Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Games Design and Production

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Magill

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BCRAR

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115689F

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China	Gaokao	65%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	67%
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
UK / Global	NCUK	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of Creative Arts?

Games are an artform; they require creative vision and technical skill. As one of the fastest growing creative industries, there’s no denying their cultural significance.

From indie developers to a major Call of Duty studio, Australia has a well-supported games design scene. The industry is expanding, with exciting careers in everything from design, narrative, tech art, 3D modelling and photogrammetry to project management and production.

At Adelaide University, you’ll build skills in game design, game art, graphic design and storytelling. Connect with professionals in the field. Learn to be a real team player. Put your creativity to work in a fun and commercially viable medium.

Passion and perseverance are everything. Ready to level up?

Overview

Our Bachelor of Creative Arts responds to the needs of the creative industries in Australia and around the globe. You’ll make professional connections, tackle real-world challenges and learn from prominent artists. Build your adaptability and entrepreneurial skills. Prepare to chart your own course as a working creative.

In the Games Design and Production stream you’ll learn to collaborate, manage your time effectively and understand yourself as both a creative and a human being.

Explore the theories, tools, techniques and processes behind games and interactive media development. Learn storytelling approaches across a range of platforms and formats. Gain skills in Design, User Experience and 3D art. Complete an internship or industry project aligned to your career goals.

You’ll build the business skills needed to stay savvy in games design, graduating with a broad and versatile portfolio. You’ll be ready for exciting roles in a growing industry – whether as a games designer, environment or 3D artist or community manager.

Key features

Explore challenges and opportunities within the game design industry.
Learn theories, tools and techniques for games and interactive media development.
Network with creatives and industry leaders across South Australia.
Gain hands-on experience through real-world projects.
Use state-of-the-art software and game design technology.
Build project management skills for successful careers in the games industry.

What you'll learn

Our Bachelor of Creative Arts is all about creativity, entrepreneurship and experimentation. You’ll dip your toes into different creative arts disciplines before focusing in on your specialisation.

Meet creatives and leaders from around South Australia, gaining insights on the creative industries, tackle client briefs and address social issues in team projects. Learn about arts business and understand arts and culture not just as a career but as a powerful force for social cohesion and progress.

The Games Design and Production major develops expertise in the processes and practices of the games industry. You’ll build skills and experience across four areas:

The theories, tools, techniques and processes for games and interactive media development
Storytelling for games across a range of platforms and formats
User Experience and User Interface Design for games
Project management for games development.

The first year of study offers a general introduction to the industry and the role of the game designer. You’ll learn key game design theory and frameworks and begin to apply these in the creation of your own games.

In your second year, you’ll explore 3D engines and the tools and techniques of storytelling in game and narrative design. Throughout the first and second year of the major, you’ll have opportunities to develop your skills in 3D art.

In your final year of study, you’ll explore the role of a game producer, developing your skills in project management for game design. You’ll gain advanced game design and collaboration skills as you work in groups with support and guidance from industry professionals to create, demonstrate and reiterate professional game design projects.

Majors

The Bachelor of Creative Arts is also available with majors in the following:

You can choose additional courses from the Bachelor of Creative Arts, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Media and Communication. This means you can pair your games design major with anything from Screen Studies to Extended Realities Design and Production.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

30 units for Core courses, and
96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
12 units for Electives

Complete 30 units comprising:

18 units for all Common core, and
12 units for all Program core

	Course code	Units
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities	Course code CREA1000	Units 6
	Course name Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects	Course code CREA2001	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Introduction to Games Design	Course code COGR1005	Units 6
Course name UO Digital Graphics and Imaging	Course code GRAP1017	Units 6
Course name Game Environment Design	Course code COGR2001	Units 6
Course name Sound Asset Design for Games	Course code COGR2007	Units 6
Course name Managing Games Design	Course code COGR3000	Units 6
Course name Games Production Industry Lab	Course code COGR3001	Units 12
Course name Digital Projects	Course code CREA3025	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Creative Arts Professional Experience	Course code CREA3901	Units 6

Complete 12 units comprising:

12 units for all Free electives

Complete one Major from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Digital Media and Web Design	Course code DIGMBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Creative Writing	Course code CREWBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Creative Industries	Course code CREIBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Performing Arts	Course code PERFBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Festivals	Course code FESTBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Comicbook Creation	Course code COMIBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Immersive Media	Course code IMEDBCRAR	Units 48
Course name Screen Production	Course code SCRPBCRAR	Units 48

Career outcomes

In this degree, you’ll face challenges that will help you grow at every step. By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the experience, portfolio, and connections to launch a successful and rewarding career in game design.

You might find your feet in an innovative Australian studio. You could pursue exciting careers in Game Design, Level Design, Game Art, Environment Art or Narrative Design. Perhaps you’ll work your way up to Senior Designer, Art Director or even found your very own indie studio.

You could also be a:

Game Designer
Level Designer
Narrative Designer
Environment Designer
3D Artist
Technical Artist
Quality assurance tester.
Game animator.
Producer.
Game journalist.
Project manager.

In Adelaide, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) supports video game development and production, offering funding and organising events like SAGE (SA Game Exhibition) to showcase local talent.

Industry trends

Video games are now a major Australian export, with many titles achieving commercial success and critical acclaim in recent years. There are significant government initiatives supporting both emerging game makers and leaders in the field, including the Digital Games Tax Offset. This support is strengthening the industry and creating meaningful employment opportunities for Australian creatives.

For those willing to work hard – and not necessarily stick to a linear path – there are exciting opportunities in Australia. And for tenacious creatives who love to travel, the world is your oyster.

Games design is competitive. It’s a fast-changing field and the future job market is difficult to predict. Industry practitioners say it’s essential to be open minded and flexible, as opportunities present in different forms (Games Hub). This is just one of the many reasons we focus on versatility and adaptability in our creative arts degrees.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: