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BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

  • Placement year available
How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction to our Computer Games Design degree

Take a look at our 2023 Computer Games showreel

Studying Computer Games Design at ARU

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 or Chelmsford.

Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 logo

Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Are you in Year 12? You could join us for a real taste of life as a Computer Games student with our free residential experience this July. Places are limited – find out more and apply for our Amplify Your Summer Character Design Programme in Cambridge.

Our BA (Hons) Computer Games Design degree 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.

For those who prefer to work with the technical tools that make computer games run smoothly on a variety of devices, we also offer Computer Games Art, Computer Games Technology and Computer Games Programming degree courses.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities and showcase

Industry-standard facilities

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.

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.

Outstanding student support

As a student at ARU you'll benefit from:

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.

Careers – What can you do with a computer games design degree?

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

Our BA (Hons) Computer Games Design degree will help you get experience and find future work in design-focused roles such as game designer, level designer, user interface designer, and user experience designer.

All your work on the course will go into your professional portfolio, including an online presence on portfolio sites, websites and blogs, so you’ll be ready to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.

The live briefs you take part in will not only help you prepare for work in the games industry – some may show you how you can use your skills for communal wellbeing, regardless of where your career takes you. For example, our brief in conjunction with mental health charity Safe In Our World will allow you to research the professional and ethical issues faced within the games industry, and present your findings through a group presentation.

Research-based learning will play a large role in your project work, helping you develop a range of academic skills including information literacy, critical thinking and presenting an argument. You’ll also pick up transferable skills in teamwork, project organisation and management, and self-development.

After you graduate, you might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Computer Games Development (Art) degree. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save 20% on 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.

Apply now for BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our Cambridge

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

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