Bachelor of Design (Game Development)

Do you love video games, storytelling, art and design? Turn it into a career!

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Bachelor of design game development

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Discover everything you need to know about the Bachelor of Design (Game Development) from the flexibility of blended study to what you'll learn, career outlook to course fees with CSP and more.

Bachelor of Design Game Development brochure

Study Game Development

Harness your passion for video games, design, pop culture and storytelling by creating your own games with UC's Bachelor of Design (Game Development).

Level up as a triple threat

With UC's game development degree, you’ll find your place in one of the world's largest entertainment sectors. Build a deep understanding of game design, art and programming by creating a new game every semester. Get ready to flex your creativity and technological skills in the Indie and AAA game development markets.

  • Design fun and engaging gameplay
  • Program interactive, immersive worlds
  • Create stunning game visuals
  • Tell captivating stories
  • Build a standout portfolio with Unity and Unreal Engine

An Adobe Creative Campus

If you want full creative freedom to make your own games, you need the right tools! UC is Canberra’s only Adobe Creative Campus, and only one of five in Australia. Benefit from free access to Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Express throughout your studies.

Convenient and flexible study options

Enjoy the option to study on-campus or a blend of online and on campus classes for added flexibility. Domestic students may be eligible to secure a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)*, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Enjoy the flexibility of deferring the remainder of your course fees with HECS-HELP. Graduate as a vibrant storyteller, ready to take on the global game development sector and become the next big thing.

Study level

Undergraduate

Delivery mode

Blended
On campus

Selection rank

60

Duration

3 years, full-time
6 years, part-time

Intake dates

3 February 2025
28 July 2025

Course cost

Save on your course fees. 
CSP supported course.

*2024 per unit fee for Domestic Students. Fees are indexed annually and subject to change.

Want to know more?

Schedule a call with our friendly team to learn more about the Bachelor of Design (Game Development).

game-development-course-highlights-gaming-products-over-the-years

Course highlights

  

Create innovative game development solutions individually and in collaborative teams.

  

Explore the power of gaming culture and understand the industry’s global impact. 

  

Build your knowledge of extended reality (XR) to master cutting-edge technologies and production techniques in game development.

  

You'll create a new game every semester, helping you build a packed and diverse portfolio of work that stands out to future employers.

  

Develop communication, collaboration and adaptability skills for diverse workplaces.

  

Take time out to play games at UC’s very own state-of-the-art Esports Lounge, located right on campus.

Game development course details

UC's Bachelor of Design (Game Development) is offered over 3 years, full-time.

The course page below provides more details, including your typical study pattern for on campus or blended delivery.

View course details

Digital gaming is one of the world's largest entertainment sectors; there’s no better time than now to secure your future in it. UC’s Bachelor of Design (Game Development) will not only develop your skills in game design, art, and programming, it can unlock career opportunities in:

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

To be eligible for this course, you must have either:

  • Year 12 ATAR
  • Other Australian Qualification
  • Work experience
  • Overseas qualification
  • A creative portfolio

At UC, we know that ATAR results don’t define you. Our Portfolio Entry option allows you to apply for a Bachelor of Design without an ATAR score. 

Study your course with reduced fees.

A course with Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) means the Australian Government has subsidised a portion of your degree, reducing the total balance you are required to pay (known as the student contribution amount).

The CSP amount is determined by the course you are undertaking and the industry you'll be working in after graduation.

Learn more

Some students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may be eligible to apply to defer payment of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government's FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP schemes. 

Visit our fees page for useful information about eligibility and how to apply and pay. You can apply for FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP once you have enrolled in a course. 

Visit HECS-HELP
Adobe Creative campus UC

Adobe Creative Campus

As an Adobe Creative Campus, we are part of a select group of institutions that have empowered every student with essential creativity and digital skills to succeed — no matter what you are studying today or what career you will pursue after graduation.

Game Development FAQs

Game development is the process of creating video games, from concept to final release, involving game design, art and programming. It includes crafting the game's story, rules, and characters, coding the gameplay, designing visual elements, and adding sound effects. Game development can see you being apart of a small-team working on Indie projects to large-scale productions (AAA) engaging with the latest in tech from Virtual Reality (VR) to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Of course! With UC’s Bachelor of Design (Game Development), you’ll become the ultimate triple with a breadth of majors in game design, art, and programming, allowing you to specialise in your area of interest. Plus, you can customise your course with electives to explore topics in storytelling, 3D modelling, science, technology and more.

In Australia, the most common studios that develop games are AAA and Indie.

AAA Games are the blockbusters of games, often produced by large studios with significant budgets, offering high-quality graphics and broad distribution. AAA Game studios are typically global companies.

Indie Games are independent games typically created by smaller, local teams or individual developers. They focus on innovative gameplay and artistic expression for niche audiences.

Other game studios include:

  • AA studios
  • Boutique studios
  • Mobile game studios
  • Satellite studios and outsourcing studios

Interested in a breath major? Take a look at what's on offer:

 

The University of Canberra offers Bachelor of Design (Game Development) students plenty of learning resources to ensure you are connected in thrive. These include library access, academic support services, IT support, financial support, employment and professional assistance with Careers UC. Throughout your degree, you’ll also have access to industry-standard game development programs such as Unity and Unreal Engine.

Yes! You’ll make a new game every semester, giving you lots of work for your portfolio. You’ll have access industry-standard game development programs like Unity and Unreal Engine. 

You'll build confidence as a game developer, mastering every stage of the gaming process including specialised areas. Plus, you'll build a portfolio of work to impress future employers. Once they’re ready, you can even upload your games to Steam and other platforms! By exploring various art styles and game genres throughout your degree, you can prove your versatility and demonstrate your skills in concept art, 3D modelling and sculpting, 3D texturing, animation, storytelling and character development.

Curious about a Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) and a Bachelor of Design (Game Development) but not sure which one to choose? No worries! We are here to help you find your fit.

While both programs focus on creating unique digital experiences that flex your creativity, they offer different career paths and opportunities.

  • Bachelor of Design (Game Development):
    This program focuses on designing and developing interactive games. It opens up career opportunities in various game-related roles.
    Possible careers: Game Designer, Game Developer, 3D Animator/Artist

  • Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design):
     IxD combines the worlds of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design to understand how users interact with digital products such as websites, apps, and more. It’s the art of creating user-friendly digital interactions that are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable.
    Possible careers: UX/UI Designer, App Developer, Interaction Designer

At UC, we’re here to help you succeed! Once your ready to apply to UC, our process depends on your student type and course. You can find all the requirements, criteria, and processes through the UC application portal.

If you have further questions or would like assistance with your application, we encourage you to book a consult to receive personalised guidance and support.

Want to know more?

Get in touch with our Future Students team to find out more about studying Game Development at UC.

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