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Computer Games Programming [with Placement year] at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Anglia Ruskin University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

18Jan
Anglia Ruskin University - Undergraduate Open Day - Cambridge
Undergraduate
18Jan
Anglia Ruskin University - Undergraduate Open Day - Chelmsford
Undergraduate
18Jan
ARU Peterborough - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Become a specialist in your field, whether you want to become a games programmer or a software engineer, with our Computer Games Programming degree in Cambridge.

  • Develop specialist skills in areas such as gameplay, artificial intelligence, gaming tools, and mobile gaming, and learn to create software using industry-standard programming languages such as C# and C++.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Work collaboratively in a development studio environment that reflects the professional workplace.
  • 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).
Our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course will take you through the main areas of games development from initial idea generation all the way to releasing a playable and polished game. You’ll not only learn to create games but gain a secondary skillset as a software developer. Studying ARU’s Computer Games Programming degree will give you the opportunity to maximise your skills, gain valuable experience, and develop your professional network. The East of England has nearly 200 active games companies, with Cambridge itself home to 26 games companies including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory (source: ukie.org.uk’s games map January 2024). You’ll improve your prospects with live briefs and guest speakers from tech giants like Sony, Jagex and Frontier and attend games jams, industry talks, conferences and festivals, like our annual gaming-inspired event Gamebridge. At Gamebridge, students from across the country attend industry-led talks and 1-2-1 portfolio reviews, whilst showcasing their work and networking with companies such as Frontier and Jagex as well as other like-minded students. Our expert teaching and technical staff are here to offer you crucial support and feedback, and help you create an online presence to showcase your work. Working as a team is crucial to games development and so you’ll take part in collaborative projects with students from other creative courses, developing your skills in teamwork and project management. Every year, you’ll also 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. 81% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level, rising to 88% for core games production roles in art or programming. A degree in Computer Games Programming is a signal to employers that you’re serious about a career in computer games and are up to the challenges of the job. As a Computer Games student at ARU you'll have access to: 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 Podcast and video capture system 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.

Modules

Year 1 core modules: Game Concepts and Analysis; Developing for Games Engines; Software Engineering for Games. Year 2 core modules: Collaborative Games Development; Technical Development for Games; Complex Systems for Games; Ruskin Module. Year 3: Work placement. Year 4 core modules: Studio Practice for Games; Major Project for Games. Modules are subject to change and availability.

Assessment method

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. You’ll also encounter a range of other assessment tasks throughout the course, including presentations, academic reports, and reflective commentaries.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
I612
Institution code:
A60
Campus name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

2025 entry requirements have been published using the current cycle information however, due to a current review these are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/computer-games-programming

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

In the 2025/26 academic year, the placement year fee will be £1,500. https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/support-and-facilities/careers-and-employability/placements https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/tuition-fees https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-study/help-with-finances
Computer Games Programming [with Placement year] at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS