Overview

This qualification explores the creation of creative and commercial interactive games products. Mentored by industry specilaists, you'll utilise your high level technical, creative and conceptual skills in applying design thinking, collaboration and creative problem solving to games development. Further build your skills across writing, graphic design, animation, interactivity, programming, business and marketing.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo

Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.

Skills you’ll learn

  • 3D modelling and texturing
  • Game engine scripting
  • Application programming
  • Object-oriented language programming skills
  • Game design and development
  • Game content creation

Your career opportunities

  • Games designer/developer
  • 3d modeller/animator
  • Environmental artist
  • Texture artist
  • Game programmer
  • 2d/3d level design artist

Location options

Admissions

Applicants are required to have completed ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology Games Art, Design and Games Programming or related course at Diploma or Degree level in Games Development.

Individuals will be required to submit a portfolio of work.

Your portfolio will demonstrate your competency in at least one area of Unreal Engine - such as level creation, programming (via Blueprints or C++), AI, animation, and visual effects.

The work you show does not need to be finished, but rather an indication of your familiarity with the tools and skillset you wish to further in your studies. You may provide us with any of the following (Maximum file size of 4 gig):  

• MP4 Video evidence of your work inside Unreal Engine, captured from within the editor, or from a cooked game. 

• Project files (zip), as well as compiled games

• Renders of 3D models and environments constructed for Unreal via any DCC package.

If your work is part of a team effort, please specify your contribution (approximately 100 words)

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

To obtain the Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Design students must complete 16 units.

5
Core units
+
11
Elective units
=
Advanced Diploma
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours:

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Ensure a safe workplace
Core unit
BSBWHS501
Manage copyright arrangements
Core unit
CUACMP511
Design innovative products
Core unit
CUADES601
Manage design realisation
Core unit
CUADES611
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
Core unit
CUAIND512
Elective units
Develop and cultivate collaborative partnerships and relationships
Elective unit
BSBLDR812
Develop marketing plans
Elective unit
BSBMKG623
Manage project integration
Elective unit
BSBPMG540
Extend professional expertise across new art forms and media
Elective unit
CUAACD612
Implement design solutions
Elective unit
CUADES511
Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
Elective unit
CUADES512
Research global design trends
Elective unit
CUADES612
Research and apply design theory
Elective unit
CUADES801
Originate a body of independent creative work
Elective unit
CUAPPR611
Collaborate in professional creative projects
Elective unit
CUAPPR612
Engage in the business of creative practice
Elective unit
CUAPPR613

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$14,880

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$11,700

2025 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
CUA60420
Search for agents
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
21-January-2025