Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Computer Games Programming
Course Overview
Become a specialist in your field, whether you want to be a games programmer or a software engineer. Our course will help you 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++.
Course Options
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with placement
Key Facts
- STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
- START DATES: September
- LOCATION: Cambridge
- ENTRY: UCAS code: I611
- FEES:
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Teaching and Assessment
Year 1
- Game Concepts and Analysis
- Developing for Games Engines
- Introduction to Games Programming
- Software Development for Games
- Into ARU
Year 2
- Collaborative Games Development
- Technical Development for Games
- Complex Systems for Games
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Year 3
- Studio Practice for Games
- Major Project for Games
Student Work
Our student showcase features artwork from our computer games students, including:
- Artwork for Final Project by Sam McHaffie
- Artwork by Caitlin Pirie
- Artwork by David Lopes
- Artwork by Maria Sosnovska
- Artwork by Ryan Kelly
- Artwork by Talia Smith
Facilities
Our games studio is filled with the latest industry-standard tools and equipment, including:
- Gaming and 3D modelling software
- HD cameras
- Graphic tablets
Careers
Our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course 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.
Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS Tariff points
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification
Fees and Paying for University
Tuition Fees and Student Loans for UK Students (2025/26)
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Living Costs
Living at university can range from around £7,000–£9,000 per year. You may be eligible for a Maintenance Loan to help cover living costs.
Apply for Computer Games Programming
You can apply through UCAS or directly to Anglia Ruskin University.
Program Outline
Outline:
Year 1
- Introduction to the high-level programming knowledge needed by game programmers.
- A primary focus on an introduction to the software life cycle, exploring the intellectual tools needed to design, implement, and test software systems.
- A broad technical overview of industry-standard game development tools, with a specific focus on game engines.
- Consider the various roles within the games industry and begin to work in small multidisciplinary groups to help you recognise the contributions made by your peers.
- Be introduced to the concept of external briefs and learn how to critically evaluate them to understand a client’s specific requirements, before producing proposals to meet those requirements.
- Be introduced to group discussions and concept pitches, learning to present your ideas and information through presentations and other visual mediums, as well as learning to write concise and informative academic reports. Year 2
- Develop new tools, systems, and other technical solutions that solve specified game-related problems.
- Gain an appreciation for the mathematics and physics theory that underpins game development.
- Discover how computer gaming principles can be applied to applications that might not be intuitively identified as ‘games’.
- Build on your understanding of technical research by investigating potential areas of skill development and plan a program of professional development.
- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in decision-making contexts. Year 3
- Investigate efficient and effective solutions to game development problems.
- Gain a broader application of knowledge to domains such as serious games.
- Work in a team to develop video game artefacts for your professional portfolio, take on a quasi-professional role in the development of substantial pieces of work which will include research, design, documentation, development, and evaluation.
- Work with industry partners, taking on live briefs that will help to cement your professional awareness.
Assessment:
- Team project work
- Working to client/employer requirements
- Demonstrating comprehension of high-level programming language
- Complex technical problem-solving
- Designing and developing video artefacts
Careers:
- Gameplay programmer
- Artificial intelligence programmer
- Tools programmer
- Mobile programmer
- Software development
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- £9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- £15,900
Payment:
- 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.
Overview:
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university with students from 185 countries. It is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education and research. ARU has been recognized as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has received a Gold award for the quality of its education in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context mentions that ARU is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and communities. It also highlights the university's focus on providing outstanding facilities and opportunities for student growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ambition:
ARU is academically ambitious for its students and strives to provide high-quality education.Excellence:
ARU is ranked in the top 15% of universities in the UK for graduate employment and has been recognized for its excellence in education, social work, and sports science.Collaboration:
ARU fosters collaboration between students, businesses, and partners, and its courses are recognized by industry and professionally accredited.Impact:
ARU conducts impactful research that addresses pressing issues and makes a difference in the community.Enterprise:
ARU encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentorship, support, and start-up funding through the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy.Enthusiasm:
ARU's can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm set it apart from other universities.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that ARU offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research, college courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and distance learning programs. It also highlights the university's commitment to providing career-ready graduates.
Other:
The context mentions that ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. It also highlights the university's commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
- 96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent)
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths
- IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification for non-native English speakers
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification