Design

Technology

Diploma of Game Design and Development

CRICOS 102263F

What is a Diploma of Game Design and Development?

A Diploma of Game Design and Development introduces the full spectrum of game art and design, from visual design fundamentals to illustration, game design conception and introductory development processes. Upon completion, you’ll possess the necessary technical skills and exposure to industry to work as an entry-level Game Developer or continue studies at a bachelor level.

This course introduces the full spectrum of game art and design, from visual design fundamentals to game design conception and introductory game development processes. You will be exposed to the technical tools and 3D construction techniques that are integral to the field. This diploma develops the necessary technical skills and exposure to game development processes to begin working in game development, or provide a clear pathway for further study.

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Learning outcomes

Develop your individual artistic style and technical skills.
Learn the art of building stories with other people.
Work with industry-standard tools, software and 3D construction techniques.
Gain a practical grounding in the real-world game development industry.

Explore Unity

Create games for mobile, console, PC or VR using Unity, the most advanced industry-standard software.

Explore Unreal

Learn advanced 3D skills to succeed in game development, architecture, film, TV, and more with Unreal Engine.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1 year full time, 2 years part time, 6 months accelerated

Start date

19 Feb 2024

3 June 2024

16 Sep 2024

View all key dates

Fees & scholarships

Learn more

This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd

*For more details on international student study options.

Start making games from day one

Collaborate with other designers, artists and programmers to bring your game concepts to life.

Master industry-standard software

Learn the tools and game development processes used by leading studios.

Guaranteed pathway entry

Successful completion will guarantee entry into our Bachelor of Game Design and Development.

See some of the work created by gaming students at Torrens University Australia.

Career opportunities

On successfully completing this qualification, you will have specific skills, knowledge and experiences to pursue employment in the game development industry in a variety of entry-level roles or develop your own entrepreneurial projects. You’ll also have the necessary foundation to pursue further study in related design and technology undergraduate degrees.

Potential career paths

Character Artist
Average salary: $73,878 - $146,248
Game Designer
Average salary: $78,000 - $145,250
Environment Animator
Average salary: $72,750 - $97,716

Learn more about careers in Design
Learn more about careers in Technology

Game Design and Development | Anchored At Sea | Torrens University

Showcase

Anchored at Sea by Joshua Griffiths, Chase Wilksch-Bergorth, Chloe O'Neill, Simone Scouller, Isabella Verran, Susie Kingham

Take to the sea, plunder riches beyond your wildest dreams and establish yourself as one of history's most fearsome pirate legends with this unique free-to-play mobile kingdom builder.

Game Design and Development | Odyssey | Torrens University

Showcase

Odyssey by Cecile Roux, Eliah Smith

Odyssey is an action roguelite RPG based on the Greek mythology of Ulysses' journey home. The game is inspired by epic tentpole operas such as the film 300 and games like Valiant Hearts.

Game Design and Development | Sigil | Torrens University

Showcase

Sigil by Tai Ha, Sean Caldecott, Derek Lai, Tom Wilson, Dayna Aspite, Elmin Kadric

Sigil is a survival game focused on creating structures. The game is formulated around a level-up system based around various magic abilities.

Game Design and Development | Toy Rumble | Torrens University

Showcase

Toy Rumble by Isabella Bonazza, Daniel Pieri, Ryan Holm, Nathan Ivanoff, Xavier Managreve

A multiplayer free-for-all brawler where you play as toys through the eyes of a child. Creating a feel of nostalgia, all characters are inspired by a child's imagination and equipped with unique powers.

Subjects and units

This course comprises of six core subjects and two elective subjects.

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.

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Core
Electives

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Requirements

Complete six core subjects. Additionally, you’re required to select two electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

2D Asset Creation | ACR101

2D Visual Asset Generation utilises traditional art foundation theories and contextualises these practices for the digital domain. Students will create artefacts in digital formats for a variety of uses including concept art, pixel art, in-game assets, colour keys, user interface flow diagrams and more. Practical applications of art specifically for games will also be covered such as the basics of 2D digital animation. Students will receive critique from lecturers and learn to evaluate their own artwork with a critical eye.
Game Design Principles | GDP102

Game Design Principles introduces students to game design foundations, techniques and paradigms through a series of lecture-led and student-led activities. Students will explore game design principles through the analysis of existing game artefacts, applying those findings to the development of their own games. Students are introduced to a variety of analysis, development and presentation techniques encouraging discussion, creation and dissemination of their design choices through prototyping and documentation.
Design Context | DCX101

