Introduction
Develop skills essential to the fast-moving computer games industry with our Computer Games Art BA (Hons) degree in Cambridge.
Accredited by TIGA, our Computer Games Art degree will allow you to develop art skills relevant to the fast-moving computer games industry. You’ll gain 3D computer games skills including modelling, texturing and animation, enabling you to create characters, environments and more.
During your studies, you’ll discover how you can use your visual research, creative experimentation and technical development to forge a career as a computer games artist. You’ll learn how to plan your designs by creating concept art before bringing them to life using interactive software such as Unity 3D.
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ARU is the place to be for studying Computer Games Art. The East of England has 135 active games companies, with Cambridge home to developers including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory, who are based around the corner from Compass House our Computer Games Development studio.
Our Computer Games Art course scored 92% for ‘The Teaching on my Course’ in the National Student Survey 2019.
By studying Computer Games Art at ARU, you’ll get the chance to improve your prospects with live briefs and guest speakers from tech giants like Sony, Jagex and Frontier.
Our flexible modules allow you to explore different aspects of digital art, helping you specialise and future-proof your career. And with TIGA accreditation, this course gives you a badge of excellence to show future employers too.
We're also partners with the Global Science & Technology Forum, giving you access to cutting-edge research materials.
During your time at ARU, you’ll receive ongoing support to find placements and work experience relevant to your Computer Games Art and you can take an optional placement year. In recent times, ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight have all offered internships and work opportunities to ARU students.
Facilities and showcase
Outstanding facilities and support
As a Computer Games Art student at ARU, you’ll benefit from:
- live briefs and guest speakers from companies like Sony, Sumo Digital, Jagex and Frontier
- the chance to take part in events with industry reps
- the latest software and hardware including GameMaker, 3DGameStudio, Unreal Tournament 3 Editor, Adobe Flash and Action Script, Java and C++, Microsoft XNA Game Studio, Visual C# Express, Microsoft Visual Studio, Photoshop, GIMP, 3ds Max, Blender, Fusion, Audacity, Second Life and Unity3D
- access to our motion capture equipment and an arsenal of HD cameras and Digital SLRs (for HDRI capture)
- ongoing support to find placements and work experience.
Our dedicated Computer Graphics Technical Officer will be on hand to offer training and support. You can also get training in the use of all our creative facilities.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Accreditation
TIGA accredited
Our course is accredited by TIGA, the trade association representing the gaming industry in the UK.
Careers
81% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level, rising to 88% for core games production roles in art or programming.
The skills and knowledge you acquire on our Computer Games Art degree course will not only help you to land a career in the gaming industry but also equip you with in-demand skills across other sectors, including film and television production, marketing, and web design.
Through work-based projects, internships and placements, students are can get hands-on practical opportunities. In recent times, ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight have all offered internships and work opportunities to ARU students.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and continue your Computer Games Art studies with our MA Computer Games Development (Art). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
4 years with placement
During the final year of your Computer Games Art degree, you’ll undertake a major project individually or as a member of a team. To get things started, you’ll prepare a demanding proposal for your project and pitch this idea to your course leader. This large-scale piece of work is your chance to demonstrate that you have the capacity to work to a planned schedule – and take account of current thinking around the issues your project may raise.
This year, your work (both preparatory and finished) will showcase an advanced understanding of the methods, techniques, materials and processes used in the computer games industry.
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written and practical work.
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