Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming) is suited to students who enjoy programming, mathematics, problem-solving and creating interactive digital experiences.

Key benefits include:

• Learning programming languages such as C++ and Swift.

• Developing the technical skills needed to build and test computer games.

• Learning software engineering principles and game development techniques.

• Studying artificial intelligence, advanced graphics programming and game engine development.

• Collaborating with game artists and designers to create interactive experiences.

• Developing teamwork, project management, communication, presentation and debugging skills.

• Producing game projects that can demonstrate technical ability to prospective employers.

• Exploring different areas of game programming through advanced electives and capstone projects.

• Opportunities to study on campus or online, subject to the programme arrangements available.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree is structured around three academic years, progressing from programming foundations to advanced software engineering and a major game production.

Year 1 — Programming foundations and game development

The first year introduces the core skills required to design, build, test and debug games.

Main topics include:

• Introduction to Software Engineering for Games: C++ programming, programming fundamentals and the development of simple computer games.

• Programming logic and problem-solving: applying programming concepts to practical development tasks.

• Practical mathematics: mathematical skills relevant to programming and game development.

• Game construction, testing and debugging: learning to build functional game prototypes and identify software errors.

• Software engineering foundations: understanding the development processes needed to produce reliable software.

Year 2 — Advanced programming and collaborative game production

The second year develops technical skills and introduces larger collaborative projects.

Published components include:

• Artificial Intelligence (15 credits): evaluating AI approaches and learning how artificial intelligence techniques can be applied to software engineering.

• Software Engineering for Games (15 credits): applying software engineering principles, formal modelling and quality considerations to game production.

• Software Engineering for Mobile Platforms (15 credits): developing software for emerging and resource-constrained platforms, with attention to usability, reliability, privacy and security.

• People and Games (15 credits): exploring the social, cultural and historical aspects of the games industry, including game design and technical limitations.

• Game Mini Project II — Rapid Game Prototype (20 credits): planning, developing, testing and presenting a collaborative game project.

Year 3 — Game engines and major production

The final year focuses on advanced technical development and a major game project.

Published components include:

• Game Engine Development (15 credits): studying real-time software systems, game engine architecture, component integration and performance optimisation.

• Software Engineering Capstone Project (30 credits): investigating a selected software engineering topic and applying research and technical knowledge to a major production.

• Software Engineering Game Development Capstone Project (20 credits): researching a technical game development area and developing a specialist skill set.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme focuses on software engineering for interactive entertainment. Students can explore areas such as:

• Game programming and gameplay systems.

• Software engineering and software architecture.

• Artificial intelligence programming.

• Game engine development.

• Advanced graphics and 3D programming.

• Mobile game development.

• Mathematical programming.

• Game design and technical implementation.

• Collaborative game production.

• Software testing, debugging and optimisation.

Programme Highlights

• A three-year undergraduate degree at NZQF Level 7.

• A total of 420 credits.

• A specialist focus on programming for video games and interactive software.

• C++ programming and further programming-language development.

• Practical work in game construction, testing and debugging.

• Advanced study of artificial intelligence, mobile platforms and software engineering for games.

• Game engine development and major final-year projects.

• Collaboration with game artists and designers.

• Technical capstone opportunities in areas such as gameplay, 3D programming and AI.

• No portfolio requirement for admission.

• On-campus and online study options listed by MDS.

• Published February and July 2027 start dates.

Career Outcomes

The degree is intended to prepare graduates for technical roles in game development and related software industries.

Potential career pathways include:

• Gameplay programmer: developing character controls, physics, interactions and game mechanics.

• Game engine programmer: building and maintaining the systems and tools used by game development teams.

• AI programmer: creating algorithms for non-player characters, pathfinding and in-game decision-making.

• Game developer: implementing game features and collaborating with designers, artists and other programmers.

• Mobile game developer: developing software for mobile and other resource-constrained platforms.

• Software engineer: applying software development and engineering practices beyond the games industry.

• Graphics or 3D programmer: working on the technical systems that support graphics and real-time rendering, subject to relevant skills and experience.

• Game tools developer: creating tools and workflows that improve development efficiency.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

For prospective 2027 students, the following details are particularly important:

• Published start dates: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.

• Published international Year 1 tuition: NZD $35,551.

• Minimum age: 18 when the programme commences for international students, including online students.

• Portfolio: not required for this qualification.

• Academic preparation: applicants should pay particular attention to the mathematics, physics, computing and technology requirements.

• Computer equipment: students must have a suitable device capable of running the software required for the programme. MDS provides BYOD recommendations.

• Course quotas: may apply, so applicants should confirm availability before making non-refundable commitments.

• Study mode: students intending to study in New Zealand should confirm the approved delivery arrangement and associated visa requirements.

• Programme changes: the official course outline and component availability should be reconfirmed before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

Students intending to study on campus in Auckland should review Immigration New Zealand's official Fee Paying Student Visa requirements.

Offer of place

Applicants generally need an offer of place from an approved education provider. The offer must identify the programme and its duration, study load and other required details. The provider must be satisfied that the course is appropriate and that the student has the academic and English-language ability to complete it.

Tuition fees

Students must demonstrate that they can pay the applicable tuition fees or qualify for an accepted exemption. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence covering one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter. Eligible applicants applying from outside New Zealand may be able to apply for approval in principle before paying tuition, subject to the applicable conditions.

Living costs

For tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand currently specifies at least NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses. For study lasting less than a year, the published requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

These amounts are separate from tuition. Applicants must also show that they can pay for outward travel or have an acceptable ticket or funding arrangement.

Financial evidence

Acceptable evidence may include bank statements, eligible fixed-term deposits, education loan documentation, scholarship evidence, or acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking documents. Immigration New Zealand may request additional information to establish the source and availability of funds.

Health, character and insurance

Applicants must meet the applicable health and character requirements and declare that they will maintain medical and travel insurance acceptable to their education provider. Additional medical examinations or police certificates may be required depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Passport and supporting documents

Applicants generally need a valid passport, an acceptable photograph, an offer of place, tuition and living-cost evidence, and any additional supporting documents required for their case. Documents that require translation should be provided in accordance with Immigration New Zealand's rules.

Visa cost and processing

The official Fee Paying Student Visa page currently lists a cost from NZD $850 and reports that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks. These figures can change and are not guarantees of an individual outcome. Immigration New Zealand advises applicants to apply at least three months before planned travel.

Work rights

The visa may permit eligible students to work part-time during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their individual visa conditions. Students must follow the conditions printed on their visa and should not assume that work rights are automatic.

Online study

MDS lists online study as an option, but online enrolment does not by itself establish eligibility for a New Zealand student visa. Applicants should confirm their intended study arrangement and immigration pathway before paying tuition or making travel arrangements.