Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Games and Interactivity / Bachelor of Computer Science is a four-year double degree combining game design and interactive-media skills with computer science, programming and software-development knowledge. Students develop and playtest games in a studio environment while building broader computing expertise.

Key benefits include:

• Two bachelor's qualifications completed as a four-year double degree.
• Combines game design, interactive applications and computer science.
• Studio-based game development and playtesting.
• Development of software-development and computer-science skills.
• Industry-linked project work through Work Integrated Learning.
• Six computer-science-related project units are included as professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Development of critical and analytical thinking, creative problem-solving and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Professional accreditation by the Australian Computer Society.
• Opportunity to undertake an optional professional work placement.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The double degree combines the prescribed Bachelor of Games and Interactivity component with the Bachelor of Computer Science component. Swinburne notes that the actual sequence can vary according to unit availability, prerequisites and commencement semester.

Games and Interactivity core units currently shown include:

• Sound Design and Acquisition — FTV10005
• Introduction to Game Studies — ART10004
• 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments — DDD20022
• Principles of Game Design — GAM10002
• Introduction to Games Production — GAM20001
• Pervasive Game Design Lab — GAM20002
• Digital Game Prototyping Lab — GAM20003
• Writing for Interactive Narratives — GAM20004
• Games & Interactivity Project 1 — GAM30002
• Behaviour and Motivation in Games — ART30003
• Games & Interactivity Project 2 — GAM30003
• User-Centred Design & Evaluation — GAM30004.

Computer Science core units currently shown include:

• Computer Systems — COS10004
• Introduction to Programming — COS10009
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project — COS10025
• Web Technology Project — COS10026
• Networks and Switching — TNE10006
• Object Oriented Programming — COS20007
• Computing Technology Project A — COS40005
• Computing Technology Project B — COS40006.

The course also contains major and elective units. The complete elective range is provided through the course handbook rather than the main course page.

Optional professional placement:

Option 1 — Games and Interactivity:

• Work Experience in Industry A — WEI20001
• Integrated Professional Placement A – Games and Interactivity — GAM20007
• Work Experience in Industry B — WEI20002
• Integrated Professional Placement B – Games and Interactivity — GAM20008

Option 2 — Information and Communication Technology:

• 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

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Computer Science component offers the following major choices:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Games Development
• Internet of Things
• Software Development.

The major determines the specific computer-science specialisation alongside the Games and Interactivity qualification.

Brief focus areas published by Swinburne include:

• Artificial Intelligence: machine learning and AI engineering techniques.
• Cyber Security: cybersecurity and ethical hacking-related skills.
• Data Science: statistical methods, big-data management and data visualisation.
• Games Development: computer-game and interactive-software design and programming.
• Internet of Things: programming connected devices and developing software solutions.
• Software Development: software architecture, mobile/tablet applications and software development.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year undergraduate double degree.
• 400 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• Two qualifications: Games and Interactivity plus Computer Science.
• Six available Computer Science majors.
• Game development and playtesting in a studio environment.
• Industry-linked project learning.
• Optional 100-credit-point professional placement.
• Australian Computer Society professional accreditation.
• CRICOS code 088393F.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Core programming, computing systems, networks and software-development studies combined with game design and interactive-media studies.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists the following career opportunities:

• Games developer
• Computer graphics (CG) animator
• Games tester
• Multimedia developer
• Data scientist
• Software architect
• Programmer
• Software developer.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme information indicates:

• 2027 Semester 1 commencement: 1 March 2027.
• 2027 Semester 2 commencement: 2 August 2027.
• Hawthorn campus for both intakes.
• Application deadlines: 24 February 2027 for Semester 1 and 28 July 2027 for Semester 2.

Important academic requirements include:

• International Year 12 or equivalent, or an approved tertiary qualification.
• Mathematics prerequisite for the relevant VCE pathway.
• IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0, or approved equivalent.
• Students without the required mathematics background may need the MathsLink Further Mathematics bridging programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

The appropriate Australian visa for an international student travelling to Australia for this on-campus degree is generally the Student visa (subclass 500).

Swinburne specifically states that international students in Australia holding Student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. This programme is therefore compatible with the stated full-time, on-campus study arrangement.

General Student visa requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible Australian course.
• Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable financial-capacity requirements.
• Compliance with visa conditions.