Bachelor of Games Development
START YOUR CAREER AHEAD OF THE GAME
Available at
Adelaide,
Brisbane,
Byron Bay,
Melbourne,
Perth,
Sydney
Fees
Bachelor of Games Development
Domestic Fees
Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $3,807
6 x $2,728
4 x $5,456
2 x $8,184
Indicative Annual Course Fees*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$26,140 AUD Year 1
$21,824 AUD Year 2
$21,824 AUD Year 3
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
Indicative Total Course Fee*
(based on 3.0 EFTSL)
$69,788 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Total Course Fee & Indicative Annual Course Fees reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fee & Payment page.
Bachelor of Games Development
International Fees
Units x Costs ($AUD)
4 x $4,439
6 x $3,178
4 x $6,356
2 x $9,534
Indicative Annual Course Fees*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL)
$30,468 AUD Year 1
$25,424 AUD Year 2
$25,424 AUD Year 3
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
Indicative Total Course Fee*
(based on 3.0 EFTSL)
$81,316 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Indicative Total Course Fee & Indicative Annual Course Fees reflects that students are charged fees on a per unit basis and the fee for a unit may increase.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fee & Payment page.
Duration(s)
6 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
Complete your course faster by studying units across 2 years (6 trimesters).
Bachelor of Games Development
Course Durations
6 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
Complete your course faster by studying units across 2 years (6 trimesters).
8 Trimesters Full Time
Complete the study units across 2.5 years. (8 trimesters).
9 Trimesters Full Time
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete course units over a 3 year period (9 trimesters).
Part-time option available
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
We understand that things can change, so you'll have the flexibility to change your study load throughout your course if you need to.
Start Date(s)
September 2024
Bachelor of Games Development
Start Dates
Adelaide
September 2024
February 2025
May 2025
Brisbane
September 2024
February 2025
May 2025
Byron Bay
September 2024
February 2025
May 2025
Melbourne
September 2024
February 2025
May 2025
Perth
September 2024
February 2025
May 2025
Sydney
September 2024
February 2025
May 2025
Entry Requirements
Bachelor of Games Development
Domestic Entry Requirements
Domestic students must meet one of the following criteria:
Completion of a Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (QCE, WACE, HSC, SACE, etc) (like your Year 12 certificate or equivalent); OR
Completion of a Diploma level qualification issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF); OR
Completion of a Certificate IV level qualification issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF); OR
Bachelor of Games Development
International Entry Requirements
International Entry Requirements
Minimum age requirements
International students seeking admission to SAE must be 18 years of age OR must be turning 18 during their first trimester of studies at SAE.
Academic requirements
Successful completion of secondary school studies (assessed as an equivalent of Australian Year 12 secondary studies). Minimum overall pass is required.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing Sydney (IELTS): An overall score of 6.0 or higher with no individual band lower than 5.5 (only the Academic Test is accepted), OR
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 73 overall (internet-based test), OR
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic score of 46 or higher, OR
Completion of Year 12 English in an Australian secondary school or college or equivalent with a minimum result of “Satisfactory” or equivalent.
BACHELOR OF GAMES DEVELOPMENT
Make the transition from gamer to game developer, exploring a range of genres for a range of platforms – roleplaying games, platformers, adventure, PC, FPS, mobile, and VR.
Not only are games becoming some of the biggest entertainment properties in the world, but industries are now also using the positive effects of ‘gamification’ and serious games to encourage behavioural change, particularly in fields of healthcare, training, and safety.
Games have the potential to change the world, and we can give you the skills to help change yours. Our bachelor’s degree starts at the base level and builds your expertise in programming and design.
As a student of Games at SAE, we offer small classes and one-on-one mentoring opportunities you may not find in a larger university. You’ll develop and apply advanced techniques and strategies to use industry software like Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender and Maya. In addition to this, you could develop for technologies such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Android, and iOS. You’ll also learn the core technologies under the hood of game engines with expert mentors guiding you in industry-standard engine languages like C++ and C#.
Your growth and development as a creative practitioner will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects and help you build up a body of work and a portfolio to share with potential employers or first clients.
In preparation for an industry that commands agility and adaptability, you’ll cut your creative teeth on projects in partnership with your course peers. As your skills develop and you work on more dynamic projects, you’ll apply your capabilities to cross-discipline projects. By the end of your course, you could be collaborating with fellow students across all SAE disciplines.
With a Bachelor of Games Development, you’ll be ready for cutting-edge industry roles using modern creative business concepts and strategies. Career options include Mobile App Developer, Level Designer, Systems Designer, or UX Designer.
Ultimately, this is all about a qualification that will expand your career. There is work placement as part of your course, to provide practical experience and help build your network. We’ll also equip you with employability skills, giving you professional strategies in communication and self-promotion.
Your epic adventure in gaming starts here.
Career Outcomes
What jobs will this course lead to?
- Game Designer
- Game Economy Designer
- Level Designer
- Simulation Specialists
- Analysts
- Community Managers
- Systems Designer
- User Experience Designer
- Graphics Programmer
- Games Writer
What our students say about SAE
"The best memories I have of my time at SAE are my interactions with other students and lecturers. With so many like-minded people surrounding you at all times, you can't help but be inspired and guided to new and exciting ideas on a daily basis."
Jair Wallace
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Games Designer and Developer
"I really appreciated how my course at SAE not only started with the basics of game development, programming and design, but they were also able to immerse us into what the industry is like."
Regine Caramancion
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Independent Games Developer
"When I was doing my major project, I was encouraged to collaborate with students who were studying audio or design, and that’s exactly what you do in the real world. You have to learn how to get along with people who have different skill sets to yourself and navigate through any issues."
Nik Pantis
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Production Manager, UbisoftWhy study a Bachelor of Games Development at SAE?
A collaborative learning environment where your teachers are also your mentors.
A range of approaches to learning and teaching - virtual and on-campus - that provides flexibility, real-world application and support for students.
Advanced mentoring in techniques and strategies to use industry software like Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender and Maya.
Learn and apply advanced-techniques and strategies to use industry software like:
Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender and Maya
Practical, immersive training
Learn as you collaborate on real-world projects and briefs. Build a portfolio to share with an employer or first client.
Cross discipline collaboration
Apply your skills and work with other students on film, audio, music and animation projects at SAE.
Expand your career
Graduate with a portfolio, work experience, employability and entrepreneurial skills and a network of fellow creatives.
YOUR CAREER IN GAMES BEGINS NOW
Tools & Software
Games Development Skills
Gameplay programming
Game engine scripting
Game design
C++ and C# programming language
Tools development
Level design
Narrative design
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Games Development is broken up into three distinct stages, each designed to develop different skills.
Stage 1: Foundations
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other creative media students and professionals.
Credit points: 10
Beyond technical and craft skills, expert practitioners also have an understanding of the historical, scholarly and cultural context of games. Through developing your ability to identify scholarly and authoritative resources, your skills in research, and your capacity to argue, present and write academically, you will become a more literate creative. You'll be able to apply these skills in industry to build better outcomes for your project and company with strong links to both the past and future of Games.
Potential projects: Working in a team, you'll develop a paper and digital presentation in the style of a Games Developer's Conference.
Beyond technical and craft skills, expert practitioners also have an understanding of the historical, scholarly and cultural context of games. Through developing your ability to identify scholarly and authoritative resources, your skills in research, and your capacity to argue, present and write academically, you will become a more literate creative. You'll be able to apply these skills in industry to build better outcomes for your project and company with strong links to both the past and future of Games.
Potential projects: Working in a team, you'll develop a paper and digital presentation in the style of a Games Developer's Conference.
Credit points: 10
Game scripting is a common method of controlling the behaviour and sequencing of events and interactions within a game or scenario. Scripting can be thought of as a discrete language that uses principles of mathematics, combined with rules of syntax and patterns, to provide instructions for a computer to follow.
In this unit, you will implement a range of basic game functionality by utilising data manipulation, formulas, object creation, defining of behaviours, and working with event systems. You will also build an awareness of how to use these elements within common game scripting languages and environments.
Potential projects:
Build a simple game from scratch using an existing game engine such as Unity with C#.
Game scripting is a common method of controlling the behaviour and sequencing of events and interactions within a game or scenario. Scripting can be thought of as a discrete language that uses principles of mathematics, combined with rules of syntax and patterns, to provide instructions for a computer to follow.
In this unit, you will implement a range of basic game functionality by utilising data manipulation, formulas, object creation, defining of behaviours, and working with event systems. You will also build an awareness of how to use these elements within common game scripting languages and environments.
Potential projects:
Build a simple game from scratch using an existing game engine such as Unity with C#.
Credit points: 10
In order to design and create games we need to be able to understand game systems and how they generate player experience. Games are complex, sitting at the intersection of art, technology, and psychology. To be able to become an effective game developer, it's important to start at a point where you can experiment and see the immediate outcomes of your decisions upon a product. It's for this reason that most game developers start off with small, rapidly developed games or modifications to check their thinking. In this module you will learn how to analyse existing games to identify and describe their core elements and interactions. You will apply this understanding to manipulate existing games in addition to designing new ones, and then check the effectiveness of your work through playtesting and player feedback.
In order to design and create games we need to be able to understand game systems and how they generate player experience. Games are complex, sitting at the intersection of art, technology, and psychology. To be able to become an effective game developer, it's important to start at a point where you can experiment and see the immediate outcomes of your decisions upon a product. It's for this reason that most game developers start off with small, rapidly developed games or modifications to check their thinking. In this module you will learn how to analyse existing games to identify and describe their core elements and interactions. You will apply this understanding to manipulate existing games in addition to designing new ones, and then check the effectiveness of your work through playtesting and player feedback.
Credit points: 10
This unit will introduce you to 2D Game Development and is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge and skills necessary for creating 2D games. The course is structured to guide students through the process of planning and developing 2D game assets, laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully realised 2D game concept.
By the end of this unit you will have created the necessary 2D assets required to convey the mood and tone of your own game. With these assets, you will have several fully realised scenes, built in a game engine that depict your vision and demonstrate your understanding of the 2D asset production pipeline.
This unit will introduce you to 2D Game Development and is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge and skills necessary for creating 2D games. The course is structured to guide students through the process of planning and developing 2D game assets, laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully realised 2D game concept.
By the end of this unit you will have created the necessary 2D assets required to convey the mood and tone of your own game. With these assets, you will have several fully realised scenes, built in a game engine that depict your vision and demonstrate your understanding of the 2D asset production pipeline.
Credit points: 10
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
Credit points: 10
Game systems increase in importance and complexity in proportion to the size of a project. This relationship requires modular and reusable systems within game development pipelines, which can be applied to other projects. In this unit, you will extend basic scripting principles by implementing event-systems and applied mathematics in the form of modular game systems. This will involve reviewing good code design by developing or modifying fundamental game systems driven by geometry, vectors, and physics, such as input systems and character controllers, as well as researching, designing, and developing a complex game system, such as a 2D boss battle system, RPG dialogue system, or action-adventure inventory system.
Game systems increase in importance and complexity in proportion to the size of a project. This relationship requires modular and reusable systems within game development pipelines, which can be applied to other projects. In this unit, you will extend basic scripting principles by implementing event-systems and applied mathematics in the form of modular game systems. This will involve reviewing good code design by developing or modifying fundamental game systems driven by geometry, vectors, and physics, such as input systems and character controllers, as well as researching, designing, and developing a complex game system, such as a 2D boss battle system, RPG dialogue system, or action-adventure inventory system.
Credit points: 10
3D Asset Production introduces students to the planning, design and construction of 3D models using industry standard software and techniques. This unit introduces students to concepts of workflows and pipelines in order to develop 3D assets for a number of purposes for games, animation, VFX and real-time applications. Students will develop their understanding of theoretical concepts and the practical application of 3D modelling through a hands-on approach. By planning and creating a number of 3D assets, students will develop their skills in using industry standard 3D modelling software including Maya in addition to being introduced to Substance Painter.
Students will also be introduced to the principles and concepts of transferring 3D models between applications including real-time engines and other 3D software. Through iteration and refinement, students will build their understanding of the technical and aesthetic considerations for 3D asset development for a range of contexts.
3D Asset Production introduces students to the planning, design and construction of 3D models using industry standard software and techniques. This unit introduces students to concepts of workflows and pipelines in order to develop 3D assets for a number of purposes for games, animation, VFX and real-time applications. Students will develop their understanding of theoretical concepts and the practical application of 3D modelling through a hands-on approach. By planning and creating a number of 3D assets, students will develop their skills in using industry standard 3D modelling software including Maya in addition to being introduced to Substance Painter.
Students will also be introduced to the principles and concepts of transferring 3D models between applications including real-time engines and other 3D software. Through iteration and refinement, students will build their understanding of the technical and aesthetic considerations for 3D asset development for a range of contexts.
Credit points: 10
In order to create games, we must be able to manage the complexity of the game development process. To do this successfully, we need to be able to manage group communication and collaboration. This requires common languages and structures that support the variety of disciplines involved. We must also build familiarity with toolsets and existing industry practices, and be able to formulate and execute clear plans for delivering high-quality game assets and features on time. It is also essential to articulate the lessons you learn during development through reflection in a "post mortem" after a project is complete.
In this unit, you will learn about project management techniques and work in a group to pitch, design, plan, and deliver a game in response to project briefs. This will include learning and applying a range of group work and organisational skills, as well as applying iteration processes to your game design. Managing projects in this way will help you expand your existing skills in design and scripting to craft a broader range of gameplay systems and features.
In order to create games, we must be able to manage the complexity of the game development process. To do this successfully, we need to be able to manage group communication and collaboration. This requires common languages and structures that support the variety of disciplines involved. We must also build familiarity with toolsets and existing industry practices, and be able to formulate and execute clear plans for delivering high-quality game assets and features on time. It is also essential to articulate the lessons you learn during development through reflection in a "post mortem" after a project is complete.
In this unit, you will learn about project management techniques and work in a group to pitch, design, plan, and deliver a game in response to project briefs. This will include learning and applying a range of group work and organisational skills, as well as applying iteration processes to your game design. Managing projects in this way will help you expand your existing skills in design and scripting to craft a broader range of gameplay systems and features.
Stage 2: Refine & Expand
Broaden your scope to work on complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry standard practices.
Credit points: 10
In CIM210 you will be working on interdisciplinary projects that relate to some of the most important concepts in contemporary media production. You will learn practical and analytical skills in order to help you develop your creative powers and meet briefs that take you out of your comfort zone. You will need to bring all of the skills you have learned so far: technical skills, research skills, communication skills and a growth mindset, and be prepared to encounter new concepts and new ways of working.
In CIM210 you will be working on interdisciplinary projects that relate to some of the most important concepts in contemporary media production. You will learn practical and analytical skills in order to help you develop your creative powers and meet briefs that take you out of your comfort zone. You will need to bring all of the skills you have learned so far: technical skills, research skills, communication skills and a growth mindset, and be prepared to encounter new concepts and new ways of working.
Credit points: 10
Media and culture are not simply entertainment, but something that affects the “real world”, our everyday lives, and our worldviews. As such, we will not ask whether media accurately reflect the real world but instead ask how media shape, reinforce, and challenge power structures that influence our understanding of the world and ourselves. This unit takes a ‘critical theory’ approach to analyze media and culture. In this unit, you will explore media texts, contexts and meaning, society and subjectivity, pop culture aesthetics, and critical cultural discourses that inform creative media practices.
Drawing on a range of creative content and analytical frameworks, you will be encouraged to develop ways of thinking about media and culture that demonstrate a broad awareness of aesthetic principles and stylistic trends; subjectivity, agency, ethics, and relations of power; contexts, disciplines and discursive formations. In support of this exploration, you will produce a range of media artifacts that explore and contextualize the relationship of media to culture through individual analysis, collaborative and interdisciplinary creative practice, and critical reflection.
Media and culture are not simply entertainment, but something that affects the “real world”, our everyday lives, and our worldviews. As such, we will not ask whether media accurately reflect the real world but instead ask how media shape, reinforce, and challenge power structures that influence our understanding of the world and ourselves. This unit takes a ‘critical theory’ approach to analyze media and culture. In this unit, you will explore media texts, contexts and meaning, society and subjectivity, pop culture aesthetics, and critical cultural discourses that inform creative media practices.
Drawing on a range of creative content and analytical frameworks, you will be encouraged to develop ways of thinking about media and culture that demonstrate a broad awareness of aesthetic principles and stylistic trends; subjectivity, agency, ethics, and relations of power; contexts, disciplines and discursive formations. In support of this exploration, you will produce a range of media artifacts that explore and contextualize the relationship of media to culture through individual analysis, collaborative and interdisciplinary creative practice, and critical reflection.
Credit points: 10
Game development is a long and complicated process. But how do game developers know what ideas to pursue and which ones to give up? This is why we develop rapid prototypes: to test a theory or idea before we lose months or years of time to a concept that is simply too challenging to develop to the standard we desire. These prototypes are created purely to test a concept or tool. They are developed, analysed, and disposed of once we have learned what we can from them.
Game development is a long and complicated process. But how do game developers know what ideas to pursue and which ones to give up? This is why we develop rapid prototypes: to test a theory or idea before we lose months or years of time to a concept that is simply too challenging to develop to the standard we desire. These prototypes are created purely to test a concept or tool. They are developed, analysed, and disposed of once we have learned what we can from them.
Credit points: 10
This unit explores game systems featured in popular computer games across various genres. It builds upon existing design and programming skills through design activities and technical overviews of common 2D and 3D game systems, such as sprite managers and character controllers, as well as genre-specific systems, such as adventure game inventories and role-playing game progression systems. In this unit you will evaluate, design, and implement common game systems through design activities, and choose a game genre for a group project, with each member contributing a different game system.
This unit explores game systems featured in popular computer games across various genres. It builds upon existing design and programming skills through design activities and technical overviews of common 2D and 3D game systems, such as sprite managers and character controllers, as well as genre-specific systems, such as adventure game inventories and role-playing game progression systems. In this unit you will evaluate, design, and implement common game systems through design activities, and choose a game genre for a group project, with each member contributing a different game system.
Credit points: 10
This course covers the basics of designing different types of environments for animation, film, and games. Students learn perspective, composition, and research techniques as they apply to environments for believable detail, clear tonal reads, and lighting. Lectures and demonstrations stress the importance of the expressive differences between interior and exterior environments.
This course covers the basics of designing different types of environments for animation, film, and games. Students learn perspective, composition, and research techniques as they apply to environments for believable detail, clear tonal reads, and lighting. Lectures and demonstrations stress the importance of the expressive differences between interior and exterior environments.
Credit points: 10
Are you ready to take your game design skills to the next level? This unit delves into the power of games for more than just entertainment. We will explore the invigorating world of Applied Game Design, with a subcontext of meaningful application, where you will learn how to craft engaging experiences that not only entertain but also achieve specific goals for players, such as education, training, or social impact.
Are you ready to take your game design skills to the next level? This unit delves into the power of games for more than just entertainment. We will explore the invigorating world of Applied Game Design, with a subcontext of meaningful application, where you will learn how to craft engaging experiences that not only entertain but also achieve specific goals for players, such as education, training, or social impact.
Credit points: 10
We are inherently storytellers, and have been using narrative to understand the world around us, connect with others and find meaning for millenia. In this unit, you will explore the fascinating intersection of storytelling and game development, focusing on how Interactive Digital Narratives create meaningful experiences for players.
Get immersed in the evolution of interactive storytelling, from its rich history to current industry practices and emerging technologies. Throughout this unit, you'll gain insights into narrative structures, character development, world-building, and the use of game mechanics as storytelling devices. You will learn about narrative structures, rhetoric, how to develop a character, and world building as well as how to employ game mechanics to drive a story. Liberate your creative spark, share your stories, and become the architect of boundless immersive worlds and interactive experiences.
We are inherently storytellers, and have been using narrative to understand the world around us, connect with others and find meaning for millenia. In this unit, you will explore the fascinating intersection of storytelling and game development, focusing on how Interactive Digital Narratives create meaningful experiences for players.
Get immersed in the evolution of interactive storytelling, from its rich history to current industry practices and emerging technologies. Throughout this unit, you'll gain insights into narrative structures, character development, world-building, and the use of game mechanics as storytelling devices. You will learn about narrative structures, rhetoric, how to develop a character, and world building as well as how to employ game mechanics to drive a story. Liberate your creative spark, share your stories, and become the architect of boundless immersive worlds and interactive experiences.
Credit points: 10
In this unit you will explore the core principles and techniques of reading and writing of data as well as optimisation of code and assets. You will learn to utilise various file management techniques to efficiently load assets and ensure seamless gameplay transitions. In your projects, you will explore and gain proficiency in procedural generation techniques, in particular using common techniques such as reading from textures to generate environmental elements.
On top of using file systems, you will learn general optimisation techniques and discover how to fine-tune your games for optimal performance. You’ll have the opportunity to explore rendering and memory optimisation strategies, ensuring smooth gameplay experiences for your players.
Finally you will explore the concept of data serialisation, enabling users to save and load game states seamlessly. By understanding and implementing serialisation techniques, you’ll be able preserve user progress and recall it for users to pick up where they left off.
In this unit you will explore the core principles and techniques of reading and writing of data as well as optimisation of code and assets. You will learn to utilise various file management techniques to efficiently load assets and ensure seamless gameplay transitions. In your projects, you will explore and gain proficiency in procedural generation techniques, in particular using common techniques such as reading from textures to generate environmental elements.
