Game Design and Digital Art [with Foundation Year]

Equip yourself with industry-standard competencies highly valued by games design employers.

Step into the dynamic and exciting world of the games industry. This course is crafted to provide you with essential skills in game design and development and equip you with competencies highly valued by employers, such as multidisciplinary teamwork that mirrors real-world industry standards.

By combining foundational game design skills with technical specialisations such as programming, testing, immersive experience development, interactive storytelling and level design, you’ll dive into a learning experience that prepares you for a versatile career in the gaming industry, ready to adapt and thrive in its ever-evolving landscape.

Our curriculum, co-developed with employers, stays abreast of current trends and technologies to ensure you graduate with the skills in high demand within the sector. Beyond the traditional classroom, you’ll benefit from guest speakers, live briefs set by employers and team-based game development projects. These experiences are designed to enhance your specialist knowledge and develop your technical, presentation, and communication skills, giving you a competitive edge in your future career.

Why ARU?

• Explore games art and specialise in the area that interests you

• Work in a real studio environment with industry-standard software

• Gain real-world experience through industry-led Live Brief projects

Course Modules

Year 1

• Contemporary Issues

• Literacies in Higher Education

• Extended Project

• Into ARU

Year 2

• Narrative Game Design

• Designing Game Mechanics

• Level Design and Rapid Game Prototyping

• Game Monetisation, Analytics & Engagement

• Specialist Practice In Gaming

• Into ARU

Year 3

• 3D Modelling & Animation

• The Art of User Interfaces

• Ruskin Module

• Environmental Art and Design

• Team-Based Game Development

Year 4

• Real-Time 3D and the Art of Immersive Experiences

• Experimental Practice in Gaming

• Game Studio Design and Development

Assessment on this course is highly practical, through a diverse array of methods tailored specifically to the field of game design and digital art, including portfolios, presentations, demonstrations, pitches, and the creation of game artefacts within both individual and collaborative projects.