Bachelor of Games and Interactivity
Course handbook
On this page you will find:
General Information
Overview
Look closely at the role of games in contemporary society and how they are developing as a cultural industry. You'll undertake a range of projects which focus on analog and digital games. You'll also develop practical and creative research and communication skills in a games lab environment.
Double degree options
You can also study Games and Interactivity in a double degree with Animation, Applied Innovation, Computer Science.
Study structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Sound Design and Acquisition
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
FTV10005 |
|
3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
DDD20022 |
|
Games & Interactivity Project 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM30002 |
|
Games & Interactivity Project 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM30003 |
| Major units | |
|
Introduction to Game Studies
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
ART10004 |
|
Principles of Game Design
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM10002 |
|
Introduction to Games Production
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM20001 |
|
Pervasive Game Design Lab
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM20002 |
|
Digital Game Prototyping Lab
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM20003 |
|
Writing for Interactive Narratives
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM20004 |
|
Behaviour and Motivation in Games
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
ART30003 |
|
User-Centred Design & Evaluation
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
GAM30004 |
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 150 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
A co-major is a major in a field of study outside this course. You can choose one in addition to a first major. Co-majors will not be named on your testamur certificate however, they will be shown on your transcript of results.
- Animation
- Computer Science
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Indigenous Studies
- Marketing
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Public Relations
- Screen Production
Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - more information will be available soon.
3D Modelling and Animation Advanced
- DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
- DDD20023 3D Character Modelling
- DDD30028 3D Character Design and Animation
- DDD30018 3D Animation Project
Visual Effects Advanced
Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.
- Applied Psychology
- Cinema and Screen Studies
- Communication Design
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Digital Advertising Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Indigenous Studies
- Innovation
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Media Industries
- Public Relations
- Social Media
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (12 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Games and Interactivity
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
GAM20007 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Games and Interactivity
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
GAM20008 |
| or | |
| Professional placement - Minor (6 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Games and Interactivity
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
GAM20007 |
These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.
- ANI10001 Introduction to Animation
- ANI10003 History of Animation
- ANI10004 Introduction to Character and Environment Design
- DDD10001 Twentieth Century Design
- DDD10006 Introductory Design Studio
- DDD10009 Introduction to Digital Imaging
- DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
- DID10001 Product Visualisation 1: Hand Sketching
- DID10006 Materials, Finishes and Form
- DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
- FTV10003 Screen Literacy and Contemporary Cinema
- FTV10005 Sound Design and Acquisition
- JOU10004 News Writing
- JOU10007 Media Content Creation
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- LIT10002 Writing Fiction
- LIT10003 Reading and Writing Genre Texts
- LIT20004 Exploring Iconic Texts
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10006 Innovation Cultures: Perspectives On Science and Technology
- MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
- PHI10007 What is Power?
- PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
- POL10001 Australian Politics
- POL10002 International Politics
- PSY10007 Brain and Behaviour
- PSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
- PWR10002 Editing for Writers
- PWR10004 Writing Short Non-Fiction
- SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
- STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
Outcomes and course rules
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity, graduates will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings of games and interactivity
- formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in the area of games and interactivity
- critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of games and interactivity
- define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in the area of games and interactivity
- apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
- interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.
Career opportunities
Students may find opportunities in interactive content creation, game design, interface design and rapid prototyping. They may also pursue a non-games career in the broader media, multimedia and communications sectors.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Games and Interactivity degree will be eligible for student membership of the Games Developers Association of Australia (GDAA). Graduates working in the games industry may apply for membership of the International Games Developers Association (IGDA) as well as the GDAA. Students will also be eligible for membership of the Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA).
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Games and Interactivity, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- four [4] core units of study (50 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from the Games and Interactivity major (100 credit points)
- twelve [12] units of study (150 credit points) comprising of a second major or co-major, minor, and/or electives
Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level.
A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.
Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.
Professional placements
Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists. International students who successfully gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying.
Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:
- four [4] core units of study (50 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from the Games and Interactivity major (100 credit points)
- four [4] units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points)
- ten [10] units of study (125 credit points) comprising of a second major or co-major, minor, and/or electives.
Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:
- four [4] core units of study (50 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from the Games and Interactivity major (100 credit points)
- two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points)
- eleven [11] units of study (137.5 credit points) comprising of a second major or co-major, minor, and/or electives.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).
Admission criteria
Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.
Entry requirements
A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 65 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.
Selection rank adjustments
Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in Art, Applied Computing: Software Development, Media, Interactive Digital Media C, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Studio Arts or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.
Meeting course prerequisites
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2024
| ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds | ATAR Excluding adjustment factors |
Selection Rank ATAR + any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 77.65 | 82.25 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 65.25 | 73.6 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 61.4 | 64.4 |
B. Applicants with higher education study
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
D. Applicants with work and life experience
Entire academic record
This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.
| Semester 1, 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
| (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 16 | 43% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 6 | 16% |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 0 | 0% |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 8 | 22% |
| Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | N/A | N/A |
| Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | <5 |
| International students | <5 | <5 |
| All students | 37 | 100% |
Notes:
“<5” – the number of students is less than 5
N/A – students not accepted in this category
Interested in the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity?
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