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.

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

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 (Computing). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

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.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore an ARU Certificate for Professional Development, placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

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.

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 up to nine 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.