Computer Games Programming [with Foundation year]

Become a specialist in your field, whether you want to be a games programmer or a software engineer..

Explore the main areas of games development, from initial idea generation through to releasing a playable and polished game.

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++.

You’ll also develop in-demand knowledge of the two most popular commercial game engines, Unity and Unreal, and build a professional portfolio.

Develop specialist skills in gameplay, artificial intelligence, gaming tools, and mobile gaming.

Learn to create software using industry-standard programming languages such as C# and C++.

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

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

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

Study in Cambridge, home to 26 active games companies (source: Ukie Games Map, January 2024).

Careers

On this course, you’ll not only learn to create games but gain a secondary skillset as a software developer.

You’ll also gain crucial skills in information literacy, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and project organisation/management, as well as building a professional portfolio and online presence to showcase your skills.

We recognise that experience and contacts help you stand out from the crowd when you’re applying for jobs, so you’ll have numerous opportunities to meet and work with companies from our extensive industry network.

Our students have previously undertaken internships and work experience with ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight.

Every year, you’ll 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 have opportunities to build your professional network at games jams, industry talks, and festivals, like our annual Gamebridge, where students from across the country attend industry-led talks, 1-2-1 portfolio reviews, and game showcases with companies like Frontier and Jagex.

2% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level, according to UKIE’s 2022 census. Our degree will prepare you for programming-focused roles such as gameplay programmer, artificial intelligence programmer, tools programmer, and mobile programmer. You could also apply your skills to software development.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Games Development (Computing). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching

You’ll start the course by exploring the fundamentals of software development, including the intellectual tools needed for designing, implementing, and testing, and the core pillars of object-oriented programming.

You’ll go on to develop new tools, systems, and other technical solutions that solve specific game-related problems, and learn how these can be applied to other software.

Throughout your course, you’ll prepare for your future career by developing and reflecting on your employability, solving real-life challenges with ‘live brief’ projects and, finally, independent and collaborative major projects.