On top of using file systems, you will learn general optimisation techniques and discover how to fine-tune your games for optimal performance. You’ll have the opportunity to explore rendering and memory optimisation strategies, ensuring smooth gameplay experiences for your players.
Finally you will explore the concept of data serialisation, enabling users to save and load game states seamlessly. By understanding and implementing serialisation techniques, you’ll be able preserve user progress and recall it for users to pick up where they left off.
Credit points: 10
In this unit you will delve into the exciting world of mobile game development, building upon your existing knowledge of game design and scripting. You will learn effective mobile game programming techniques with a focus on design patterns, and work with powerful tools that can improve the efficiency, maintainability, and scalability of your code. This unit equips you with the skills and knowledge to embark on a successful journey as a mobile game developer, allowing you to create polished and engaging games that stand out from the crowd.
In this unit you will delve into the exciting world of mobile game development, building upon your existing knowledge of game design and scripting. You will learn effective mobile game programming techniques with a focus on design patterns, and work with powerful tools that can improve the efficiency, maintainability, and scalability of your code. This unit equips you with the skills and knowledge to embark on a successful journey as a mobile game developer, allowing you to create polished and engaging games that stand out from the crowd.
Credit points: 10
This unit delves into the design and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) specifically for video games. You will explore core game AI concepts, algorithms, and techniques used to create intelligent and believable behaviours for Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and other in-game entities. The unit will cover topics like pathfinding, decision-making, planners, and character animation to bring your game world to life.
This unit delves into the design and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) specifically for video games. You will explore core game AI concepts, algorithms, and techniques used to create intelligent and believable behaviours for Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and other in-game entities. The unit will cover topics like pathfinding, decision-making, planners, and character animation to bring your game world to life.
Credit points: 10
Have you ever dreamt of building a game where you can challenge your friends or players worldwide? Networking and Multiplayer Systems is your launchpad! We will equip you with the essential skills to create the backbone of any multiplayer game. You will master network protocols, conquer latency, and ensure smooth data flow for a responsive and engaging experience. We will delve into client-server communication, unravel the mysteries of game state management, and empower you to write code that transmits game information efficiently.
Have you ever dreamt of building a game where you can challenge your friends or players worldwide? Networking and Multiplayer Systems is your launchpad! We will equip you with the essential skills to create the backbone of any multiplayer game. You will master network protocols, conquer latency, and ensure smooth data flow for a responsive and engaging experience. We will delve into client-server communication, unravel the mysteries of game state management, and empower you to write code that transmits game information efficiently.
Credit points: 10
Technical sound designers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the creative and technical aspects of game sound production. They work with game development tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, FMOD and Wwise to implement audio into games. They primarily take care of sound implementation tasks, whilst being flexible enough to assist in other areas, such as developing and managing audio assets.
In this unit you will develop technical sound design skills and knowledge, including: middleware integration, audio implementation, object based panning, occlusion, trigger boxes, procedural audio, real-time effects, randomisation, interactions and adaptive music systems and more.
By the end of this unit, you will have a demo video suitable for applying for entry level Technical Sound Designer roles. You will also be equipped with the skills needed to navigate the multifaceted domain of game audio.
Technical sound designers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the creative and technical aspects of game sound production. They work with game development tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, FMOD and Wwise to implement audio into games. They primarily take care of sound implementation tasks, whilst being flexible enough to assist in other areas, such as developing and managing audio assets.
In this unit you will develop technical sound design skills and knowledge, including: middleware integration, audio implementation, object based panning, occlusion, trigger boxes, procedural audio, real-time effects, randomisation, interactions and adaptive music systems and more.
By the end of this unit, you will have a demo video suitable for applying for entry level Technical Sound Designer roles. You will also be equipped with the skills needed to navigate the multifaceted domain of game audio.
Stage 3: Showcase
Execute a project of your own design which is of a high quality and externally published, with the knowledge to commercialise if you choose. You'll also apply your skills through industry work placement.
Credit points: 10
The transition from study to work is an important step for you as an emerging professional in the creative industries. Work Integrated Learning provides you with a professional experience opportunity that both complements and deepens the skills and knowledge you have gained from study. Placement requires a minimum of 80 hours at one or more host organisations.
The transition from study to work is an important step for you as an emerging professional in the creative industries. Work Integrated Learning provides you with a professional experience opportunity that both complements and deepens the skills and knowledge you have gained from study. Placement requires a minimum of 80 hours at one or more host organisations.
