Computer Games Programming

We recognise that experience and contacts help you stand out from the crowd when you’re applying for jobs, so you’ll have numerous opportunities to meet and work with companies from our extensive industry network.

Our students have previously undertaken internships and work experience with ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight.

Every year, you’ll tackle live briefs from our industry partners. These might include prototyping game ideas, and even developing teaser games. You’ll have a chance to take part in negotiated briefs too, which may focus more on your particular interests and specialisms.

You’ll also have opportunities to build your professional network at games jams, industry talks, and festivals, like our annual Gamebridge, where students from across the country attend industry-led talks, 1-2-1 portfolio reviews, and game showcases with companies like Frontier and Jagex.

Our degree will prepare you for programming-focused roles such as gameplay programmer, artificial intelligence programmer, tools programmer, and mobile programmer. You could also apply your skills to software development or XR and simulation.

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

• Theodore Hanson, AI Manager, Independent Data Certifications (IDC)
• Owen Monaghan, Junior QA Analyst, Jagex
• Oliver Cox, Graduate Gameplay Programmer, Frontier Developments
• Matthew Stracey, Back End Engineer, Reneural
• Jake Beswick, Software Engineer, Reneural
• Matthew Rayner, Online Tutor, Software Academy UK

We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:

• courses designed with employers
• tutors with professional industry knowledge
• hands-on learning through Live Briefs, internships and placements
• Ruskin Modules that help develop the skills employers value.

Alongside your course, there are lots of other opportunities to build your skills and experience:

• add value to your CV with an ARU Certificate of Professional Development
• get involved in a thriving volunteering programme
• develop your brilliant business ideas
• work with businesses to make a social impact.

We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.

The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

Find out more about careers support at ARU.

A foundation year prepares you for the rest of your course, and focuses on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. We'll also start to look at some more subject-specific topics.

Your placement year is a chance to put everything you’ve learnt in Years 1 and 2 into practice. Spend typically 9-12 months working for an organisation, developing your skills and gaining valuable work experience. Our Placements Team is here to help you secure a placement.

Our assessment methods reflect the practices you will need to work in the modern games industry. These include team project work; working to client/employer requirements; demonstrating comprehension of high-level programming language; complex technical problem-solving; designing and developing video artefacts; and producing reflective evaluations.

At each level of the course you will also be assessed on a written reflection of your own skillsets and your plan for professional development over the following year and into graduation.