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:
- Comicbook Creation
- Creative Industries
- Creative Writing
- Digital Media and Web Design
- Festivals
- Immersive Media
- Performing Arts
- Screen Production.
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 from Common core, and
- 12 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
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
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Games Design
|
Course code
COGR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Asset Design for Games
|
Course code
INFO2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media Design and Development 1
|
Course code
COGR2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Project Management
|
Course code
COGR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Game Environment Design
|
Course code
GRAP2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Managing Games Design
|
Course code
COGR3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Games Production Industry Lab
|
Course code
COGR3001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Games Design
|
Course code
COGR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Project Management
|
Course code
COGR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media Design and Development 1
|
Course code
COGR2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Visual Asset Design for Games
|
Course code
INFO2020
|
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
Game Environment Design
|
Course code
GRAP2019
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Games Design
|
Course code
COGR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Asset Design for Games
|
Course code
INFO2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media Design and Development 1
|
Course code
COGR2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Project Management
|
Course code
COGR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Game Environment Design
|
Course code
GRAP2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Managing Games Design
|
Course code
COGR3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Games Production Industry Lab
|
Course code
COGR3001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Games Design
|
Course code
COGR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Asset Design for Games
|
Course code
INFO2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media Design and Development 1
|
Course code
COGR2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Project Management
|
Course code
COGR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Game Environment Design
|
Course code
GRAP2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Managing Games Design
|
Course code
COGR3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Games Production Industry Lab
|
Course code
COGR3001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units for all University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Games Design
|
Course code
COGR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Asset Design for Games
|
Course code
INFO2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media Design and Development 1
|
Course code
COGR2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Project Management
|
Course code
COGR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Game Environment Design
|
Course code
GRAP2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Managing Games Design
|
Course code
COGR3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Games Production Industry Lab
|
Course code
COGR3001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | 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
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Worlds: Industries, Identities and Opportunities
|
Course code
CREA1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Games Design
|
Course code
COGR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Asset Design for Games
|
Course code
INFO2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Immersive Media Design and Development 1
|
Course code
COGR2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Project Management
|
Course code
COGR2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Solutions: Reimagining Projects
|
Course code
CREA2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Game Environment Design
|
Course code
GRAP2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Managing Games Design
|
Course code
COGR3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Creative Arts Professional Experience
|
Course code
CREA3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Games Production Industry Lab
|
Course code
COGR3001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
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.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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.
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
