University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This program combines practical studio work, technical skill development and contextual study. You will learn core game design principles, production workflows and creative practice through iterative projects and team-based studio units.

• Design fundamentals: game systems, mechanics, level and encounter design, interactive narrative and player-centred design.
• Technical and production skills: scripting and prototyping, basic game programming, build pipelines, version control and production planning.
• Art and audio for games: 2D/3D asset creation, animation, visual storytelling, sound design and implementation for interactive environments.
• Interactive and emerging platforms: VR/AR development, mobile and web deployment, optimisation and platform-specific design considerations.
• User testing and analytics: playtesting methods, usability research, iterative design informed by player feedback and basic data analysis.
• Professional practice: project management, pitching, IP and the business of games, teamwork, and industry engagement through collaborative projects and industry-led briefs.
• Capstone project: a culminating team or individual project that demonstrates production-ready outcomes and a professional portfolio piece.

The degree is typically completed over a standard undergraduate duration full‑time, with opportunities to undertake interdisciplinary electives and an honours or advanced research year for eligible students.

Entry requirements

Admission requires completion of an Australian senior secondary qualification or equivalent international qualification. Applicants are normally expected to meet the University’s general entry standards and any faculty prerequisites. Selection may consider a combination of academic results and creative capacity.

• Portfolio or work sample: applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio or evidence of creative practice — this can include game prototypes, design documents, artworks, animations, videos or code samples.
• Alternate pathways: mature‑age applicants and those with relevant industry experience or TAFE qualifications can apply through recognised alternative entry routes.
• English language proficiency: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved testing pathway or recognised qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of roles across games and interactive media industries as well as adjacent creative and digital sectors.

• Game designer, level designer or systems designer
• Game producer / project manager and production coordinator roles
• Technical artist, tools developer or gameplay programmer (with additional technical study)
• 3D artist, animator, UI/UX designer and sound designer for interactive experiences
• Quality assurance, playtesting and user research positions
• Independent developer, studio founder or roles in XR/immersive experience production
• Positions in digital media, education, simulation and serious games where interactive design expertise is required

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a creative arts curriculum that emphasises hands‑on production, industry engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from access to dedicated studio spaces and specialist labs, opportunities to work with Computer Science, Music and Media units, and project briefs that connect to industry partners.

Located in a city with a growing creative and technology sector, the program supports professional development through internship and project placement opportunities, mentoring from practicing creatives and events that showcase student work to employers and the community.