Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design, Game Programming)

Overview

The Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design & Game Programming) will turn your game development dreams into reality. As an official Academic Partner of Epic Games, we'll immerse you in a one year intensive program inside Unreal Engine. You’ll learn 3D modelling, game design. coding, animation, cinematics, and AI, as your class creates a game together with you in your dream role.

Get a copy of our course guide

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

Are you in high school?

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Skills you’ll learn

Game content creator
3d modelling
Game engine scripting
Programming application

Your career opportunities

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

Further education

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400212914

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400212914

Location options

Hawthorn

Professional accreditations

Epic Games

Admissions

Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history, with a minimum Year 12 completion (or equivalent).

Intermediate to advanced general computer skills, including:
- Computer navigation
- Digital file management
- Word processing
Basic game development process and principles
Basic understanding in the function and use of game engines, ideally Unreal Engine
Basic understanding of object-oriented programming principle
Basic experience in 3D asset production, including:
- 3D modelling
- 3D texturing

or attainment of:

ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)

Applicants would additionally greatly benefit from skills and knowledge in the following:

Programming/Scripting tools:
- C++ Programming
- Python scripting
- Unreal Engine Blueprint scripting
Game development tools:
- Blender 3D
Adobe creative cloud suite

Note: Applicants without a solid grounding in information technology, may choose to complete the Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development) to gain foundational skills in the subject matter.

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:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

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.

Book your Pearson Test of English

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.

Learn more about credit

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.

Learn more about RPL

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.

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)

Discover more (Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development))
Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Discover more (Certificate IV in Cyber Security)
Certificate IV in Design

Discover more (Certificate IV in Design)

Course structure

Total of 20 units, comprising 6 core units, plus 14 elective units.

Core units

Elective units

Diploma

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1090

Your units

Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design, Game Programming)

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Originate and develop concepts Core unit	BSBCRT512
Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices Core unit	BSBXCS402
Lead and facilitate a team Core unit	BSBXTW401
Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation Core unit	ICTICT517
Apply IP, ethics and privacy in ICT environments Core unit	ICTICT532
Manage client problems Core unit	ICTSAS527
Elective units
Apply artificial intelligence in game development Elective unit	ICTGAM423
Create complex 3-D interactive games Elective unit	ICTGAM533
Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media Elective unit	ICTGAM535
Prepare games for different platforms and delivery modes Elective unit	ICTGAM537
Create and implement designs for 3-D games environments Elective unit	ICTGAM539
Design and create advanced particles, fluids and bodies for 3-D digital effects Elective unit	ICTGAM541
Animate 3-D characters for digital games Elective unit	ICTGAM542
Produce digital animation sequences Elective unit	ICTGAM543
Manage technical art and rigging in 3-D animations Elective unit	ICTGAM545
Create interactive 3-D environments for digital games Elective unit	ICTGAM547
Collaborate in design of 3-D game levels and environments Elective unit	ICTGAM549
Create complex 3-D characters for games Elective unit	ICTGAM552
Build graphical user interfaces Elective unit	ICTICT433
Apply advanced programming skills in another language Elective unit	ICTPRG547

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$16,600

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$11,760

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.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

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.

Find out more about fees

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.

Learn more about paying your fees

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.

Learn more about VET student loans

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Learn more about concession rates

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 courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

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

Learn more about SSAF

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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

ICT50220

Search for agents

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.

Course code

ICT50220

Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400212914

Apply through VTAC

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

Location

Start dates

Upcoming events

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Creative

08-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | STEM, Aviation & Health

09-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Social Impact and Innovation

10-April-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Are you in high school?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Key codes

International student visa

Location options

Professional accreditations

Epic Games

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design, Game Programming)

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)