Bachelor of Design (Game Design)
The gaming industry is one of the fastest and most innovative business sectors, with game design being used to create more than “just a game”. With new opportunities emerging in education, healthcare, marketing, and more, this diverse field is one of the fastest growing and most exciting sectors of the games industry. This unique program lets you build and apply skills in game design and development to address a range of real-world problems – using the universal appeal of play.
In this program you will:
- Analyse the meanings and cultural implications of gameplay and story, using this knowledge to create emotionally rich and challenging experiences within your own games and simulations
- Specialise in game art, interactive narrative, or programming
- Have the opportunity to use elective subjects to hone your studies in a particular subject area, from areas as diverse as Indigenous Studies, Health Promotion, or Politics and International Relations
- Work as a specialist in multidisciplinary project teams, gaining hands-on experience developing for PC, smart-phones and tablets, augmented reality, and virtual reality
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 24
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 098465A
- UniSC program code
- AR312
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
CMN101 Indigenous Wellbeing Foundations
CMN107 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
DES101 Health Promotion Settings and Advocacy
SGD100 Introduction to Behavioural Health
SGD101 Quantitative Research Methods
SGD102 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
SGD103 Communication for the Creative Professional
Developing courses (3) 36 units
DES221 Elements of Design
SGD200 Introduction to Game Design
SGD202 Game Art: Introduction to 2D & 3D
Graduate courses (3) 36 units
BCI302 Introduction to Games Programming
BCI304 Introduction to Game Production
SGD305 Introduction to Interactive Media
PLUS select 1 minor from the following:
- Game Art and Animation
- Game Programming
Elective courses (8) 96 units
Select 8 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Students are strongly encouraged to use their electives to complete courses in the available Design disciplines.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 52.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 52.00 |
| Online | 52.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- English; General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses
- CSP estimate
- A$12,146
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$24,400
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$73,200