Course Overview

About This Course

Become the ultimate game creator. Embark on an exciting journey into game development with UC's Bachelor of Design (Game Development). This hands-on course will give you the specialised skills and the expertise needed to create game environments, characters, interactions, stories, worlds and everything in between. You'll learn how to make games.... by making games! Dive into the fundamentals of game development, from tabletop games and indie projects to VR and advanced game development. As a game developer, you're the ultimate creator with the power to design every element from the ground up. Master visual aesthetics in game art, create interactive experiences through game programming and craft compelling gameplay with game design. Each semester, you'll bring your ideas to life and create a new game, building a robust portfolio that showcases your creativity and technical ability. With every game you create, you'll build your own in-game universe that players can explore and experience. Immerse yourself in Canberra's only government-supported game development program and gain unique industry experience through simulated studio environments. By graduation, you'll be ready for the dynamic landscape of the games industry, with opportunities to take your career into storytelling, graphic design, player psychology, sound design and beyond.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Bruce, Canberra, ACTSouth Bank, QLDCoomera, QLDBruce, Canberra, Australian Capital TerritoryBruceMount GravattSouth Brisbane

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank.
A rank can be achieved by the following means: Year 12 ATAR, other Australian Qualification, work experience, or overseas qualification.
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
Assumed knowledge: None.
English language requirement: An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Credit transfer arrangements are available for eligible qualifications including Any Australian Certificate IV (AQF4), Any Australian Diploma (AQF5) or Advanced Diploma (AQF6), UC College Diploma of Design (Design & Communication Stream), and Graduate Status / Work Experience / Veteran Tertiary Support Program.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Game Developer, Game Programmer, Game Artist, Game Designer, Game Animator, Game Tester, Game Journalist, Mobile Game Developer, Application Programmer, Interactive Media Developer, Multimedia Developer, Software Programmer, Web Developer, Web Designer, Animator, Digital Artist

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units10 units

11839

Emerging Production Technologies

Level 3 unit

11840

Digital Production Project

Level 3 unit

12126

Game Studies

Level 1 unit

12127

Concept Art Fundamentals

Level 2 unit

11650

Advanced Real-Time Production

Level 3 unit (replaced by 12169 from Semester 1 2025)

12169

Advanced Game Development

Level 3 unit; from Semester 1 2025 replaces 11650 Advanced Real-Time Production

11683

Introduction to Games Production

Level 1 unit (replaced by 12170 from Semester 1 2025)

12170

Indie Game Development

Level 1 unit; from Semester 1 2025 replaces 11683 Introduction to Games Production

11687

Virtual Environments

Level 2 unit (replaced by 12171 from Semester 1 2025)

12171

Extended Realities

Level 2 unit; from Semester 1 2025 replaces 11687 Virtual Environments

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in the Bachelor of Design (Game Development)?

You will learn how to create game environments, characters, interactions, stories, and worlds, covering game art, game programming, and game design. The course takes you from the fundamentals of tabletop games and indie projects through to VR and advanced game development, with each semester focused on building and completing a new game to grow your portfolio.

Where can I study the Bachelor of Design (Game Development) at UC?

The course is available at Bruce, Canberra (ACT); South Bank, QLD; and Coomera, QLD, with various intake periods across Semester 1 and Semester 2 each year.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Admission is based on an entrance rank, which can be achieved through a Year 12 ATAR, other Australian qualification, work experience, or an overseas qualification. There is no assumed knowledge required. International students must meet an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent). Alternative entry pathways and admissions schemes are also available.

What career opportunities are available after graduating?

Graduates can pursue careers as Game Developers, Game Programmers, Game Artists, Game Designers, Game Animators, Game Testers, Game Journalists, Mobile Game Developers, Application Programmers, Interactive Media Developers, Multimedia Developers, Software Programmers, Web Developers, Web Designers, Animators, and Digital Artists, with further opportunities in storytelling, graphic design, player psychology, and sound design.

Does the course include any work experience or industry exposure?

Yes. Work Integrated Learning is at the heart of the Bachelor of Design (Game Development). Students have opportunities to pitch their own games, participate in design challenges, undertake internships, and learn how to work within the games industry through simulated studio environments. The course also includes real case studies, industry briefs, collaborative projects, and opportunities for field trips and faculty-led international study tours.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Graphic DesignerVisual DesignerDigital DesignerCommunication DesignerBrand Designer

Key Skills

Visual communication and design thinkingTypography selection, pairing, and layoutColour theory and brand colour system developmentAdobe Creative Suite proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)Branding and brand identity design

Full Course Overview

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