Game design

The Bachelor of Design (Game Design) at RMIT University is a comprehensive program that prepares students to become innovative professionals in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of game development. This undergraduate degree offers a balanced curriculum combining creative design, storytelling, programming, and technical skills essential for creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences. Throughout the course, students explore the fundamentals of game design, including gameplay mechanics, user experience, visual storytelling, and interactive media, enabling them to develop original concepts from initial idea through to polished production.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning through industry-relevant projects, collaborative team assignments, and real-world internships, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Students gain proficiency in industry-standard software and tools, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Adobe Creative Suite, and other programming languages vital for game development. They also develop a critical understanding of digital culture, player psychology, and ethical considerations pertinent to designing inclusive and responsible games.

By engaging with interdisciplinary approaches, students enhance their problem-solving, creative thinking, and technical capabilities, positioning themselves for diverse career pathways such as game designer, level designer, gameplay programmer, visual artist, and game producer. The program benefits from RMIT’s strong links to industry, offering opportunities for networking, mentorship, and exposure to leading industry practices. Graduates leave equipped with a robust portfolio of projects and a comprehensive understanding of the game development lifecycle, ready to contribute to the global entertainment and interactive media industries.

This degree fosters a collaborative and innovative learning environment, encouraging students to push creative boundaries and develop unique, compelling games that resonate with diverse audiences. With a focus on sustainability, ethics, and social impact, the program also aims to shape responsible creators capable of contributing positively to the digital entertainment landscape. Whether aiming to work in AAA studios, indie development, or start their own ventures, students in the RMIT Bachelor of Design (Game Design) acquire the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Year 1

You will be introduced to the unique and 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 games 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 across the School of Media and Communication (in areas such as journalism, film, cultural studies, sound or animation) and from the wider university.

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 either within games, or as a games graduate using their craft to expand the definition of games in other areas.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% 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. 

The Bachelor of Design (Game Design) program at RMIT University offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Domestic students may access government funding opportunities such as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and Youth Allowance or HECS-HELP loans, which help cover tuition fees. These options significantly reduce the financial burden for eligible students, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, RMIT provides institutional scholarships based on academic merit, equity, and other criteria, which can provide tuition fee reductions or living stipends. International students are generally required to pay full tuition fees, which vary depending on the study year and course components, and are often made payable in installments aligned with the academic calendar. To assist international students, RMIT offers scholarships targeting international applicants, along with guidance on external funding sources and financial planning.

Students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities, as Melbourne’s vibrant job market includes roles in retail, hospitality, and freelance digital design, which can help offset living expenses. RMIT’s Career Services facilitate connections with potential employers and provide workshops on financial literacy and planning. Moreover, some students might consider external financing options such as private loans or sponsorship programs, though these are generally used in conjunction with university-supported funding. It is important to note that the cost of living in Melbourne, transportation, accommodation, textbooks, and supplies are additional expenses students need to budget for, and RMIT’s student support services offer financial counseling to assist with budgeting and financial planning. International students should also be aware of visa requirements that stipulate proof of sufficient funds to cover their educational and living costs for the duration of their studies. Overall, RMIT aims to provide comprehensive financial support and advice to ensure students can successfully pursue their degree in Game Design without unnecessary financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Design (Game Design) at RMIT University is a comprehensive program that prepares students for a dynamic career in the growing field of game design and development. This degree program combines creative design, programming, storytelling, and technical skills to equip students with the ability to develop engaging and innovative games across various platforms including consoles, PC, mobile devices, and virtual reality environments. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to develop their conceptual ideas into fully realized playable creations. Students engage with topics such as game mechanics, level design, user experience, interactive storytelling, and 3D modeling. The program also covers essential areas like programming languages, game engines, project management, and teamwork skills, essential for real-world game development environments.

Throughout their studies, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated game labs, motion capture technology, and industry-standard software such as Unity and Unreal Engine. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, often involving teamwork on larger projects that mimic the professional game development process. RMIT's strong industry connections enable students to undertake internships, participate in industry projects, and attend conferences, helping them build valuable networks in the entertainment technology sector. The program aims to develop graduates who are both creative and technologically adept, capable of pushing the boundaries of game design and contributing innovative ideas to the industry. Upon completion of the degree, graduates are prepared to pursue careers as game designers, UI/UX designers, interactive media specialists, or entrepreneurial developers within the rapidly expanding global games market. The Bachelor of Design (Game Design) at RMIT is recognized for its industry relevance, fostering skills that are highly sought after by employers worldwide.