished game.
• Learn specialist skills in game design, level design, user interface design, and user experience design, and different methods for user and task analysis to help you develop intuitive and accessible interfaces.
• 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.
• Build a professional portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.
• 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).

If you prefer to work with the technical tools that make computer games run smoothly on a variety of devices, we also offer Computer Games Art, Computer Games Technology and Computer Games Programming degree courses.

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

Our BA (Hons) Computer Games Design degree 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.

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.