MSc Games Development (Programming)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus

Program Overview

The MSc Computer Games Development (Computing) at Anglia Ruskin University focuses on advanced game-programming, engine development and studio-style production. It suits students with computing or software backgrounds who want to enter the games industry or build real-time interactive applications.

Curriculum structure

Students begin with Programming for Games, strengthening object-oriented coding and learning to apply it to gameplay logic and engine systems. They then progress to Collaborative Games Development 1 and Collaborative Games Development 2, where they work in multidisciplinary teams to prototype, refine and produce full game builds, gaining experience with pipelines, testing and project management. The degree concludes with a Major Project, where each student develops a complete, portfolio-ready game or interactive system.

Focus areas: “Game Programming, Game Engines, Collaborative Game Production, Real-time Systems, Portfolio Development”

Learning outcomes: “Write engine-level and gameplay code; work in studio-style teams; build full game prototypes; manage production cycles; deliver a full game project.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by TIGA, supporting industry-standard skills for roles in game development and real-time software.

Reputation (employability rankings): ARU is known for strong industry links and practical game-development training, supporting good employability in game studios and interactive-tech sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical skills by developing games in a studio-like environment using industry-standard engines and tools. The programme focuses on the complete development cycle, from concept to build, within dedicated high-spec computing labs.

This hands-on learning is structured through:

Software & Tools: Core development using Unreal Engine and Unity, alongside tools like Visual Studio, Maya, Blender, Adobe Creative Suite, and Git for version control.
Dedicated Facilities: Access to specialised Games Development Labs equipped with high-performance PCs, VR/AR headsets (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive), and graphics tablets for asset creation.
Group Projects: A major collaborative game development project simulates a professional studio, requiring students to work in multidisciplinary teams to produce a complete, polished game.
Industry & Research Context: Curriculum informed by industry links and engagement with the university's Computing, Informatics and Applications Research Group (CIARG), which explores areas like serious games and AI.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Anglia Ruskin University's MSc Computer Games Development (Computing) gain advanced programming skills for game engines, AI, gameplay mechanics, and multi-platform publishing, securing roles in the UK's £7.05 billion games industry. Hands-on studio projects and portfolio development prepare alumni for collaborative team environments at leading studios. Typical job roles: game programmer, gameplay engineer, tools developer, engine specialist.

University services: Specialist games studios, Brains Eden gaming festival, and Employability Service with portfolio reviews and employer networking.
Employment stats/salary: High demand with 81% industry educated to degree level; competitive salaries in booming £7bn UK sector.
University–industry partnerships: Live briefs from Sony/Sumo Digital; TIGA accreditation connects to UK games trade association.
Long-term accreditation value: TIGA-recognized skills ensure versatility in games, 'serious games', and tech sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Careers in games studios, serious games (health/education), tech innovation worldwide.

Further Academic Progression: Pursue PhD Computer Science at ARU, extending games research project.

Additional Information & Requirements

A good honours degree (or equivalent), normally in a related subject.

India- 3 year Bachelors or 4 year Bachelor Engineering or Technology, minimum division 2 (50% - 59%) in relevant subjects

USA- Bachelor degree with final GPA of 2.7

IELTS (Academic) Overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing)

TOEFL iBT 88 overall with 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking

Applicants should have experience with object orientated programming, preferably in C#, C++ or Java.

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