Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Games and Interactivity / Bachelor of Animation is a four-year double degree combining game design, interactive experiences and animation. Swinburne describes the programme as providing a competitive edge across games development and animation, with students learning animation techniques alongside the cultural, creative and technical dimensions of games.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Combined qualifications in Games and Interactivity and Animation
• Practical development of both digital games and animation
• Exposure to 2D and 3D animation techniques
• Game design, prototyping and production experience
• Character and environment design
• Interactive narrative development
• User-centred design and evaluation
• Major animation production projects
• Studio-based and project-based learning
• Development of creative problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills
• Access to industry-standard software and animation facilities
• Opportunities to build a portfolio across games and animation
• Industry connections and Work Integrated Learning opportunities, subject to international-student eligibility

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The double degree integrates two disciplines rather than simply adding two separate three-year degrees together.

Games and Interactivity component:

Core units include:

• Sound Design and Acquisition
• Introduction to Game Studies
• 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
• Principles of Game Design
• Introduction to Games Production
• Pervasive Game Design Lab
• Digital Game Prototyping Lab
• Writing for Interactive Narratives
• Games & Interactivity Project 1
• Behaviour and Motivation in Games
• Games & Interactivity Project 2
• User-Centred Design & Evaluation

Animation component:

Core units include:

• Introduction to Animation
• 2D Production Techniques for Animation
• History of Animation
• Introduction to Character and Environment Design
• 3D Production Techniques for Animation
• Action Analysis and Locomotion
• Advanced Character Design for Animation
• Acting for Animation
• Sound Design and Acquisition
• Genre and the Moving Image
• Writing and Directing for Animation
• Producing and Production Management for Animation
• Major Project: Preproduction
• Major Project: Production and Post Production

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme has two principal disciplines:

• Games and Interactivity
• Animation

Students can, however, shape part of their study through other-study components, including minors, advanced minors and electives. The handbook lists options such as:

• 3D Modelling and Animation Advanced
• Design-related study
• Motion and screen-related study
• Digital narratives
• Creative writing
• Games and interactivity
• Media studies
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Digital video and camera techniques

Programme Highlights

Important programme features include:

• 4-year double degree
• 400 credit points
• Hawthorn campus
• Two 2027 entry points
• CRICOS registration: 095611J
• Games design and development
• Animation production
• 2D and 3D animation
• Character and environment design
• Game prototyping
• Interactive narratives
• User-centred game design
• Major animation projects
• Industry-oriented projects
• Professional software and production skills
• Industry connections
• Professional accreditation/industry relationships including Toon Boom Center of Excellence and International Game Developers Association.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities across the games, animation and related creative industries.

Potential careers include:

• Games developer
• Games tester
• Multimedia developer
• Editor
• Director
• Producer
• Stop-motion animator
• Animator
• Animation production roles
• Digital media and motion-graphics roles

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current programme remains listed for 2027 entry, with Semester 1 and Semester 2 starts.

Important current points for international students:

• CRICOS: 095611J
• Location: Hawthorn
• Duration: 4 years
• Study mode: onsite
• 400 credit points
• 2027 starts: 1 March and 2 August
• International English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0, or accepted equivalent
• International Student visa holders must study full-time and on campus.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this course in Australia, the relevant visa is generally the Australian Student visa (Subclass 500).

The course is CRICOS registered and is delivered on campus, which is compatible with the standard requirement that international Student visa holders undertaking an Australian higher-education course study full-time and comply with their enrolment and visa conditions. Swinburne explicitly states that international students in Australia holding Student visas are required to study full-time and on campus.

Important visa considerations include:

• Valid enrolment in the course and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Maintaining appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement
• Demonstrating financial capacity where required
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements
• Meeting the Department of Home Affairs English-language requirements where applicable
• Complying with Student visa work and study conditions