Program summary
Create games that will change the world.
Serious games are 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 social problems – using the universal appeal of play.
- Collaborate with fellow game writers, artists, programmers and designers to produce and publish serious games that meaningfully connect with players and address global needs
- Analyse the meanings and cultural implications of gameplay and story, and use this knowledge to create emotionally rich and challenging games
- Get hands-on experience in developing for PC, smartphones and tablets, augmented reality and virtual reality
Career opportunities
Game designer, artist, programmer, writer, reviewer, interactive educator/trainer, simulation/visual design.
Application and admission advice
Contact Student Central
information@usc.edu.au
+61 7 5430 2890
Ground floor, Building C, Sippy Downs
Related news
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2 November 2017
Screen ‘pets’ on show at computer games event
A computer game that involves USC Cell Biology students creating their own pets to better understand genetic inheritance patterns will be among those demonstrated at USC’s third annual Serious Games Showcase on Friday 17 November.
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13 September 2017
USC hosts workshop for girl gamers in Gympie
Gympie girls are invited to explore the world of gaming as part of a free holiday workshop by USC designed to inspire the next generation of information technology specialists.
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10 July 2017
USC stages 48-hour jam for anyone who’s game
Game developers will be gathering in numbers on the Sunshine Coast this weekend for a 48-hour ‘game jam’ that has been organised by USC.
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20 February 2017
Academic chosen for world’s largest games conference
A USC academic has received a prestigious scholarship to attend the world’s largest game development conference in San Francisco starting Monday 27 February.
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13 December 2016
High-tech ‘Lab of Awesome’ to visit Gympie
Holiday activities in Gympie will receive a high-tech infusion with a visit by the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Lab of Awesome.
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10 November 2016
Students gear up for Serious Games showcase
Serious Games students from the University of the Sunshine Coast will demonstrate the innovative games they have developed this year during a free interactive event at USC on Friday 18 November.
What will I study
Select your location, starting year and starting semester below to display your program structure and a recommended study sequence.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
COR109 Communication and Thought
CMN105 The Illuminated Screen: Introduction to Film and Television Studies
SGD100 Playcentric Game Design
SGD101 Game Art: Introduction to 2D & 3D
SGD102 Introduction to Games Scripting
SGD103 Serious Digital Game Design
SGD120 Interactive Narrative: Fundamentals
Developing and Graduate course (6) 72 units
ICT352 Project Management
SGD200 Game-Based Learning
SGD202 Video Game Analysis
SGD304 Serious Game Project A
SGD305 Serious Game Project B
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENT311 New Venture Establishment
ICT341 ICT Internship
ICT342 ICT Industry Project
Minor courses (7) 84 units
Select 1 minor from:
Interactive Narrative
Game Art
Game Programming
PLUS complete any additional minor from either faculty. The following is a list of suggested minors, which may be appropriate:
Comparative Studies
Development Studies
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Health
Health Promotion
Indigenous Studies
Marketing
Planning Studies
Politics and International Relations
Sociology
Sustainability
Elective courses (4) 48 units *
Select 4 elective courses (48 units) towards the required 288 units. These courses may be selected from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
* The number of elective courses may vary depending on the minor combinations chosen.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequence
This recommended study sequence ONLY represents the CURRENT program structure. Students in previous structures should use this sequence to inform order of courses and current course details. For courses in your commencing structure not included in the current sequence, search the course code for current course offerings and requisites.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points 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 the 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 a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
How to apply
Am I eligible to apply?
- Confirm that you meet the program specific admission requirements, prerequisites and recommended prior study outlined on Why study this program?
- Confirm that you meet the general undergraduate admission requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements
- Refer to the application dates for cut-off dates and deadlines
- Check your eligibility for credit
- Refer also the the Student Profile for a representation of the likely peer cohort studying this program.
Domestic students
Apply via Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) — Use the relevant QTAC code specified on Why study this program?
Exceptions
The below applicants can apply online directly to USC:
- Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) student currently enrolled in, or have had an enrolment in the previous two years
- USC students who have completed an undergraduate program within the last two years, or are due to complete their program prior to their proposed semester of commencement
- USC / TAFE Articulation program students
- USC students who are currently enrolled in one program and want to study another program concurrently
- Former USC student who has been excluded from study at USC
International students
Apply direct to USC International
More information
- Search for answers and ask questions in askUSC
- Contact Student Central
International students should contact USC International
How to enrol
New to USC?
Once you have applied and received your offer of a place from USC, follow the steps to Get Started at USC to respond to your offer, plan your study and enrol in the correct courses (subjects).
Continuing students
Before you enrol it's important to check your commencing program structure and the published recommended study sequence to make sure you study the right courses at the right time and will be ready to graduate from your degree when you plan to.
To better understand your program structure and for instructions on how to review your progress and plan your remaining courses, visit the Managing your progression page.
Visit How do I enrol? for enrolment instructions and key dates.
Need assistance?
View step-by-step instructions to enrol at How do I enrol?
Refer to the Academic Calendar for key dates, including the last day to add, drop or swap a course or class and Census dateas.
Search for answers and ask questions about enrolling in askUSC, or contact Student Central.