General Information

Overview

The Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Computer Science will give you a broad knowledge of game design, combined with the computer science skills required to develop games and interactive applications.

Prepare to develop and playtest games in a studio environment while you collaborate with others and develop expertise in software development and computer science. 

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/ Bachelor of Computer Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Sound Design and Acquisition
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FTV10005
Introduction to Game Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ART10004
3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD20022
Principles of Game Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM10002
Introduction to Games Production
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM20001
Pervasive Game Design Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM20002
Digital Game Prototyping Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM20003
Writing for Interactive Narratives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM20004
Games & Interactivity Project 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM30002
Behaviour and Motivation in Games
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ART30003
Games & Interactivity Project 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM30003
User-Centred Design & Evaluation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		GAM30004
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Computer Systems
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS10004
Introduction to Programming
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS10009
Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS10025
Computing Technology Inquiry Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS10026
Networks and Switching
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		TNE10006
Object Oriented Programming
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS20007
Computing Technology Project A
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS40005
Computing Technology Project B
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		COS40006
Units of study Unit code
Units of study Unit code

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - more information will be available soon.

3D Modelling and Animation Advanced
Visual Effects Advanced

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

  • Applied Psychology
  • Communication Design
  • Computer Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Innovation
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
View minor units

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

Units of study Unit code
Option 1
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Games and Interactivity
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points 		GAM20007
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Games and Interactivity
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points 		GAM20008
or
Option 2
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points 		ICT20013
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points 		ICT20014

These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Find more detail about elective units

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Computer Science, graduates will be able to:

  • systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings of games and interactivity
  • formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in the area of games and interactivity
  • critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of games and interactivity
  • define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in the area of games and interactivity
  • apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
  • interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
  • coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts
  • apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science and software development in diverse contexts and domains using critical thinking and judgment
  • apply software engineering methods and contemporary software development tools to the scoping, analysis, design, construction, verification and operation of software systems
  • communicate proficiently to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a software development team, and use the basic tools and practices of project management within project work
  • demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional software development practice in a global context
  • apply problem analysis and decision-making methodologies to identify, design and implement solutions to industry relevant problems with intellectual independence
  • reflect on personal performance, learning, and self-management processes as a means of continued professional development and lifelong learning.

Professional recognition

This degree is accredited with the Australian Computer Society at the professional level.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Games and Interactivity / Bachelor of Computer Science, students must complete (400 credit points) as follows:

  • 12 core units (150 credit points)
  • 8 Games and Interactivity Major units (100 credit points)
  • 8 units of study from one of the following Computer Science majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Network Design, Software Design, Software Development, Internet of Things (100 credit points)
  • 4 units of study (50 credit points) comprising of an advanced minor, minor, or electives.

Students must not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory level.

A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternative.

Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. This option is not available to international students.

Professional placements

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 475 credit points comprising:

  • 12 core units (150 credit points)
  • 8 Games and Interactivity Major units (100 credit points)
  • 8 units of study from one of the following Computer Science majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Network Design, Software Design, Software Development, Internet of Things (100 credit points)
  • 4 units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points)
  • 2 units of study (25 credit points) comprising of electives.

Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 437.5 credit points comprising:

  • 12 core units (150 credit points)
  • 8 Games and Interactivity Major units (100 credit points)
  • 8 units of study from one of the following Computer Science majors: Cybersecurity, Data Science, Games Development, Network Design, Software Design, Software Development, Internet of Things (100 credit points)
  • 2 units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points)
  • 3 units of study (37.5 credit points) comprising of electives

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Computer Science is 200 credit points (normally 16 units), 100 credit points maximum from each discipline

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 70 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course. 

Selection rank adjustments 

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne. 

Subject Adjustments 

A study score of 25 in any Business, any Information Technology, any Mathematics or Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.

Meeting course prerequisites 

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2023

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds ATAR
Excluding adjustment factors		 Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 97.25 97.9 
Median rank to receive an offer 76.3 79.6 
Lowest rank to receive an offer 60.85  69.1

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Semester 1, 2023
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) <5 <5
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 <5
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) <5 <5
(D) Recent secondary education:    
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) 18 60%
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) N/A N/A
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) <5 <5
International students <5 <5
All students 30  100%

Notes: 
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/ Bachelor of Computer Science?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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