Credit points: 10
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the core business structures, management frameworks and marketing strategies used by contemporary creative professionals. You will discover the key behaviours and practices of successful creative business people and the business principles they implement – strategies you can use in your own professional practice. This knowledge will assist you in effectively exploring your creative business niche, encouraging you to develop and operate as a sustainable professional within your chosen media field. Through an examination of marketing strategies and processes, you will be able to identify and target specific consumers and markets. You will then research and develop a product- or service-based business that meets the demand within these target markets. You will also develop fundamental marketing, promotional, communication, and financial skills essential to running a creative media business as well as exploring start-up methodologies and structures within the creative industries.
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the core business structures, management frameworks and marketing strategies used by contemporary creative professionals. You will discover the key behaviours and practices of successful creative business people and the business principles they implement – strategies you can use in your own professional practice. This knowledge will assist you in effectively exploring your creative business niche, encouraging you to develop and operate as a sustainable professional within your chosen media field. Through an examination of marketing strategies and processes, you will be able to identify and target specific consumers and markets. You will then research and develop a product- or service-based business that meets the demand within these target markets. You will also develop fundamental marketing, promotional, communication, and financial skills essential to running a creative media business as well as exploring start-up methodologies and structures within the creative industries.
Credit points: 20
CIM330 Major Project Production, along with CIM310 Work-Integrated Learning and CIM312 Major Project Development, form the final capstone experience of your undergraduate studies. In CIM330, you will build on the project plan and pre-production work that you have completed in CIM312. You will now complete the production and delivery of your final creative work. This will include the execution of the marketing and distribution plan developed in CIM312. Broadly speaking, this unit is about production and exhibition.
You will apply all of the production processes and procedures you have learned over the course of your degree and record these in your Documented Professional Practice as a means of demonstrating your progress and contribution within your team.
In this unit, your final project will now move into its production phase. Over the coming weeks, you will work collaboratively to deliver your creative work. You will apply the processes and standards you have learned throughout your learning at SAE. You will keep a record of this production process via Documented Professional Practice and deliver the production documentation appropriate to your project. Your CIM330 project supervisor will be a reference point for this documentation process.
Your project supervisor will meet frequently with you and your team during the trimester and will work with you to control and guide the scope of your project. This process ensures that by the end of CIM330 Major Project Production you will have a portfolio piece that represents the sum total of your skills and experience, delivered on time and to specification.
CIM330 Major Project Production, along with CIM310 Work-Integrated Learning and CIM312 Major Project Development, form the final capstone experience of your undergraduate studies. In CIM330, you will build on the project plan and pre-production work that you have completed in CIM312. You will now complete the production and delivery of your final creative work. This will include the execution of the marketing and distribution plan developed in CIM312. Broadly speaking, this unit is about production and exhibition.
You will apply all of the production processes and procedures you have learned over the course of your degree and record these in your Documented Professional Practice as a means of demonstrating your progress and contribution within your team.
In this unit, your final project will now move into its production phase. Over the coming weeks, you will work collaboratively to deliver your creative work. You will apply the processes and standards you have learned throughout your learning at SAE. You will keep a record of this production process via Documented Professional Practice and deliver the production documentation appropriate to your project. Your CIM330 project supervisor will be a reference point for this documentation process.
Your project supervisor will meet frequently with you and your team during the trimester and will work with you to control and guide the scope of your project. This process ensures that by the end of CIM330 Major Project Production you will have a portfolio piece that represents the sum total of your skills and experience, delivered on time and to specification.
Credit points: 10
Major Project Development forms the first component of your Capstone Project. In this unit you will work to conceptualise, plan, design and iterate the development, pre-production and early production stages of a full scale creative project. This will be assessed by two projects: a research component and a production planning component. Together, both of these documents will inform the basis for your CIM330 project, and will identify key moments of production, testing and oeprative cycles designed to help make your creative project a success.
Your class facilitator will work with you to control and guide the scope of your project. This process ensures that by the end of CIM330 Major Project Production you will have a portfolio piece that represents the sum total of your skills and experience, delivered on time and to specification.
Major Project Development forms the first component of your Capstone Project. In this unit you will work to conceptualise, plan, design and iterate the development, pre-production and early production stages of a full scale creative project. This will be assessed by two projects: a research component and a production planning component. Together, both of these documents will inform the basis for your CIM330 project, and will identify key moments of production, testing and oeprative cycles designed to help make your creative project a success.
