Computer Games Design [with Foundation year]

UCAS code: I622

Here's what Anglia Ruskin University says about its Computer Games Design [with Foundation year] course.

Become a specialist in the field of games design and learn to work as part of a creative project team.

Learn about the main areas of computer games development, from idea generation through to releasing a playable and polished game.

You’ll develop specialist skills in game design, level design, user interface design, and user experience design, with a focus on intuitiveness and accessibility.

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the two most popular commercial game engines, Unity and Unreal, and build a professional portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.

Learn specialist skills in game design, level design, and user/interface experience design.

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

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

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

Access cutting-edge research materials through our partnership with Global Science & Technology Forum.

Study in Cambridge or Chelmsford, both home to a host of games companies (source: Ukie Games Map, January 2024).

Careers

Build a professional portfolio as you study, including an online presence on portfolio sites, websites and blogs, so you’re ready to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.

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.

Live briefs will not only help you prepare for work in the games industry – some may show you how you can use your skills for communal wellbeing, regardless of where your career takes you. For example, our brief in conjunction with mental health charity Safe In Our World will allow you to research the professional and ethical issues faced within the games industry, and present your findings through a group presentation.

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.

82% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level, according to UKIE’s 2022 census. Our degree will help you get experience and find work in design-focused roles such as game designer, level designer, user interface designer, and user experience designer.

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

Teaching

You’ll start this course by learning about game design theory, key game development stages, industry-standard game creation tools, world-building techniques, and various roles in the games industry.

In years 2 and 3, you’ll deepen your knowledge of tools and techniques for creating characters, environments, and narratives, often working collaboratively.

Finally, you’ll develop artefacts for your portfolio, take on live briefs for industry partners, and complete a Major Project that brings together all your skills and knowledge.

Year 1: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication; Information and Communication Technology; Creative Workshops 1; Approach to Design; Critical and Contextual Studies; Creative Workshops 2; Specialist Project; Composition and Style. Year 2: Game Concepts and Analysis; Video Game Prototyping; Introduction to Gameplay and Levels; Player-Centric Game Design; Into ARU. Year 3: Collaborative Games Development; Technical Development for Games; Player Experiences in Games; Ruskin Module. Year 4: Studio Practice for Games; Major Project for Games. Modules are subject to change and availability.

Our assessment methods reflect the practices you will need to work in the modern games industry. These include team project work; working to client/employer requirements; researching and producing designs; creating artefacts; understanding game design issues and design techniques; and demonstrating a knowledge of world-building. At each level of the course you will also be assessed on a written reflection of your own skillsets and your plan for professional development over the following year and into graduation.