Bachelor of Design (Games)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
Learn to create rich interactive experiences by developing your game design and specialist art skills.
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.
Details
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.
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’s Education Abroad Office (EAO) supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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.
Year 1
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
Year 2
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.
Year 3
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 program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design (Games) | City Campus |
3 years (6 semesters) full-time
|
3 years (6 semesters) full-time
|
BP214P12 | 074978G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP214
Career
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.
Admissions
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 RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
If you would like your work and life experience to be considered, you should provide a copy of your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement from your employer.
Important! You must also complete additional requirements for admission to this program. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional requirements for admission'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Selection task
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you must register and submit the Games selection task by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
- early round (non year 12 only): 30 September 2019
- main round (all applicants): 15 November 2019
- all subsequent rounds (if places are available): 14 February 2020
Advisory letters will be sent in late October (early round) and late December (main round).
If you are a RMIT current or recent student, please select the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. All tasks must be submitted by 15 November 2019. Tasks received after this date will be assessed in the order they are received until 14 February 2020, unless places are already filled.
You may be required to attend a folio presentation. 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 Early round) and November/December (VTAC main round). For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
You may be selected based on your selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation. If so, those applicants who have applied through VTAC will receive an advisory email by mid November, those who apply direct will receive an immediate outcome.
Selection task requirements
You are required to provide:
- a personal statement that describes your reasons for applying for a degree in games, and what you consider to be focus areas (e.g. visual art, narrative, criticism, environments, characters, sound, politics, modding, etc). Maximum 400 words.
- a folio which includes samples of your previous creative work (for example, a collection of artwork, or writing, or screenshots of finished games with embedded links to playable versions or videos). Compile your works into a single PDF (no more than three pages). 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.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible applicants by giving them priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or 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.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check 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.
Selection tasks for international students completing year 12 in Australia and applying through VTAC
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit 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.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
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.
Pathways
Pathways for students looking to further their studies in a related field at RMIT from July 2020
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Pathways for applicants who have completed or are currently enrolled in vocational courses at RMIT
If you have completed or are currently enrolled in RMIT's Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive Media) and wish to continue your studies in the Bachelor of Design (Games) in 2020 you will be guaranteed entry if you successfully complete and achieve a minimum GPA of 3 out of 4.
If you successfully gain entry into the Bachelor of Design (Games) you will be granted 96 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).
The Pathways finder above is a guide for students looking to further their studies in a related field at RMIT from July 2020.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
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. Find out if you might be eligible.
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.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Defer your payment
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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.
SA-HELP Loans
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.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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.
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 2020 is $308.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$109,440.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.