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 your field, whether you want to become a games programmer or a software engineer, with our Computer Games Programming degree in Cambridge. Our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming will take you through the main areas of games development from initial idea generation all the way to releasing a playable and polished game. As you study you’ll develop specialist skills in areas such as gameplay, artificial intelligence, gaming tools, and mobile gaming, and learn to create software using industry-standard programming languages such as C# and C++. This will not only allow you to create games, but give you a secondary skillset as a software developer. 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. What does a computer games programmer do? Studying ARU’s Computer Games Programming degree gives you the opportunity to maximise your skills, gain valuable experience, and develop your professional network. The East of England is a hub for games companies, with Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory all based locally. As a Computer Games Programming student at ARU, you’ll be based in the heart of Cambridge. Our expert teaching and technical staff are here to offer you crucial support and feedback, and help you create an online presence to showcase your work. 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. 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. Are computer games programmers in demand? The computer games industry is booming, with growth fuelled by the proliferation of mobile gaming and new technologies such as altered/virtual reality (AR/VR) and next-generation consoles, as well as the popularity of eSports and game streaming and vlogging. According to UKIE the value of the UK video games market reached £7bn in 2020. With more computer games available in more formats than ever before, gamers have come to expect high-quality gaming experiences. The industry needs highly skilled graduates that can work in multidisciplinary teams. What are the benefits of a degree in Computer Games Programming? 81% percent 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. A degree in Computer Games Programming is a signal to employers that you’re serious about a career in computer games and are up to the challenges of the job. 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: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication, Information and Communication Technology, Critical Thinking, Maths for Scientists, Maths for Engineers, Physics for Engineers, Fundamentals of Computing, Engineering Design. Year 2 core modules: Game Concepts and Analysis, Developing for Games Engines, Software Engineering for Games. Year 3 core modules: Collaborative Games Development, Technical Development for Games, Complex Systems for Games, Ruskin Module. 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; demonstrating comprehension of high-level programming language; complex technical problem-solving; designing and developing video artefacts; and producing reflective evaluations. 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. You’ll also encounter a range of other assessment tasks throughout the course, including presentations, academic reports, and reflective commentaries.
How to apply
29Jan
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:
- I613
- 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
5 GCSEs at grade D, or grade 3, or above and evidence of two years post-GCSE study at Level 3. If you have achieved at least grade E in one A level, or equivalent, you are exempt from the two years post-GCSE study requirement, but you still must meet the GCSE requirements. Applicants who do not meet the two years post GCSE study at level 3 may be considered based on their satisfactory employment history, which must be a minimum of two years full time employment supported by employer evidence and deemed appropriate by the University for meeting the course of study applied for.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/computer-games-programming
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | With minimum 5.5 in each component |
Equivalent English Language qualifications, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University, are also accepted.
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
https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-university/help-with-finances
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT