Introduction to Games Design

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
COGR 1005
Course ID icon
Course ID
202723
Campus icon
Campus
Magill, Adelaide City Campus West, Online
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Comm, Media and Jour
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Susannah Emery
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course will provide students with a foundation in the key aspects of design and production for games, including the tools and theories of the games production industry. Students will develop an understanding of the history of games and the role of the game designer. They will explore game design theory and apply this to the design of their own game. Students will work through the game design process from initial game ideation through game design pre-production and the development of a completed game prototype and initial game play testing.

Course learning outcomes

  • Examine and analyse games utilising game design theory and frameworks
  • Apply introductory skills to develop game design pre-production artefacts
  • Use introductory skills to ideate and realise game design prototypes
  • Apply the essential communication and collaboration skills required in the games production industry
  • Develop an understanding of User Experience and Interface Design in games.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Magill

Class number
Class number 28069
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 25
Available
Available 25
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 5:10pm - 8pm Magill Building CB, CB1-01
6 May - 3 Jun Wednesday 5:10pm - 8pm Magill Building CB, CB1-01

Adelaide City Campus West

Class number
Class number 28070
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-09
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 10:10am - 1pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-09

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed GRAP1030 Introduction to Games Design at the University of South Australia

Fee calculator

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Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.