Introduction to our Computer Games Art degree
Education provided by ARU is Gold standard
ARU is among the 20% of universities in the country who have been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Accredited by TIGA, our Computer Games Art degree will allow you to develop art skills relevant to the fast-moving computer games industry. You’ll gain 3D computer games skills including modelling, texturing and animation, enabling you to create characters, environments and more.
During your studies, you’ll discover how you can use your visual research, creative experimentation and technical development to forge a career as a computer games artist. You’ll learn how to plan your designs by creating concept art before bringing them to life using interactive software such as Unity 3D.
Course options
Key facts
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Student experience
Student work
Sam McHaffie, Final Project 2023
See more of our undergraduate computer games students' workMichal Stanieswki
Michal graduated with a first class honours, and is now a game developer working at Jagex.
Discover how our course helped him get his dream jobGamebridge 2023
More than 200 students from across the country took part in industry-led talks and portfolio reviews, while showcasing their work and networking with major gaming companies like Frontier and Jagex.
Computer Games student showreel 2022
A showreel of work by students on our undergraduate computer games degree courses.
Which ARU Computer Games course is right for you?
ARU Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Art Adam Twycross explains which of our undergraduate computer games courses is the best choice for you.
Computer Games Art student showreel 2021
2021 showreel of work by students on the BA Computer Games Art course at the School of Creative Industries at ARU in Cambridge
Facilities and showcase
Industry-standard facilities
As a Computer Games Art student at ARU, you’ll benefit from:
- 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 dedicated Computer Graphics 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.
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.
Alternatively, take a guided tour and meet our students.
Accreditation
TIGA accredited
Our course is accredited by TIGA, the trade association representing the gaming industry in the UK.
Lecturers
Martyn Simmons
Senior Lecturer
Barış Işıkgüner
Deputy Head of School
Adam Twycross
Senior Lecturer
Amanda Surowka
Lecturer
Matthew Holland
Lecturer
Careers – What can you do with a Computer Games Art degree?
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.
The skills and knowledge you acquire on our Computer Games Art degree course will not only help you to land a career in the gaming industry but also equip you with in-demand skills across other sectors, including film and television production, marketing, and web design.
Through work-based projects, internships and placements, students can get hands-on practical opportunities. In recent times, ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight have all offered internships and work opportunities to ARU students.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and continue your Computer Games Art studies with our MA Computer Games Development (Art). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
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.
You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.
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.
SABRINA MINTER
Seeing women succeed in games has made a positive impact on my aspirations and encouraged me to work closely in a field which I now thoroughly enjoy.
SABRINA MINTERBA (Hons) Computer Games Art
Find out more about Women in GamingLife in Cambridge
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Build your portfolio
Applying for one of our art and design courses? Get expert advice on putting together a portfolio that showcases your skills.
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