Don’t just play the game – create the rules. SAE’s game design courses will help you master Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya and AI-forward workflows to craft immersive worlds, balanced systems, and unforgettable player journeys. Develop in-demand technical and creative skills, and join SAE grads shaping the industry at studios like Ubisoft, Playside and Not Doppler.
Master the art of player engagement by designing complex gameplay systems, branching interactive narratives, and immersive level flows. Go beyond the surface to architect intelligent NPC behaviours and balanced game economies using Unreal Engine and Unity. Build a high-impact professional portfolio through cross-discipline studio collaborations and industry placements.
Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available
Qualification: Bachelor degree
Available to: Domestic and International students
Campus: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Gain practical foundations in game mechanics, data manipulation, and event systems. Develop technical expertise in real-time engines alongside essential project management skills for entry-level industry positions.
Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available
Qualification: Associate degree
Available to: Domestic and International students
Campus: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Launch your gaming career in just seven months. Master core development techniques and industry tools including Niagara and Houdini to produce stunning VFX and secure entry-level game development roles.
Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available
Qualification: Diploma
Available to: Domestic and International students
Campus: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Rachel Toomeh | Product Manager (Not Doppler Studio)
"I found it really beneficial to have this streamlined experience, where I got to meet and talk to teachers that had been in the industry. Learning from a game developer’s perspective was really beneficial, and at the time it was quite unique for where I was looking to go with my career.”
Rachel Toomeh | Product Manager (Not Doppler Studio)
Nicholas Phipps | Games Designer (Ubisoft)
"At SAE I was able to connect with key people who ended up enabling me to secure an internship, and then later a job with one of the best game companies in the world, Ubisoft."
Nicholas Phipps | Games Designer (Ubisoft)
Elise Marchouba | Producer (Avalanche Studios)
“At SAE you’re surrounded by like-minded people and lecturers who have worked in the industry. The fact I could complete the degree within two years was a major bonus. I just got my head down and worked as hard as I could to get it done within that time frame, so I could get into the industry sooner”
Elise Marchouba | Producer (Avalanche Studios)
Gain practical experience through gaming industry briefs
Collaborate with designers, coders and writers across disciplines
Build a portfolio that showcases your creative style and technical skills
Connect with game developers and studios through networking opportunities
Get expert job placement support for a smooth transition
Access exclusive internship and placement opportunities
We don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk.
And SAE students agree.
Developed industry-ready skills
(1.1% above national average – 81.5%)*
Valued our expert mentors & hands-on learning
(0.6% above national average – 85.2%)**
Loved our tech, tools & facilities
(2.3% above national average – 81.2%)***
Felt supported inside & outside the classroom
(10.4% above national average – 67.5%)****
Don’t take our word for it. Book a call back or in-person tour and see for yourself.
Train in game development labs with high-performance hardware, where you’ll design, code and test using industry-standard engines like Unreal, Unity and custom frameworks – trusted by leading game studios worldwide.
Use professional software suites for 3D modelling, animation, sound design and programming to build immersive games. You’ll learn how to harness industry-standard pipelines to create games that are polished, engaging and release-ready.
Prototype gameplay mechanics, test user interfaces and gather player feedback in SAE’s dedicated game testing spaces, with access to a full range of platforms – perfect for collaboration, iteration or gameplay experimentation.
Take your projects into SAE’s game publishing environments, where you’ll learn how to optimise performance and bring your game concepts to marketable reality.
Gain insider knowledge from trusted experts shaping today’s games landscape.
Nathan brings comprehensive expertise across all aspects of games development to his teaching, currently advancing the field through his PhD research in Mixed Reality and Generative AI. His innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology with practical game development experience, preparing students for the future of interactive entertainment.
Recipient of Queensland KTP and Innovation Connections Program grants for advanced research projects
Creator of award-winning VR and games projects including Steam VR title "Euclidean"
Multiple competition wins including Griffith University Creative Game Challenge People's Choice Award
Gain insider knowledge from trusted experts shaping today’s games landscape.
Zhia combines academic expertise in media cultures analysis with hands-on industry experience as a studio founder. Her specialisation in narrative structures and games industry knowledge empowers students to make strategic creative decisions that drive project success in competitive markets.
Founder of independent game studio "Were You Followed" with two government grants secured
Recipient of significant funding including $55,000 VicScreen Games Pre-Production grant and $63,000 Screen Australia Game Production grant
Regular speaker at major industry conferences including GCAP and FINS on games culture and narrative design
Gain insider knowledge from trusted experts shaping today’s games landscape.
Mark brings a unique combination of technical games development expertise and creative storytelling skills to SAE. His diverse experience spans game development, STEAM education, and professional theatre, providing students with insights into multiple creative pathways within interactive entertainment.
Released independent game "An Engineer and the Great Machine" with Screenwest funding support
Created award-winning short film "Never Alone" featured at LA Short Film Festival 2021
Award-winning theatre performer with The Finley for Best Actor in a Musical and 7 additional nominations
Hear about Rachel's experience of studying the Bachelor of Games Design with SAE and how it prepared her for jobs in the industry.
Game designers create the core mechanics, rules, and systems that shape player experiences. They design gameplay, objectives, and challenges that balance engagement, difficulty, and enjoyment while collaborating with teams to bring interactive worlds to life.
Average industry salary: $90,000-$110,000+
Game programmers build the technical foundation of games, writing code that powers gameplay mechanics, physics, AI, and graphics. They work with industry-standard engines to optimise performance and ensure smooth interaction between players and game worlds.
Average industry salary: $70,000-$90,000+
3D modellers create digital objects, characters, and environments for animation and visual effects. Using software like Maya and ZBrush, they craft detailed assets for films and games. They may specialise in either hard-surface modelling (vehicles and architecture) or organic modelling (creatures and characters).
Average industry salary: $75,000-$95,000+
Level designers craft environments and gameplay flow within games. They strategically place obstacles, objectives, and interactive elements to guide players' journeys while balancing challenge and exploration to create engaging, well-paced gaming experiences.
Average industry salary: $85,000-$105,000+
Download the Course Guide to access:
The inside scoop on our courses and career paths
Exclusive industry insights
Alumni success stories to get your inspiration flowing
The lowdown on our fees, including FEE-HELP and scholarships.
