Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

MA Computer Games Development (Art)

Apply online in ten minutes Come to an Open Day

Introduction

Channel your creativity and develop the next generation of video games. Join a multi-skilled team and become part of a vibrant games and technology community.

Watch the Gamebridge launch event trailer

Gamebridge 2023

More than 200 students from across the country took part in industry-led talks and portfolio reviews, while showcasing their work and networking with major gaming companies like Frontier and Jagex.

Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.

If you have a degree in an art and design or computer games-related subject, our arts-based course will allow you to specialise in games art at Masters level.

Study in Cambridge, home to developers including Jagex, Frontier Developments and Ninja Theory, and access cutting-edge research materials through our partnership with the Global Science & Technology Forum.

Boost your career prospects. With TIGA accreditation, this course gives you a badge of excellence to show future employers.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Entry Requirements

Loading...

Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.

Fees and Paying for University

Facilities and showcase

Industry-standard facilities

As a Computer Games student at ARU, you’ll have access to:

  • High-end computers with graphic tablets
  • Motion capture equipment
  • Render farm
  • Industry-standard SLRs (for HDRI capture)
  • HD cameras
  • Top of the range 3D modelling, animation, and compositing software including Maya, Motion Builder, 3DS Max, Mudbox, ZBrush and Unity 3D
  • Podcast and video capture system

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.

Futures Lab and workshop equipment

Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:

  • 3D printers and scanners - FDM printers; material-specific extruders; SLA Formlabs printers; SLS Formlabs Fuse1; structured light 3D scanners
  • 2D printing and cutting machines - laser cutters; Roland BN20 vinyl printer & cutter; Gerber substrate cutter; Mimaki TX300P sublimation printer.

Outstanding student support

Join our postgraduate student community and:

  • benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
  • learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
  • receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

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.

Alternatively, take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

TIGA accredited

Our course is accredited by TIGA, the trade association representing the gaming industry in the UK.

Careers

Our MA Computer Games Development (Art) gives you the chance to specialise in the design and technical implementation of computer games, whether you already have a games-related degree, you’ve recently graduated with a degree in a related subject, or you work in another creative industry and are looking to move into this area.

The skills you’ll learn are relevant to other forms of games – including board and educational games – allowing you to consider various career options in these areas too. You might also pursue roles in gamification, user experience (UX), visual effects (VFX) or project management.

While you’re studying here and after you graduate, you can access support through our dedicated Employability Service.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a PhD programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

SABRINA MINTER

Seeing women succeed in games has made a positive impact on my aspirations and encouraged me to work closely in a field which I now thoroughly enjoy.

SABRINA MINTER

BA (Hons) Computer Games Art

Find out more about Women in Gaming

Apply now for MA Computer Games Development (Art)

Benefits of postgraduate study

Improve your employability, progress in your career, and take on an intellectual challenge with our flexible postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate study at ARU

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our Cambridge