7Oct
UndergraduateCourse summary
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 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. There’s never been a better time to take a degree in computer games. According to UKIE, the value of the UK video games market reached £7bn in 2020. The industry needs highly skilled graduates that can work in multidisciplinary teams. ARU is the place to study a computer games degree. The East of England is a hub for games companies, including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory. As a Computer Games Design student at ARU, you’ll be based in our studio in the heart of Cambridge. 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. Throughout your Computer Games Design degree, our expert staff are on hand to offer support and feedback. They’ll help you create an online presence to showcase your work. We also attend games jams, industry talks, conferences and festivals. They’re great places to make contacts in the gaming industry. 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
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Game Concepts and Analysis, Video Game Prototyping, Immersive Game Design. Year 2 Core modules: Collaborative Games Development, Creative Development in Games, World Building for Games. Year 2 Optional modules: Ruskin Module Year 3 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; researching and producing designs; creating artefacts; understanding game design issues and design techniques; and demonstrating a knowledge of world-building. 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.
How to apply
25Jan
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:
- I620
- 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
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Unistats information
Operated by the Office for Students
Student satisfaction
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. 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 | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
https://aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances/undergraduate
2022 International fees are to be confirmed
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT