Computer Games Development (Art)

Program Overview

This multi-disciplinary Computer Games program prepares students for careers in game design, programming, art, user experience, and visual effects. Students benefit from industry-standard facilities and support from the Employability Service, ensuring they are highly sought after in the thriving East of England games industry.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Teaching times 2023-24 (subject to change for 2024-5)
• Full time: Mondays 1 hour online session, Tuesdays 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
• Modules
• Experimental Practice in Computer Games
• Games Development 1
• Digital Arts - Experimental Practice
• Games Development 2
• Master's Project: Computer Games

Teaching:

• Teaching methods
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Project work
• Independent study
• Faculty
• Ian Brown, Senior Lecturer Practitioner
• Bariş Işikgüner, Deputy Head of School
• Adam Twycross, Senior Lecturer
• Martyn Simmons, Senior Lecturer
• Amanda Surowka, Lecturer
• Unique approaches
• The course is taught in collaboration with the MSc Computer Games Development (Computing) program, reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of games creation.
• Students have the opportunity to work on live briefs from companies such as Sony and Sumo Digital.
• Students attend Gamebridge, an annual event hosted on the ARU campus where they can attend industry-led talks and portfolio reviews, showcase their work, and network with local and global studios.

Careers:

• Potential career paths
• Game designer
• Game programmer
• Game artist
• User experience (UX) designer
• Visual effects (VFX) artist
• Project manager
• Opportunities
• The East of England has nearly 200 active games companies, with Cambridge itself home to 26 games companies including Jagex, Frontier Developments, and Ninja Theory.
• Skilled game designers and programmers are in high demand, with the value of the UK games industry reaching £7.05 billion in 2022.

Other:

• The course is accredited by TIGA, the trade association representing the gaming industry in the UK.
• Students have access to industry-standard facilities, including high-end computers, motion capture equipment, and top of the range 3D modelling, animation, and games software.
• The course is supported by our dedicated Employability Service, which provides support with career planning, job applications, and interview skills.

Tuition fees for UK students (2024/25)

£9,300 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount.

Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)

£18,600 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year) You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter