Computer Games Programming [with Placement year] BA (Hons)

**Become a specialist in your field, whether you want to become a games programmer or a software engineer, with our Computer Games Programming degree in Cambridge.**<br/><br/><br/>- 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++.<br/><br/><br/>- Develop a deep understanding of the two most popular commercial game engines, Unity and Unreal – knowledge that is highly sought after in the creative industries.<br/><br/><br/>- Build a professional portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.<br/><br/><br/>- Attend exciting industry events including games jams, industry talks, conferences, and festivals, such as our annual student games fest Gamebridge, where you can show your work to major industry reps.<br/><br/><br/>- Work collaboratively in a development studio environment that reflects the professional workplace.<br/><br/><br/>- Study in a region renowned for computer games: the East of England has nearly 200 active games companies, and Cambridge is home to 26 games companies including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory (source: Ukie Games Map, January 2024).<br/><br/><br/>Our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree course will take you through the main areas of games development from initial idea generation all the way to releasing a playable and polished game.<br/><br/>You’ll not only learn to create games but gain a secondary skillset as a software developer.<br/><br/>Studying ARU’s Computer Games Programming degree will give you the opportunity to maximise your skills, gain valuable experience, and develop your professional network. The East of England has nearly 200 active games companies, with Cambridge itself home to 26 games companies including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory (source: ukie.org.uk’s games map January 2024).<br/><br/>You’ll improve your prospects with live briefs and guest speakers from tech giants like Sony, Jagex and Frontier and attend games jams, industry talks, conferences and festivals, like our annual gaming-inspired event Gamebridge. At Gamebridge, students from across the country attend industry-led talks and 1-2-1 portfolio reviews, whilst showcasing their work and networking with companies such as Frontier and Jagex as well as other like-minded students.<br/><br/>Our expert teaching and technical staff are here to offer you crucial support and feedback, and help you create an online presence to showcase your work.<br/><br/>Working as a team is crucial to games development and so you’ll take part in collaborative projects with students from other creative courses, developing your skills in teamwork and project management.<br/><br/>Every year, you’ll also 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.<br/><br/>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. A degree in Computer Games Programming is a signal to employers that you’re serious about a career in computer games and are up to the challenges of the job.<br/><br/>As a Computer Games student at ARU youll have access to:<br/><br/>High-end computers with graphic tablets<br/>Motion capture equipment<br/>Render farm<br/>Industry-standard SLRs (for HDRI capture)<br/>HD cameras<br/>Top of the range 3D modelling, animation, and compositing software including Maya, Motion Builder, 3DS Max, Mudbox, ZBrush and Unity 3D<br/>Podcast and video capture system<br/><br/>Our Computer Games Technical Officer will be on hand to offer training and support. You can also get training in the use of all our creative facilities.