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.
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 Programming student at ARU, you’ll be based in our studio 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 Programming degree, our expert staff are on hand to offer support and feedback. They’ll help you create an online presence to showcase your work.
We also attend games jams, industry talks, conferences and festivals. They’re great places to make contacts in the gaming industry.
This course is subject to planning. Some content, including modules, may be subject to change.
Course Details - Modules
This course is subject to planning. Some content, including the modules listed below, may be subject to change.
Year 1:
Game Concepts and Analysis
Developing for Games Engines
Software Engineering for Games
Year 2:
Collaborative Games Development
Technical Development for Games
Complex Systems for Games
Optional modules
Ruskin Module
Year 3:
Studio Practice for Games
Final Project for Games
Course Details – Assessment Method
To prepare you for the practical nature of the video games industry, most of your assessments will be through both group and individual digital project-based coursework.
We make sure that professional practice is built into all our assessment tasks. This includes methods such as live briefs, where employers set you real-world tasks, and presentations that allow you to demonstrate your work, your problem-solving abilities, and the journey you have taken in developing your work.
You’ll not only receive constructive feedback from your peers, but learn to provide it for others, and reflect on how your own work compares.
You’ll also encounter a range of other assessment tasks throughout the course, including presentations, academic reports, and reflective commentaries.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January 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:
I611
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
