Undergraduate Major

Games Design and Development

Take your passion for games and turn it into a career with the Games Design and Development major. 

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-GSD
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
70
CRICOS code
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Overview

Have you ever wondered how your favourite video games are developed? As a software developer and computer programmer, you’ll help turn an idea into a playable video or computer game. With increasing opportunities in this growing industry, you’ll gain the skills needed to work in both the international games industry and the information technology industry. 

Through this major you’ll learn about both the theory and practice of game design and development. You’ll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools to create games for computer, mobile, video, and extended reality (XR) platforms. The major covers critical areas such as game mechanics, software development, user interfaces, XR, and gamification. Graduates are equipped for diverse roles in industries ranging from video game production to simulation, visualisation, and XR applications. 

In the final year of your degree, you’ll take part in a professional practice project unit. This includes working in a team with other students and consulting with real clients from the industry to recommend, develop and implement new technologies to solve real-world problems. 

3 reasons to study Games Software Design and Development at Murdoch 

  • Get access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, including dedicated XR labs such as the Mixed and Augmented Reality Studio (MaARS) and the Digital Immersive Lab (DIL), offering Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) capabilities. These facilities are a 24/7 workspace you can use for programming and software development, using high-end performance gaming workstations. 
  • Gain practical experience in the games design and development processes using industry-standard games development tools. 

What you’ll learn 

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn: 

  • Games software design 
  • Games mechanics 
  • User interfaces and user experiences 
  • Games software development and production, and 
  • Augmented reality, Virtual reality and Mixed reality.  

Your future career 

Graduating with a major in Games Software Design and Development, you’ll possess the skills required for a range of games careers in Australia and overseas. 

Careers could include: 

  • Analyst Programmer 
  • Gameplay Programmer 
  • Game Designer  
  • Software and Apps Programmer 
  • Systems Analyst 
  • Web Developer 

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Major24 credit points
Required units18 credit points
ICT101Introduction to 3D Graphics and Animation3
MAS164Fundamentals of Mathematics3
BUS279Digital and Social Media Marketing3
ICT288Virtual Realities and Games Software Design3
ICT396Games User Experience and User Interface Design3
ICT367Virtual Realities and Games Software Production3
Specified electives6 credit points
Set 13 credit points
ICT145Python Programming for Everyone3
OR
ICT167Principles of Computer Science3

Set 2

Students considering a double major with Computer Science must take ICT206.
3 credit points
ICT206Intelligent Systems3
OR
ICT284Systems Analysis and Design3
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Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

Individual units may require access to specific nominated software.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How to apply

How to apply
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