Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/ Bachelor of Computer Science

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

It recognises the increasing convergence of games and other forms of media by complementing a core set of games-specific units with units that combine theoretical and practical knowledge, and teaches students how to apply these to the development of 2D and 3D games.

Students completing this degree will possess a highly desirable combination of skills, enabling them to find work in a variety of positions in the game industry, as well as in the broader information and communications technology sector.

The teaching philosophy aims to get to the creative core of play.

Students collaborate in small and large interdisciplinary groups designing, developing and playtesting games in a studio environment.

A core set of six sequential units enable students to produce a diverse portfolio including a board game, pervasive game, digital prototype, and original game title in their final year.

This core study of game design is expanded via specialised game units and engagement with related disciplines such as game development, animation, media studies, psychology, business, and software engineering.

The goal of this degree is to produce a diverse range of graduates able to engage with many aspects of the games industry and with core knowledge of what it means to be a game designer in the 21st century.

The Computer Science component focuses on developing expertise in software development and computer science.

Students receive extensive education in contemporary approaches to the analysis, design and implementation of large-scale systems, along with a sound understanding of the traditional aspects of computer science such as hardware and operating systems.

Like all IT courses at Swinburne, this course pays particular attention to the human factors involved in the development, deployment and use of computer-based systems.

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. View course rules and special requirements

Core studies

12 units (150 credit points)

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

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Major for Bachelor of Games and Interactivity in Games and Interactivity

8 units (100 credit points)

Learn about the role of games in contemporary society and how games are developing as a cultural industry. Undertake a range of projects focusing on analog and digital games, and develop practical and creative research and communication skills in a games lab environment. Become equipped with the skills needed to work in the rapidly evolving games industry as well as the broader digital media sector.

*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes

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Major for Bachelor of Computer Science

8 units (100 credit points)

Choose a major:

Choose a major Cybersecurity Data Science Games Development Internet of Things Network Design Software Design Software Development

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Other studies

4 units (50 credit points)

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 minor Minors Elective units Signature Series

Advanced minor (50 credit points)

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.

Minors (50 credit points)

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.The following minors are suggested for this course. Please also refer to the full list of available minors.

Elective units

Any of the following units may be undertaken.

Signature Series

A Swinburne education prepares you for life. That’s why we’ve developed the Swinburne Signature Series. It’s a suite of study opportunities that embody Swinburne’s ethos – of confidence, clarity and adventure. These opportunities give our students something extra; whether that’s a new perspective on the world through a Study Tour unit, an expanded sense of possibilities through our Innovation Minor, or a deeper understanding and respect for culture through our Indigenous Minor. Like Swinburne University itself, our Signature Series will grow and adapt to reflect the evolving issues of the day.

• 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

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.