Bachelor of Design (Game Design) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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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

098465A

Entry threshold

52.00 52.00 52.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

3 years 3 years 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.
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$)

A$12,146 CSP
CSP
A$24,400 / A$73,200 Annual fee / Estimated total fee
Annual fee / Estimated total fee

QTAC code

013151 014192 015010

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
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units

CMN101 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
CMN107 Academic and Professional Skills: Planning for success
DES101 ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
SGD100 Biodiversity and Ecology
SGD101 Chemistry - Enabling your Future
SGD102 Biology
SGD103 Researching Education

Developing courses (3) 36 units

DES221 Designing Research
SGD200 Education Research Project
SGD202 Communicating Education Research Outcomes

Graduate courses (3) 36 units

BCI302 Education Research Theories and Methodologies
BCI304 Professional Learning
SGD305 Leadership for Learning Communities

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.

Study sequences

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
Program requirements

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