Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Entertainment Design)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LBCP
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 35,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
AUD$ 37,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024
Admissions
Student Profile
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
067898K
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
- Completed one of the following professional courses:
Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
NoneEnglish language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
German Abitur 3.5 India (best 4) 63 Kenya KCSE (average) B Malaysia STPM (best 3) 6 Malaysia UEC 31 Norway GPA 3 Pakistan HSSC 80 Bangladesh HSC 3.5 Canada High School (OSSD) 65 Eynesbury FSP 320 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 7 Sweden GPA 13 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 7 Vietnam 7.5 Australia 66 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1110 HKDSE 16 Nepal NEB 2.51
Degree overview
- Study at SA’s number one university for graduate careers1 and skills2 in IT.
- Combine technical IT with game development to pursue a creative career in the game industry.
- Benefit from our partnership with Epic Games – makers of the world popular and widely used Unreal Engine.
- Build your game development full pipeline skills from asset to engine using industry game engines such as UE5 (UnReal Engine 5).
- Learn from experienced teaching staff dedicated to supporting your future in this growing, in-demand area.
- Benefit from curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and data analytics.
- Experience purpose-built teaching spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and work-integrated learning, including the Gaming Lab – home to Alienware PCs and AR / VR hardware such as Vive and Hololens.
- Enjoy significant opportunities for placements and industry projects to build connections and prepare for a career in the gaming industry.
- Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
- Start now, decide later. Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between IT specialisations and receive credit for completed courses.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Computing and Information Systems – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Worth billions of dollars and growing, the video game industry continues to go from strength-to-strength, with revenue up, and Australia well positioned to take advantage of the global popularity of video games¹.
While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted numerous industries, games development proved resilient¹. And with the Australian Government announcing a federal tax incentive for video game development, the market is even more appealing for both local and international businesses to develop games in Australia².
With ongoing growth in games and entertainment, IT professionals with the expertise to build highly visual systems are in demand, with the Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Entertainment Design) designed to meet that need.
Balancing technical skills with creativity, you will develop your ability to design and program games, pitch your ideas and take them to market.
These skills are highly transferrable, with opportunities also available in the film and tv industry, education, health, business and defence sectors.
Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your IT specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 3 or 4 years full-time (depending on your degree length). Start now, decide later.
¹Interactive Games and Entertainment Association 2021
²Australian Trade and Investment Commission 2021
What you'll learn
During your first year of study, you will build a strong foundation in IT fundamentals, including networking, database development, programming, and systems analysis and design, before specialising in game development, which will see you build skills in computer graphics programming, multimedia design and information visualisation.
Topics include:
- Game Engines and Graphics using Unreal game Engine (UE5)
- Unity game engine
- Game asset creation
- Game design
- Mobile game development
- Game project management
- 3D graphical production
You will also have the chance to apply technical skills and creativity to wider productions, software and interfaces, studying areas such as:
- User Experience
- Software Development Tools
- Programming
- Python and Java – highly sought after skills in the Australian job market¹.
In your final year you will put your skills into practice through our ICT Capstone Project.
You may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client, drawing on the technical expertise gained throughout your studies and applying professional skills in a real-world setting to produce and deliver an artefact for your client.
You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- Interactive studio exercises
- Industry aligned projects
- Industry based internships
- Hands-on practical activities
- Collaborative group projects
- Development of full games
- Pitching game ideas
- Documentation
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Entertainment Design)
Balance your creativity with expertise in information technology, and benefit from our partnership with video gaming giant, Epic Games. You can be assured you’ll be taught the most up-to-date gaming skills and practices in demand by the gaming industry, as well as other sectors, including health, business, defence and education.
Epic makes the world’s most popular and widely used Unreal game Engine. As the first university in Australia to gain academic partnership status in their internationally renowned Unreal Academic Partnership Program, we’re offering you the opportunity to develop broad skills in game and software development, preparing you to bring the next generation of games to market.
In addition to developing technical expertise, you will also complete a unique series of collaborative, work-integrated courses, reinforcing the concepts learnt in the classroom in a supportive practice environment. Non-technical skills are also integrated into your learning to develop the qualities highly valued and sought after by industry. Topics include design thinking, system requirements, system design and agile development, and project management.
In your final year you may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client – from brief through to project delivery – with our ICT Capstone Project. Upon graduation, this allows you to demonstrate your ability to deliver work to industry standard, and to the satisfaction of a client.
Most of our IT undergraduate programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative IT program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.
Games Lab
Take a look inside one of the games labs at UniSA. IT students studying the Games and Entertainment Design specialisation use this lab, which prepares them for this hugely-growing industry.
Your career
Graduates of this program will have the skills to follow a traditional IT career path or pursue a career in the ever-growing gaming industry, with strong employment prospects for suitably qualified ICT professionals.
By 2026, it is predicted there will be nearly 300,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce. And software programming skills – developed in this program – are in high demand¹.
Similarly, the announcement of significant tax incentives for games developers is likely to bring increased interest in setting up game development studios in Australia, and potentially, more jobs.
Careers to consider:
- Game Developer: collaborating with designers and product managers to define game features and system requirements; delivering high quality, functional systems on time and according to specifications; understanding user experience.
- Mobile Game Developer: Designing, developing and testing games that will be deployed on all major mobile platforms.
- Game Programmer: Working in a team to develop interactive entertainment applications designed for consoles, mobile and PC gaming markets.
- Simulation Developer: Creating realistic simulations using development environments such as Unreal Engine and Unity.
- Game Pipeline Developer: Creating the full asset pipeline from high quality assets that are used in the games through to the deployment within game engines.
- Software Developer: designing, coding, testing, and debugging software applications; interpreting customer requirements into a code solution; working with a team to research, design, and implement a software solution; working with others to extend existing software functionality; produce standalone software solutions for a client; produce a solution that contributes to a large software system; work in a diverse range of programming roles and contexts.
- SCRUM Developer: working in a scrum team developing quality software artifacts in a diverse range of contexts.
Career progression may see you working as:
- Game Designer
- Studio Lead
- Game Producer
- Lead Game Developer
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Industry facts
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
There are a wide variety of pathways into studying Information Technology at UniSA.
Find an Alternative Pathway
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
UniSA is ranked Number 1 in SA for campus facilities in IT¹.
During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:
- Gaming Development Lab
- Cisco Networking Labs
- Cyber Security Labs
- IT Capstone Project Space
- IT Collaboration Studio
- Apple Development Lab
- PC Labs
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Your program director
I’m passionate about building university degrees that help students further their careers. The biggest reward I get is meeting students later in their careers and having them say how useful what they learned at our University was for them. My Phd was in programming languages and concurrency. However, more recently I have been working with virtual reality technologies and the internet of things.
-
How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
-
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
-
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
What others are saying
When I was younger, I discovered gaming and fell in love with the creative fantasy worlds each game provided. I always thought that it would be a dream career to be able to create games just like the ones I play. With all of the experience I gained at UniSA, this has now become a reality, and I am working as a digital artist for a virtual reality studio.
Billy Bizilis
Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Entertainment Design)
Digital Artist & Software Developer | Jumpgate VR
