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Diploma of Information Technology (Game Art and Design, Game Programming)
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.
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Nationally recognised training
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?
Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.
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
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.
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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
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history, with a minimum Year 12 completion (or equivalent).
- 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:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
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.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
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.
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Certificate IV in Information Technology (Gaming Development)
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Certificate IV in Cyber Security
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Certificate IV in Design
Course structure
Total of 20 units, comprising 6 core units, plus 14 elective units.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
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Originate and develop concepts
Core unit |
BSBCRT512 |
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Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices
Core unit |
BSBXCS402 |
|
Lead and facilitate a team
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
BSBXTW401 |
|
Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
ICTICT517 |
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Apply IP, ethics and privacy in ICT environments
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
ICTICT532 |
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Manage client problems
Core unit, 20.0 credit points |
ICTSAS527 |
| Elective units | |
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Apply artificial intelligence in game development
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points |
ICTGAM423 |
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Create complex 3-D interactive games
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points |
ICTGAM533 |
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Develop complex 3-D software for games and interactive media
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points |
ICTGAM535 |
|
Prepare games for different platforms and delivery modes
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
ICTGAM537 |
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Create and implement designs for 3-D games environments
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
ICTGAM539 |
|
Design and create advanced particles, fluids and bodies for 3-D digital effects
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
ICTGAM541 |
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Animate 3-D characters for digital games
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points |
ICTGAM542 |
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Produce digital animation sequences
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points |
ICTGAM543 |
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Manage technical art and rigging in 3-D animations
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
ICTGAM545 |
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Create interactive 3-D environments for digital games
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points |
ICTGAM547 |
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Collaborate in design of 3-D game levels and environments
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points |
ICTGAM549 |
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Create complex 3-D characters for games
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points |
ICTGAM552 |
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Build graphical user interfaces
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points |
ICTICT433 |
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Apply advanced programming skills in another language
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points |
ICTPRG547 |
2024 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$15,960
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$11,300
2025 fees
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 2024 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, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 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.
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.
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.
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.