Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Games Design and Production

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Magill

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BMECO

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

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

115730K

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill 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.

Recent 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) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification from a recognised higher education institution.

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	Score
Australia – ATAR	75
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China – Gaokao	65%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India – CBSE and CISCE	75
India – State Board Examinations	85
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	2.78
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	9
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	8.00

Why Bachelor of Media and Communication?

Unleash your creativity and imagination in the world of games design. Watch your creations come to life as players explore, discover and conquer challenges. Blend artistry and technical skills to become an architect of alternate realities.

Our Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Games Design and Production will build your skills and knowledge in games design, production, programming and art. You’ll explore emerging industry practices in specialised game production labs and construct a game through all stages of the pipeline process, growing your skillset.

In this deeply practical degree, you’ll hone your technical and professional skillset through professional experience and industry projects. All these experiences ensure you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in the field, creating groundbreaking interactive games.

Overview

The Bachelor of Media and Communication majoring in Games Design and Production will help you pursue a career as a game designer, artist, program or writer.

Hands-on from the beginning, you’ll learn the processes and techniques that bring a game to life. This will be accompanied by time spent learning core concepts in media and communication, that will help you drive deeper into the world of innovative game design.

You’ll learn how to design game engines for various platforms, as well as traditional tabletop set-ups. Conceptualise and develop forward-thinking games that can be brought to market in the growing games industry.

You’ll have opportunities to work collaboratively and build relationships with industry throughout your degree. These experiences will expose you to the latest e-techniques that are engaging audiences worldwide.

You’ll graduate with the skills and expertise necessary to take on a range of jobs in the dynamic games industry.

Key features

Create your own game narratives using industry-standard tools and software.
Build skills and knowledge in games design, production, programming and art.
Gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art game laboratories to produce games in multiple formats and mediums.
Collaborate with others in a studio environment, putting your new skills to work to collaboratively create game projects.
Explore virtual production techniques to create animations inside game engines.
Be equipped with the skills to create effective, efficient and appealing graphic assets for game design.

What you'll learn

Your major will explore key elements of game design theory, practical development skills, and the project management skills involved in bringing a game to fruition. You’ll create your own game design documents and explore how to write narratives that captivate users. You’ll develop your skills in Unreal Engine, learn how to utilise tools for developing high-quality games, simulations, and interactive experiences across various platforms. You’ll even use physical prototyping methods like 3D printing to design and produce a tabletop game, creating prototypes and physical items to simulate gameplay.

Interested in animation? Focus on production techniques to create animations inside game engines. Create and implement animations that bring characters, environments and objects to life within a digital game.

Establishing connections with industry is a major part of your third year. Undertake professional experience and a production project in collaboration with professionals in game development. Grow your skillset in games production and design, ready to pursue a career in the advancing tech industry.

Majors

The Bachelor of Media and Communication is also available with majors in the following:

Digital and Social Media Storytelling
Digital Media and Web Design
Immersive Media
Media Cultures
Screen Production
Screen Studies
Strategic Communication.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

78 units from Core courses, and
Either:
48 units for one Major from Majors, or
48 units from Discipline courses, and
12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
54 units from Electives

Complete exactly 78 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Key Concepts in Media and Communication	Course code MARK1003	Units 6
Course name Media and Communication Project	Course code MDIA2901	Units 6
Course name Digital Platforms	Course code MDIA1001	Units 6
Course name Creating Content for Media	Course code MARK2101	Units 6
Course name Media Law, Policy and Ethics	Course code MARK2003	Units 6
Course name Research Methods in Media and Communication	Course code MARK2002	Units 6
Course name Promotional Culture	Course code MARK2102	Units 6
Course name Media Industries in Transition	Course code CREA3012	Units 6
Course name Strategic Planning for Media and Communication	Course code MARK3006	Units 6
Course name Advanced Concepts in Media and Communication	Course code CREA3023	Units 6
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

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Visual Asset Design for Games	Course code COMP1011	Units 6
Course name Intro to Games Design	Course code COGR1000	Units 6
Course name Digital Project Management	Course code COGR2000	Units 6
Course name Game Environment Design	Course code COGR2001	Units 6
Course name Tabletop Games Design	Course code COGR2002	Units 6
Course name Games Production Project Industry Lab 1	Course code CREA3020	Units 6
Course name Games Production Project Industry Lab 2	Course code CREA3021	Units 6
Course name Animating for Game Engines	Course code CREA3006	Units 6

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Media and Communication Project	Course code MDIA2901	Units 6
	Course name Internship or Project	Course code CREA3026	Units 6

Complete exactly 54 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6
Course name Elective 2	Course code AUXX1012	Units 6
Course name Elective 3	Course code AUXX1013	Units 6
Course name Elective 4	Course code AUXX1014	Units 6
Course name Elective 5	Course code AUXX1015	Units 6
Course name Elective 6	Course code AUXX1016	Units 6
Course name Elective 7	Course code AUXX1017	Units 6
Course name Elective 8	Course code AUXX1018	Units 6
Course name Elective 9	Course code AUXX1019	Units 6

Career outcomes

Each role in the games industry contributes to the creation and development of games – digital and tabletop. Whether you're passionate about storytelling, visual design, project management or user interaction, there's a career path in game design that can align with your passion.

Maybe you’ll work on creating immersive game environments, compelling storylines, characters and dialogue that captivate players. Maybe you’ll focus on serious games or gamification projects, applying game design principles to education or other fields to enhance engagement for learners. Or you could pursue a career as a project manager or producer, coordinating teams and resources to bring a game from concept to completion.

Graduates can pursue careers as a:

Games designer
Narrative designer
Game artist or animator
Level designer
User experience designer
Project manager or producer
QA tester
E-Learning developer.

Industry trends

Total video game revenue is projected to rise from $262 billion in 2023 to $312 billion in 2027. Fuelled by its ability to captivate wide audiences, industry growth continues to rely on games designed to be played on a PC or console. Use your skills in digital games design and knowledge in communication theories, to develop games that will catapult through the market and drive profitable sales (PWC, 2024).

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.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

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, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat 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 (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights 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 our 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: