Anglia Ruskin University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course 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. 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 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. You’ll also 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. 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
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Game Concepts and Analysis, Video Game Prototyping, Immersive Game Design. Year 2 Core modules: Collaborative Games Development, Technical Development for Games, Player Experiences in 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; 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
31Jan
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University. You may also be accepted to this course with an IELTS 5.5 (Academic level- with no individual score being lower than 5.5) or equivalent English Language qualification as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University, but will then be required to undertake additional compulsory free English language modules in your first year.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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 | £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 |
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
Please note the fee for the placement year is £1,400.
https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT