Computer Games Design [with Foundation year]

Become a specialist in the field of games design and learn to work as part of a creative project team.

• Learn specialist skills in game design, level design, user interface design, and user experience design.

• Work collaboratively in a development studio environment that reflects the professional workplace.

• Gain opportunities for placements, live briefs and networking with companies like Sony, Jagex and Frontier.

• Attend industry events such as games jams, talks and festivals including our annual Gamebridge.

• Access cutting-edge research materials through our partnership with Global Science & Technology Forum.

• Study in Cambridge or Chelmsford, both home to a host of games companies (source: Ukie Games Map, January 2024).

If you 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.

As a Computer Games Design degree student at ARU, you’ll be based in the east of England, a region with nearly 200 active games companies. You can choose to study in Cambridge or Chelmsford. In Chelmsford, you’ll be based in the heart of Essex with its 25 games companies, while the city of Cambridge is home to 26 games companies, including Frontier Developments, Jagex and Ninja Theory. (Source: ukie.org.uk’s games map January 2024).

Skilled games designers are in high demand, with the value of the UK games industry reaching £7.05 billion in 2022. (Source: UKIE)

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 course, 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.

What’s the difference between ARU’s Computer Games Design and Computer Games Art degree courses?
Our Computer Games Design degree focusses on gameplay, encompassing world-building through the development of environments, characters, and narratives.

Our Computer Games Art degree focusses on art skills relevant to the computer gaming industry. Students develop their 3D skills including modelling, texturing and animation.

Our Computer Games Design degree has been developed to equip you with the latest skills and knowledge of industry-standard technology.

We recognise that experience is critical when you’re applying for jobs. That’s why we offer a wealth of opportunities to work on projects and network with our partners in the gaming industry, many of them based locally in the ‘Silicon Fen’.

The modules and opportunities on your Computer Games Design degree will also help you identify where your interests and strengths lie, and therefore which employers and vacancies to target. For example, you might decide to specialise in overall game design, level design, user interface design, or user experience design.

Facilities

From gaming and 3D modelling software through to HD cameras and graphic tablets, our games studio is filled with the latest industry-standard tools and equipment. Our dedicated Computer Games Technical Officer will be on hand to offer full training and support.