Design Context introduces students to the interdisciplinary world of design and creativity, supporting them as they transition to higher education. Students develop creativity as a mindset and a new way of thinking, enabling them to proactively approach creative challenges. Through observation, investigation, insight and soulful storytelling, students build creative confidence to take risks and action their ideas to create meaningful experiences for people, communities, and their environments.
3D Asset Creation | ACR103

3D Asset Creation expands on the knowledge gained in the 2D Asset Creation (ACR101) and allows the students to utilise industry standard 3D modelling tools and techniques to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Students will critique artefacts which utilise the concepts or form, function, and silhouette learned through the underpinning knowledge gained in the previous components.
Design Studio 1 | DSO102

This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.
Game Production Foundation | GPF104

Game Production Foundation combines art assets and basic scripting, enabling students to recognise how user experience is affected through art, design, and code. Utilising game development techniques and tools, students will create their own games, which requires a multifaceted approach including the following: project management, art and design theory, user interaction, menu systems, audio integration, scripting, game design and release. These trans-disciplinary artefacts scaffold the student’s knowledge for when they will interact with other disciplines in a professional development environment.

Requirements

Choose two electives.

Elective subjects

Animation Principles | ANP100

This subject explores the fundamental principles and a variety of techniques to produce animations within 3D software. This subject introduces the fundamental concepts and ideas relating to keyframe based animations such as speed, ease and velocity. Students are also introduced to alternative methods of animation including expressions and custom scripting, procedural and dynamics based animations. These skills are designed to expand student awareness of applying animation to a wide range of potential outcomes such as game design, broadcast motion design, social media, branded identity or advertising.
Beyond the Creative Industries | BCI100

This subject introduces a wide array of emerging trends and interdisciplinary career opportunities that sit outside traditional creative industries. This subject explores the intersection of technology and design across a range of industries looking beyond the field of entertainment. Students broaden their understanding of potential career opportunities by challenging existing stereotypes where specialist technical skills are utilised. Students are encouraged to investigate case studies, identify emergent trends and examine strategies to develop, navigate and cultivate collaborations with professionals from other specialisations.
Visual Language of Design | DGDVL100

In this subject students will study the history and evolution of art and design acknowledging the major influences and commentators of the industry.

The introduction of essential fundamental design principles and elements build to a comprehensive understanding, enabling students to start seeing and thinking like a designer.

Students will be challenged to develop visual solutions to design problems and acquire the knowledge, skills and perspective necessary to identify and articulate techniques and concepts exhibited in design work.

This is followed by an in-depth look at the design process from receiving the brief up to the client presentation and reflection on success of project.
Introduction to Programming | ITP122

In this subject, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and methodologies utilised in programming. Students will develop problem solving skills in order to identify appropriate tools and methodologies to address software requirements. Decision logics and iterative programming will be explored and applied through software coding, debugging and testing on various platforms. Lastly, students will produce and present verified and validated software solutions and documentation to meet project goals.
Motion Design | DIG104A

This subject introduces the foundational theory and practice of motion graphic design and live action camera production. Students will explore basic skills in concept development, asset creation, 2D animation and compositing suitable for motion graphic production. Additionally, the process of developing a live action video piece is introduced, from pre-production through to post-production, including fundamental sound design principles. Students will gain basic skills in camera-based production including basics of lighting, sound recording and editing.
Interaction Design | DIG103A

This subject explores the groundwork theory and practice of user experience (UX), user interface (UI) and interaction design for digital media. The subject covers the core research phases of UX before enabling students to create UI and web-based solutions to identified problems. Students will focus on interpreting and structuring information architecture and focus on the visual aspects of UI design – how visual design affects end-user experience.
Design Studio 2 | DSO103

Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.
2D Game Programming | GPR103

In this subject, introductory programming concepts and software engineering management methods are introduced within the context of game development. Through practical project-based learning and a foundational introduction to development through industry standard video game engine tools and associated programming languages, students will explore how to break complex development problems down into smaller tasks that can be planned, managed and implemented. This process will enable them to respond to game design briefs with appropriate programming and development solutions.

Technology

Learn with industry standard technologies

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

The big difference at Torrens University Australia is that you’ll start working in the design industry from day one – gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and making industry connections.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent and

Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

View all FAQs

Diploma of Game Design and Development