Overview

You have the thumbs to score big, but do you have the tech skills to bring digital and interactive games to life? The Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design Game Programming) teaches you the technical art, programming and aesthetic foundation skills to make your dreams a reality. You’ll learn from gaming industry pros and develop your skills in 3D modelling, animation, cinematics, AI, scripting and much more. 

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
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Year 11 & 12 Hub

Skills you’ll learn

  • Game content creator
  • 3d modelling
  • Game engine scripting
  • Programming application

Your career opportunities

  • Games designer/developer
  • 3d modeller/animator
  • Environmental artist
  • Texture artist
  • Game programmer
  • 2d/3d artist level designer

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400212914
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

  • Logo for Two Moos by Two Bulls

    Partnering with Two Moos

    We are pleased to announce our partnership with Two Bulls and their dedicated family brand, Two Moos, which specialises in family-focused content creation. Students studying our Diploma and Certificate IV of Digital and Interactive Games will be inspired to create engaging apps, content and games through a series of workshops and masterclasses.

Admissions

There are no entry requirements, however we would recommend you have the skills and knowledge in;

  •   Intermediate to advanced general computer skills, including:
    • Computer navigation
    • Digital file management
    • Word processing
  •  Basic game development process and principles
  • Basic understanding in the function and use of game engines, ideally Unreal Engine
  • Basic understanding of object-oriented programming principle
  • Basic experience in 3D asset production, including:
    • 3D modelling
    • 3D texturing

or attainment of:

  • ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)

Applicants would additionally greatly benefit from skills and knowledge in the following:

  • Programming/Scripting tools:
    • C++ Programming
    • Python scripting
    • Unreal Engine Blueprint scripting
  • Game development tools:
    • Blender 3D
  • Adobe creative cloud suite
     

Note: Applicants without a solid grounding in information technology, may choose to complete the Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development) to gain foundational skills in the subject matter.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about RPL

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Total of 20 units, comprising 6 core units, plus 14 elective units.

6
Core units
+
14
Elective units
=
Diploma
Indicative nominal course hours: 1090

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices
Core unit
BSBXCS402
Lead and facilitate a team
Core unit
BSBXTW401
Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation
Core unit
ICTICT517
Apply IP, ethics and privacy in ICT environments
Core unit
ICTICT532
Manage client problems
Core unit
ICTSAS527
Originate and develop concepts
Core unit
BSBCRT512
Elective units
Apply artificial intelligence in game development
Elective unit
ICTGAM423
Create complex 3-D interactive games
Elective unit
ICTGAM533
Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media
Elective unit
ICTGAM535
Prepare games for different platforms and delivery modes
Elective unit
ICTGAM537
Create and implement designs for 3-D games environments
Elective unit
ICTGAM539
Design and create advanced particles, fluids and bodies for 3-D digital effects
Elective unit
ICTGAM541
Animate 3-D characters for digital games
Elective unit
ICTGAM542
Produce digital animation sequences
Elective unit
ICTGAM543
Manage technical art and rigging in 3-D animations
Elective unit
ICTGAM545
Create interactive 3-D environments for digital games
Elective unit
ICTGAM547
Collaborate in design of 3-D game levels and environments
Elective unit
ICTGAM549
Create complex 3-D characters for game
Elective unit
ICTGAM552
Build graphical user interfaces
Elective unit
ICTICT433
Apply advanced programming skills in another language
Elective unit
ICTPRG547

2023 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$18,500

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$12,600

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.
Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

$16,788

Learn more about VET student loans

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Learn more about concession rates

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

Learn more about SSAF

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2023 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
ICT50220
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400212914
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
14-February-2024
Start dates
19-February-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
February intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
19-February-2024
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
29-November-2023