This module focuses on the game design process of researching, conceptualising, documenting, and refining an idea so it can be shared within a development team. You will learn the key concepts of game design theory required to create games that offer players a challenging, enjoyable and balanced experience. You will critically analyse a variety of video games, allowing you to assess the inner workings of their gameplay and see how different elements within a game interact with one another to form the whole. You will also analyse the outward facing elements of the game, including its visual style, user interface and player feedback mechanisms. The module will then introduce the skills and techniques required to effectively communicate your ideas within a team, and then pitch these ideas to stakeholders. Finally, you will explore a range of methods and techniques for testing your design concepts through an iterative process of prototyping.
View the full module definitionThis module will introduce you to the technical and creative skills necessary to develop prototypes within a commercial game engine. Specifically with a focus on creation of the functional game mechanics required to achieve engaging gameplay. Across the games industry there are many development environments within which games and interactive experiences can be developed. A game engine is the primary environment used and therefore a working knowledge of this software is essential for employment in the industry. You will gain an understanding of the common and transferable concepts within game engines that allow a design idea to be developed into a digital prototype. You will also learn the features of a commercial game engine that allow you to match specific project requirements to the most appropriate engine. An important part of your learning is the ability to adapt the skills that you have gained with one development tool to another, as many game companies use their own proprietary toolsets.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces essential computer science principles as they apply to foundational game development challenges. You'll gain the intellectual tools to design, implement, and test software systems, beginning with an understanding of the software development life cycle and effective programming structures. Covering variables, constants, data types, and operators, this module builds a solid grounding in program design and testing methodologies. Through learning core algorithms and structured documentation, you’ll acquire a practical understanding of efficient program construction, establishing a base for more advanced topics in the following module.
View the full module definitionThis module delves into more advanced programming concepts essential for game developers. With a primary focus on object-oriented programming, you'll explore key principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and interfaces. This module covers data handling and structures like arrays, records, pointers, and linked lists, emphasising efficient and maintainable programming practices. By critically appraising core data structures and algorithms, you’ll gain the advanced programming knowledge necessary for solving complex problems in commercial game development.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
View the full module definitionThis module will introduce you to the development life cycle of video games, starting with researching the market and ending with marketing a game. You will learn about the formally rigorous approach to the design of computer games, and a sound understanding of the development and delivery technologies which underpin modern video games. You will understand the development and management processes required to create a computer game as a team. You will also look at the many professional, legal, and ethical issues associated with the production of a game. You will work in a group to develop a game from a specified genre, utilising a carefully managed production cycle, and become familiar with the range of tools required for games development. This rigorous approach is central to the skill set of contemporary professional game developers. Finally, you will learn how to test games effectively and learn how to communicate issues clearly so that errors can be reproduced, and feedback can be acted upon.
View the full module definitionIn this module you will need to demonstrate your ability to research and develop the technical skills and knowledge that you will require in the games industry. You will reflect on your technical competencies and then plan a program of professional development for the remainder of the degree. The module gives you the opportunity to further extend a chosen area of interest by building on skills developed in previous modules, or by selecting a new area of digital practice. The module starts with discussions on potential areas of interest and a consideration of professional requirements within the field of study. You will need to conduct appropriate research to support the creation of a simple artefact, with a focus on technical development. The scope of the project will need to be defined carefully, agreed with a supervisor, and time managed efficiently to ensure that development can be completed and documented within the timeframe. You will be supported throughout but must develop technical skills through self-directed learning under limited supervision, in preparation for continuing professional development during your career.
View the full module definitionIn this module you will develop a working knowledge of the tools and techniques available to developers to create complex systems within video games. A specific focus will be artificial intelligence, which the games industry utilises to create interactive video games and immersive experiences. These systems are some of the most complex, given that artificial intelligence often governs the game world and direct players for the purposes of creating engaging and unique experiences. A range of algorithm analysis techniques will be employed to evaluate the performance of common data structures and algorithms in order that prudent choices may be made in the assembly of complex systems with specific performance targets or constraints. You will be introduced to the skills that enable the user to model game and world systems within their intended artefact and be given the opportunity to create your own interactive and immersive video game experiences.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
This module gives you opportunities to work in a team to develop video game artefacts for your professional portfolio. You will take on a quasi-professional role in the development of substantial pieces of work which will include research, design, documentation, development, and evaluation. As far as possible you will use real world market and commercial requirements to guide the development process from initial idea to final deliverable. The module will provide an opportunity to develop new skills or take existing knowledge further within a supportive framework and with guidance from an academic supervisor. Throughout the module a professional and real-world approach is encouraged and work can be undertaken for third party clients and practitioners of the industry. It will be your opportunity to develop and demonstrate your skills in leadership, teamwork, project management, planning, communication, as well as technical skills in your chosen technologies. Importantly, this module will prepare you to leave your course and enter the creative industries with a varied portfolio, reflecting a significant body of work and transferable skills.
View the full module definitionThe Major Project is the culmination of your Bachelor of Arts degree and will allow you to engage in a substantial piece of work relevant to your specific discipline. At the outset, you'll prepare a detailed proposal for an independent creative project, to be approved by a supervising tutor. The project will allow you to demonstrate your capacity to work to a planned schedule, research your options imaginatively, take account of current thinking on the issues your project raises, develop your work in convergent and divergent ways, respond positively to criticism, and arrive at creative solutions. It will allow you to show advanced understanding of the workflows, techniques, materials, and processes appropriate to your specific discipline and its relevant industries. The project developed in this module is the most substantial piece of academic work that you will produce during your undergraduate studies. Your choice of project topic and the quality of the work is likely to have a great influence on your career. The successful completion of the module will enhance your employability, evidencing your ability and appropriate skillset to work on real world projects.
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