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.
Last intake Semester 2, 2018. Refer to AR312 Bachelor of Design (Game Design)
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2023 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
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.
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 sequences
Program requirements and notes
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)