Why Study / Key Benefits

The Games Development major combines computer science and software development with specialist games-development skills. Students learn to design and program computer games and interactive software while also developing knowledge of multimedia and internet technologies.

Key benefits include:

• A professional four-year Bachelor of Computer Science qualification.
• A specialised Games Development major.
• Practical development of programming, software-design and interactive-media skills.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects incorporated into the degree.
• A 12-month paid professional work placement opportunity.
• Access to industry-linked learning and real-world projects.
• Australian Computer Society (ACS) professional-level accreditation for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current indicative 2026 study sequence is structured as follows. Swinburne notes that unit availability and sequencing can change and that individual study plans may vary because of advanced standing or exemptions.

Year 1 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Computer Systems – COS10004
• Introduction to Programming – COS10009
• Web Technology Project – COS10026
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project – COS10025
• Object Oriented Programming – COS20007
• Networks and Switching – TNE10006
• 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments – DDD20022

Year 2 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Artificial Intelligence for Games – COS30002
• Database Design Project – COS20031
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Software Development for Mobile Devices – COS30017
• Games Programming – COS30031
• Computing Technology Innovation Project – COS30049
• Elective

Professional Work Placement – 100 credit points

The 12-month professional placement comprises:

• Work Experience in Industry A – WEI20001
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Information and Communication Technology – ICT20013
• Work Experience in Industry B – WEI20002
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Information and Communication Technology – ICT20014

Each of the four placement units is worth 25 credit points.

Year 4 – 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Computing Technology Project A – COS40005
• Software Architectures and Design – SWE30003
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Computing Technology Project B – COS40006
• Software Deployment and Evolution – SWE40006
• Elective

Disciplines / Specialisation

Specialisation: Games Development.

The Games Development major focuses on:

• Computer-game design and programming
• Interactive software
• Software development
• Multimedia creative design
• Object-oriented software development
• 3D modelling
• Artificial intelligence for games
• Games programming
• Mobile software development
• Database design
• Software architecture and design
• Software deployment and evolution.

Programme Highlights

Key programme features include:

• 4-year professional bachelor's degree
• Games Development major
• 375 total credit points
• 12-month paid professional work placement
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked projects
• Practical software and interactive-development experience
• Australian Computer Society professional-level accreditation
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne
• March and August intakes
• CRICOS registration for international students.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following career opportunities for the Games Development major:

• Digital content producer
• Multimedia developer
• Games designer
• Games programmer
• Software designer
• Software developer.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme page identifies the following important requirements and updates:

• The current course CRICOS code is 095880K.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The current professional-degree English requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
• Mathematics is a prerequisite for the course.
• The programme is ACS professionally accredited.
• The indicative study sequence published by Swinburne is for Semester 1, 2026 and may change.
• Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning are assessed individually.
• Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa is the Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a full-time course registered on CRICOS.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the applicable Student visa requirements.
• Genuine Student requirement responses and supporting documentation where required.
• Evidence of sufficient funds where required.
• Meeting the applicable English-language evidence requirements or an approved exemption.