VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
Delivery mode*
In person
(City)
A hands-on degree with an emphasis on the creative aspects of gaming, this degree helps you develop an in-depth knowledge of the games industry, the game design pipeline and the history, aesthetics and societal impact of games and gaming. Through the creation of assets and topics in game art, game narrative and game design, you'll develop essential skills in game production using industry-standard software and game engines.
You'll work alongside industry and collaborate with other students on real-world games and VFX projects, developing the highly sought after and transferrable skills that employers want. At the end of this degree, you'll be skilled in critical analysis and reflection of the game creation process, preparing you for a fulfilling career in this growing industry.
THE World University Rankings 2024 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities
The Rookies Awards 2024
The Rookies Awards 2024
With the gaming industry tipped to be worth $3.4 trillion USD by 2028*, there is no better time than now to start your career in this growing industry. Take your first step into a career in game design and learn the latest skills to enhance your career prospects.
*PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024-2028
Salary
$128K
typical salary in Australia
Jobs growth
13.7%
5-year projection
A Game Designer develops the core mechanics, rules, and structure of a video game. They craft engaging gameplay experiences by designing levels, challenges, and systems. Collaborating with artists, programmers, and writers, they ensure the game is fun, balanced, and aligned with the creative vision. Creativity and problem-solving are key to success.
A Game Artist creates the visual elements of a video game, including characters, environments, textures, and user interface assets. They work closely with designers and developers to ensure the game’s art style supports gameplay and storytelling. Proficiency in 2D and/or 3D art tools and a strong understanding of visual aesthetics are essential.
Salary
$118K
typical salary in Australia
A Concept Artist visualises and sketches early designs for characters, environments, and objects in a game. Their artwork guides the overall visual direction, helping the team imagine how the game will look. They collaborate with designers and art teams to translate ideas into compelling, imaginative visual concepts.
A Game Writer creates dialogue, storylines, character backgrounds, and in-game text. They develop narratives that enhance immersion and support gameplay. Working closely with designers and developers, they ensure the story integrates smoothly into the game world, providing emotional depth and consistency across all narrative elements.
A Game Tester plays games in development to identify bugs, glitches, and design issues. They report problems and suggest improvements, ensuring the game runs smoothly and meets quality standards. Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential for delivering a polished and enjoyable final product.
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
GENERAL
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of one option topic.
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In your second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of one option topic.
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of one option topic.
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
By pursuing further study in game design, you’ll truly put theory into practice by developing a major creative work. Plus, you’ll develop strong research skills by developing a research question related to your creative product.
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Lecturer
Shane Bevin
Born in the year that we first walked on the moon, Shane Bevin spent most of his school lunch money on Time Pilot, Moon Patrol and Xevious-the dawn of the video game era. Digital art slowly took over his life.
Co-founder of Adelaide animation studio Monkeystack, Shane has experience in animation project management, render wrangling, 3D production, Virtual Reality production and software management.
Associate Professor
Dr Jason Bevan
A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and practitioner in Visual Effects, Postproduction, Animation and Film related courses. Jason has been a Course Leader in Visual Effects and associated subjects for over 2 decades. Before joining Flinders, he spent 2019 working as an Associate Professor in Visual Effects at XJTLU in Suzhou, China, helping to set up a new State of the Art Film School. He is currently an honorary Associate Professor in Visual Effects at the University of Liverpool in the UK.
Lecturer
Dr Lauren Woolbright
Lauren Woolbright specialises in interactive media design, games, and Environmental Humanities. She seeks to produce meaningful mediated experiences through games, focusing on inclusive game design practices and environmental storytelling. She teaches topics in VEED including Interaction Design and game design.
Lecturer
Katie Cavanagh
Katie Cavanagh explores the convergence and combination of text, design, image and meaning. She has a wealth of practical experience to offer students, having worked as a graphic designer, web monkey, and project manager for TechWorks and TMP Worldwide. Her skills have enhanced Flinders’ world-class visual effects credentials, highlighted by back-to-back wins in the prestigious Rookies Awards.
You will benefit from our strong connections to industry that will provide you with practical, real-world industry experience through placements.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
In addition to submitting an application, you must also submit the following as part of the entry requirements:
Once a complete application has been submitted, applicants will be sent further information by Flinders University (to the email address in their SATAC application) about how to submit the above information.
Applicants are required to submit a written statement, CV and a show reel/portfolio, and submit a completed and signed coversheet.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
On completion of Flinders’ bachelor's degree in game design, you will be able to:
As a graduate of Game Design, a wide range of career opportunities will be available to you in the gaming and creative industries. Potential roles include:
Game Designer – designing gameplay, mechanics, and user experiences
Level Designer – creating engaging environments and game levels
Game Artist – producing visual elements such as characters, textures, and environments
Technical Artist – bridging the gap between art and programming
Narrative Designer – crafting storylines, dialogue, and in-game narratives
Game Producer – managing teams, schedules, and project development
Animator – bringing characters and environments to life
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester – testing games to identify bugs and improve gameplay.
Graduates may also find opportunities in related fields such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), film, simulation, and interactive media production.
To become a Game Designer, you typically follow these key steps:
By completing a dedicated game design degree and actively building your skills and portfolio, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the industry as a game designer.
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2025 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
---|---|---|
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
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) | 28 | 24% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
International Students | 18 | 15% |
All students | 118 | 100% |
Get in touch with us to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.
No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.
If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.
Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.
Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.
If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:
If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.