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Bachelor of Design (Game Development) (ARB008.1)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Arts and Design | School of Design and the Built Environment |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Arts and Design | School of Design and the Built Environment |
View teaching periods | 116128J |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Learn to make games, by making games
Embark on an exciting journey into game development with UC's Bachelor of Design (Game Development). This hands-on course equips you with specialised skills and the expertise to create game environments, characters, interactions, stories, worlds, and everything in between.
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 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, a virtual big bang 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. This course not only prepares you for the dynamic landscape of the games industry, but opens doors to careers in storytelling, graphic design, player psychology, sound design, and beyond.
Study a Bachelor of Design (Game Development) and you will:
- Produce creative game development solutions both individually and collaboratively, through the application of core knowledge, technical skills, and problem-solving techniques.
- Critically analyse and evaluate games, gaming culture, and games literature focusing on its impact on society in local and global contexts.
- Engage with innovative production pipelines through the ongoing exploration of emerging technologies, software, and production techniques.
- Establish a technical and conceptual portfolio suitable for securing relevant employment in the game development industry and related fields.
- Cultivate professional skills in communication, collaboration, and adaptability for effective performance in diverse workplace settings.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning is at the heart of our Bachelor of Design (Game Development). With units that allow you to put theory into practice, you'll be taught by some of the best and brightest in the industry.
You’ll have opportunities to pitch your own games, participate in design challenges, undertake internships, and learn how to work within the games industry through simulated studio environments. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in the dynamic world of game development and beyond, opening the door to an exciting range of career opportunities.
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
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
- 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.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
Assumed knowledge
None.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 02 February 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 27 July 2026 |
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Bachelor of Design (Game Development) (ARB008) | 72 credit points
Note:
- From 2025, unit 12144 Professional Practice (Internships A) replaces 11829 Professional Practice (Internships A)
- Students who do not wish to complete either of these units can complete Open Electives in lieu
- Must pass from 18 to 24 credit points from anywhere in the University, as a breadth major, a breadth minor and/or as indvidual units.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
One Open Elective
Year 2
Semester 1
One Open Elective
Year 3
Semester 1
Two Open Electives
Semester 2
Two Open Electives
Year 1
Semester 2
One Open Elective
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Semester 1
Two Open Electives
Course duration
Standard six semesters full-time or equivalent. Maximum twenty semesters
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Produce creative game development solutions both individually and collaboratively, through the application of core knowledge, technical skills, and problem-solving techniques. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Critically analyse and evaluate games, gaming culture, and games literature focusing on its impact on society in local and global contexts. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Use local Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline; communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways; apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways. |
| Engage with innovative production pipelines through the ongoing exploration of emerging technologies, software, and production techniques. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. UC graduates are global citizens: make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Establish a technical and conceptual portfolio suitable for securing relevant employment in the game development industry and related fields. | |
| Cultivate professional skills in communication, collaboration, and adaptability for effective performance in diverse workplace settings. | UC graduates are professional: Communicate effectively. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Be self-aware; evaluate and adopt new technology. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing: Communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways. |
Majors
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design (Game Development) | BDes (GameDev) |
Honours
None.
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Current and Commencing Students: | Email FAD.Student@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1300 301 727 |
| Prospective International Students: | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
| Prospective Domestic Students: | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
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