Turn your passion into a career. Explore the creative and technical elements of game design and develop your artistic practice.
Range of criteria
AU$42,240 (2023 annual)
This unique degree provides specialist training in computer-generated design with particular emphasis on game studies and art practice.
You'll study design, narrative, imaging, modelling, 2D and 3D animation, concept art, and game environments.
RMIT has developed two dedicated games research groups with a specific focus on world-leading research, which attracts expert staff who teach the most up-to-date and cutting-edge ideas.
This course focuses on creative studios, encompassing lab teaching from industry professionals and featuring guest lecturers.
You will have access to a testing environment, enabling you to assess game-playing responses and behaviours. This allows you to learn by doing and understand user experience firsthand.
You will work in individual and collaborative environments, producing projects and folios, and getting assessed by staff and peers.
This degree has close connections to the local independent games industry through teaching staff, overseas industry projects, events, festivals and exhibitions.
Throughout your studies you will be encouraged to seek national and international exposure for your work by entering local and overseas festivals.
Your outputs will be of international standard so that you can develop a career in the global games industry. International exchange opportunities are also encouraged.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
This course offers a unique learning environment, in that students are responsible for driving their chosen projects by developing and implementing ideas established in the first semester.
You will be introduced to the unique,world-class game design studio courses, including:
critical game studies
game history
imaging and 2D artwork
game engines
You’ll grow your understanding of game studies and production through the main studio courses, and will find modules focussing on:
concept art and advanced imaging
3D character design
sound design for interactive environments
experience design
Additionally, you will begin your journey as a broadly educated designer by taking electives in areas such as journalism, film, cultural studies, sound or animation.
You’ll study in studios that address games design and analysis, games industry and professional portfolio skills.
You’ll produce a major team project aimed at a completed and publically-available game at the conclusion of the year, launching your career within games, or as a games graduate using their craft to expand the definition of games in other areas.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped to start your own successful company and artistic career.
This degree provides regular interaction with Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Graphics Programming) students in a studio that reflects the constantly evolving practices of industry.
Graduates from this degree are independent thinkers and developers known for their self-sufficiency, and as a result, many are employed by design companies around Australia. This course will prepare you for the new games economy, currently dominated by apps but always evolving.
Learn the skills required to work in the broader games and creative industries, or to launch your own company and artistic career. Graduates have gained the aesthetic and technical abilities within the disciplines of art and design that enable them to work as:
2D and 3D game artists
game designers
level designers
interface designers
researchers
concept artists
animators
3D visualisers and modellers
producers
art directors.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent studies.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.
You must complete and submit the Games Design selection task.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task dates below, if places are still available.
For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the Games Design selection task by the following dates:
| VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| November round (Non year 12 applicants only) | 30 September 2022 |
December/January rounds (All applicants) |
18 November 2022 |
| February rounds (if places are available) | 10 February 2023 |
You must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.
| Applicant type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| Direct applicants | 24 February 2023 |
Describe your reasons for applying for a degree in games, and briefly describe what you consider to be focus areas (e.g., visual art, narrative, criticism, environments, characters, sound, politics, modding, etc) (maximum 300 words).
Submit a folio of any creative work, either from your previous studies or personal projects.
The work can be from any creative field, in any style or topic - not just games-focused.
For example, a collection of artwork, pieces of writing, links to videos, or screenshots of finished games.
The folio should be uploaded in a single PDF file of no more than three pages and no more than three links to videos or playable games if embedded links are included in your folio.
Under each piece of work in the PDF, provide a short description of your artistic intentions and/or outline your creative process.
Please ensure you write your full name and VTAC ID/RMIT application number in the top right corner of all pages.
Most applicants will be selected based on their selection task. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to present your folio.
Folio presentations will be held in October (VTAC November round) and November/December (VTAC December/January rounds).
For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
An advisory letter indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from November (VTAC November round) and from December (VTAC December/January rounds).
Selection task details and submission dates will be available on 1 May 2023 for programs with a midyear intake.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
If you are applying via VTAC you must complete and submit the Games Design selection task by the following dates:
| VTAC rounds | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
December/January rounds (all applicants) |
18 November 2022 |
| January subsequent rounds (if places are available) | 19 January 2023 |
Describe your reasons for applying for a degree in games, and briefly describe what you consider to be focus areas (e.g., visual art, narrative, criticism, environments, characters, sound, politics, modding, etc) (maximum 300 words).
Submit a folio of any creative work, either from your previous studies or personal projects. The work can be from any creative field, in any style or topic - not just games-focused. For example, a collection of artwork, pieces of writing, links to videos, or screenshots of finished games.
The folio should be uploaded in a single PDF file of no more than three pages and no more than three links to videos or playable games if embedded links are included in your folio.
Under each piece of work in the PDF, provide a short description of your artistic intentions and/or outline your creative process.
Please ensure you write your full name and VTAC ID number in the top right corner of all pages.
Most applicants will be selected based on their selection task. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to present your folio.
Folio presentations will be held in November/December (VTAC December/January Round 1).
For all subsequent rounds, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
Advisory letters indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from December.
Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2023.
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 167kb) along with your application.
Folio presentation: You may be required to present your folio to a selection panel, either in person or via phone/video call.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Games) with an overall GPA of 3.0 out of 4 are guaranteed entry into the MC232 Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity upon application and will be exempt from completing the selection tasks.
Graduates the Bachelor of Design (Games) with an overall GPA less than 3.0 out of 4 must complete the selection tasks and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Design (Games) with credit (equivalent to 48 credit points) when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design).
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
You are guaranteed entry to the Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity when you successfully complete this program with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0). You will receive credit (equivalent to 48 credit points).
If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply with submission of a selection task. Assessment is on a case-by-case basis and entry is not guaranteed.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
The Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The first year indicative tuition rates are expected later in the year and will be published when they are available.
In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
The Commonwealth supported place (CSP) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The first year indicative tuition rates are expected later in the year and will be published when they are available.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commenced their program in 2022. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $3,985 per standard year $498 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,021 per standard year $1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $11,401 per standard year $1,425 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $14,630 per standard year $1,828 per standard (12 credit point) course |
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022* is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$42,240.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$126,720.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