Your class facilitator will work with you to control and guide the scope of your project. This process ensures that by the end of CIM330 Major Project Production you will have a portfolio piece that represents the sum total of your skills and experience, delivered on time and to specification.
Credit points: 20
Commercial Production Studio walks you through the early stages of an independent production process, from finding a viable market, to pitching a concept or idea to a potential investing audience. The unit addresses the skills needed to research a market, create a concept to address needs and wants, and convey that concept to an external stakeholder.
Commercial Production Studio walks you through the early stages of an independent production process, from finding a viable market, to pitching a concept or idea to a potential investing audience. The unit addresses the skills needed to research a market, create a concept to address needs and wants, and convey that concept to an external stakeholder.
Credit points: 10
In this unit, students will enhance and build more advanced skills in VFX using real-time engines and complimentary software. You will require prerequisite knowledge of lighting, shading, texture mapping and be proficient in using real-time engines such as Unreal Engine.
You will acquire skills and knowledge in real-time VFX using industry standard software such as Unreal Engine, including embedded tools like Niagara, and Houdini. You will explore a range of methods and techniques which are underpinned by theory that includes node-based logic, particle systems, simulations, scripts in addition to advanced textures and shaders. The potential uses for real-time VFX cover a wide range of possibilities in games, animation, film, previsualisation, virtual production and many other possibilities in training, health and science.
In this unit, students will enhance and build more advanced skills in VFX using real-time engines and complimentary software. You will require prerequisite knowledge of lighting, shading, texture mapping and be proficient in using real-time engines such as Unreal Engine.
You will acquire skills and knowledge in real-time VFX using industry standard software such as Unreal Engine, including embedded tools like Niagara, and Houdini. You will explore a range of methods and techniques which are underpinned by theory that includes node-based logic, particle systems, simulations, scripts in addition to advanced textures and shaders. The potential uses for real-time VFX cover a wide range of possibilities in games, animation, film, previsualisation, virtual production and many other possibilities in training, health and science.
Credit points: 10
This advanced unit empowers you with a strong foundation in C# and C++ programming to create custom plugins for the industry-leading game engines, Unity and Unreal Engine. Delve into techniques and concepts required to craft high-quality plugins that address various game development needs. Explore the fundamental architecture of both Unity and Unreal Engine plugins, along with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that act as communication channels between your plugin and the engine.
This advanced unit empowers you with a strong foundation in C# and C++ programming to create custom plugins for the industry-leading game engines, Unity and Unreal Engine. Delve into techniques and concepts required to craft high-quality plugins that address various game development needs. Explore the fundamental architecture of both Unity and Unreal Engine plugins, along with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that act as communication channels between your plugin and the engine.
Credit Points: 10
CRICOS Course Codes
GAMES DESIGN: GA7G4
080196J (6 TRIMESTERS)
080175C (8 TRIMESTERS)
102340J (9 TRIMESTERS)
GAMES PROGRAMMING: GA7P4
102299E (6 TRIMESTERS)
080174D (8 TRIMESTERS)
102832M (9 TRIMESTERS)
Australian Qualifications Framework
AQF Level: 7
FULLY ACCREDITED BY TEQSA
We consult closely with industry professionals so you can expect a course that’s highly relevant and equips you with sought-after skills.
To get a FEE-HELP* loan, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia or be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements. Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)
- Submit the Request for FEE-HELP loan form to your provider by the census date
- have an available HELP balance.
- Not have undertaken more than 2 years’ worth of higher education study in the last 12 months, unless your provider has assessed you as capable of taking on a higher study load.
- Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) prior to the first census date to be eligible for FEE-HELP if you are starting a new course in 2022. Applying for a USI is fast and free, and you keep the same USI for life. You can apply for a USI, or check if you already have one, at www.usi.gov.au.
- If you are studying at a non-university higher education provider, you must maintain a pass-rate of 50 percent or above to continue to be eligible for FEE-HELP.
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SAE has three intakes per year: February, May and September. Short courses and certificates courses may have different intake timings. View our academic calendar for trimester start dates or contact your campus for further information.
You can choose to study most of our courses in a part-time capacity. An SAE course advisor will be able to give you more information about the study options for your chosen course.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
We carefully design and deliver all our units to help you develop the knowledge you need to be successful in your chosen field of study. Courses and course units at SAE follow best practice teaching and learning.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE's policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
