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MSc Computer Games Development (Computing)

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Introduction

Take your computer game development skills to the next level. Gain experience in multi-disciplinary working in our specialist studios and create an advanced portfolio.

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.

Skilled games designers are in high demand, with the value of the UK's games industry reaching £7.05 billion in 2022. (Source: UKIE)

If you have a first degree in computer science or a similar technical degree, our MSc Computer Games Development (Computing) will give you the skills and confidence to create advanced level games.

Accredited by TIGA, our course will allow you to study, plan, produce and test games, and gain the technical design skills to publish successfully across a range of platforms.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities and showcase

Industry-standard facilities

As a Computer Games student at ARU, you’ll benefit from:

  • 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 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.

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

It can take up to three years to create a game, from initial concept to the finished product. One game can involve up to 200 professionals working as a team.

As a game developer, you could design the visual styling as well as how it plays. You could be involved with animation, creating audio, programming, testing and producing.

Our MSc Computer Games Development (Computing) will also equip you to develop ‘serious’ games. These are used in rehabilitation, education and training, defence, science, health, city planning and engineering.

You could also go into marketing, teaching or general technology.

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 research programme at ARU, such as our PhD Computer Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

Apply now for MSc Computer Games Development (Computing)

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

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.

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