Introduction to our Computer Games Design degree
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 degree 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.
For those who 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.
Key facts
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Industry-standard facilities
As a Computer Games student at ARU you'll have access to:
- Compass House games development studio that simulates a commercial working studio
- High-end computers with graphic tablets
- Motion capture equipment
- Render farm
- Industry-standard SLRs (for HDRI capture)
- HD cameras
- Top of the range 3D modelling, animation, and compositing software including Maya, Motion Builder, 3DS Max, Mudbox, ZBrush and Unity 3D
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.
Futures Lab and workshop equipment
Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:
- 3D printers and scanners - FDM printers; material-specific extruders; SLA Formlabs printers; SLS Formlabs Fuse1; structured light 3D scanners
- 2D printing and cutting machines - laser cutters; Roland BN20 vinyl printer & cutter; Gerber substrate cutter; Mimaki TX300P sublimation printer.
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
Ian Brown
Course Leader, MA Computer Games Development (Art) / MSc Computer Games Development (Computing)
Careers
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.
Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
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