Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
The Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Applied Innovation is a dynamic double degree that blends the creative and technical disciplines of game design and development with the strategic mindset of an innovator. Students learn how gaming, interactive play, and constant innovation are embedded in contemporary culture and technology, collaborating in small and large groups to design, develop, and playtest games in a studio environment — all leading toward the development of an original game in their final year. The Applied Innovation component equips students to navigate disruption, foster creativity, and tackle significant challenges through experimentation, prototyping, and idea evolution across multiple disciplines and global contexts. The course sits within the Engineering and Related Technologies category and is structured as a 400 credit point double degree, typically completed over four to five years of full-time study.
This double degree is designed for students who are passionate about both the art and science of game-making and who want to add a powerful innovation toolkit to their professional repertoire. It covers game design principles, programming fundamentals, interactive media, user experience, level design, narrative systems, and digital art, alongside innovation sprints, hackathons, design challenges, and industry-linked projects. Graduates are eligible for membership of the Games Developers Association of Australia (GDAA), the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), and the Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA). Employers who hire from this cohort include game development studios, creative technology agencies, interactive media companies, education technology providers, healthcare simulation firms, defence training contractors, and corporate innovation teams across Australia and internationally.
Australia's video games industry is a thriving and resilient sector. The industry generated AUD $339.1 million in 2024, with 61% of studios actively looking to hire new staff and 81% predicting stability or income growth in 2025. Australia has emerged as a globally respected creative hub, producing internationally acclaimed titles and attracting federal and state government support through the Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO), which allows studios to claim 30% of eligible expenditures, with additional state-based incentives in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland. The online gaming market in Australia is also projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.84% through 2033, driven by increasing internet penetration, smartphone usage, and demand for immersive experiences in VR and AR. This sustained investment means that skilled, job-ready graduates are in high demand.
Beyond the games industry itself, the Applied Innovation component dramatically broadens graduate employability. The innovation skills gap is well-documented across Australian industries — employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can think creatively, prototype rapidly, lead cross-disciplinary teams, and implement forward-thinking strategies in the face of disruption. Graduates of this double degree are uniquely positioned to bring both technical game development expertise and a structured innovation mindset to roles in technology, media, education, health, defence, and corporate strategy. The combination of studio-based creative experience and real-world industry projects through Work Integrated Learning programs makes these graduates exceptionally work-ready from day one.
Domestic applicants are generally required to have successfully completed Year 12 (or an equivalent qualification such as an interstate or international senior secondary certificate) with a competitive ATAR or Selection Rank. Typical ATAR ranges for games and interactivity double degree programs vary by institution but generally fall between 60 and 80. Some institutions offer alternative entry pathways for applicants who do not meet the ATAR threshold, including early entry programs based on subject study scores and school recommendations, recognition of VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications, and mature-age or special entry access schemes. A portfolio of creative work — such as game design concepts, programming projects, digital art, or interactive prototypes — may be requested or strongly encouraged at some providers, particularly those with a strong creative arts focus.
For international applicants, completion of an equivalent overseas Year 12 qualification is required along with evidence of English language proficiency. Typical English language requirements include an IELTS Academic overall band score of 6.0 (with no individual band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of at least 75 (with minimum sub-scores in reading, writing, listening, and speaking), or a PTE Academic score of 50 with no communicative skill below 50. International students holding student visas in Australia are required to study full-time and on-campus. Some programs also accept applicants with relevant TAFE diplomas or associate degrees, or via credit transfer from completed tertiary study.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Applied Innovation are equipped for a wide range of careers across the games industry, interactive media, creative technology, and corporate innovation sectors. The dual qualification opens doors not only in traditional game studios but also in education technology, defence simulation, health and rehabilitation gaming, advertising and experiential marketing, and innovation consulting. With Australia's games industry employing thousands and producing globally acclaimed titles, and with the innovation sector rapidly growing across all industries, graduates can pursue fulfilling careers in both creative and strategic roles at studios, agencies, startups, and large enterprises.
Entry Level
Graduate / Junior
Junior Game Developer, Graduate Game Designer, Junior QA Tester, Junior 3D Artist, Graduate Multimedia Developer, Junior Innovation Analyst
Early Career
Developer / Designer
Game Developer, Level Designer, UX/UI Designer, Interactive Media Developer, Game Artist, Innovation Coordinator, Product Associate
Mid-Level
Senior Developer / Specialist
Senior Game Designer, Senior Game Programmer, Narrative Designer, Lead QA Engineer, Innovation Specialist, Product Manager, VR/AR Developer, Serious Games Specialist
Senior Level
Lead / Manager
Lead Game Designer, Game Development Lead, Creative Director, Studio Manager, Innovation Manager, Senior Product Manager, Interactive Experience Director
Leadership
Director / Head / Principal
Game Studio Director, Head of Innovation, Chief Product Officer, Principal Designer, Executive Producer, Startup Founder/CEO, Head of Interactive Media
Salaries for games and interactivity graduates in Australia vary by role, specialisation, and level of experience, with a broad range from entry-level positions to senior roles in both the games and innovation sectors.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's premier city for games and interactivity study, hosting Melbourne International Games Week, a dense cluster of game development studios, and a thriving creative technology scene. Victoria's strong state government support for the games sector — including additional tax incentives — means graduates have access to a wide range of local studios, innovation labs, and industry events right on their doorstep.
Sydney
Sydney is a major hub for technology and interactive entertainment, attracting game studios, creative agencies, and corporate innovation teams, with the city serving as a centre for gaming events and a substantial gaming community. Its position as Australia's largest city also provides strong opportunities in adjacent fields such as edtech, adtech, and immersive experience design.
Brisbane
Brisbane has a robust and growing esports scene and an increasing number of game production firms, supported by Queensland's additional 15% state-based games tax incentive which attracts both local and international studios. The city's growing digital economy and tech startup culture make it an exciting place for graduates interested in indie game development and innovation roles.
Perth
Perth's growing technology sector and proximity to Asia provide unique opportunities for games and interactive media graduates, particularly in mobile gaming, simulation, and serious games for the resources and defence industries. The city's emerging startup ecosystem and supportive creative industries community offer a strong launchpad for indie developers and innovation-focused graduates.
Adelaide
Adelaide offers a close-knit and supportive games development community with lower costs of living than Sydney or Melbourne, making it attractive for graduates looking to launch indie studios or join boutique development houses. South Australia's additional state games tax incentive of 10% supplements federal support, and the city's creative industries and defence simulation sectors provide diverse employment opportunities.
Canberra
Canberra's unique strength for games and interactivity graduates lies in its concentration of government agencies, defence contractors, and research institutions that use serious games, simulation, and interactive technology for training and education purposes. The city's growing tech startup scene and proximity to major national institutions also make it a viable destination for graduates interested in applied innovation and digital transformation roles.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
Join successful graduates
Students Helped
Application Processed
Listed Universities
Listed Courses
