Game design & development courses

Turn your love of gaming into your dream career

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Introduction to Game design & development

The gaming industry is dynamic, exciting and fast-growing. If you’ve always had a passion for games, you could make it into a career you love.

In a game design and development course, you’ll master topics like scripting, animation and coding, so you can create immersive experiences and build imaginative new worlds. You’ll develop a strong portfolio of work and receive expert guidance from industry professionals.

Through Open Universities Australia, you can access online game design courses with leading universities across the country. We can even help you get into the course of your choice without an ATAR. Start browsing below.

Explore game design & development courses
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Discover game design & development courses

Online game design & development subjects and short courses

Curtin University

Game Design Introduction

UndergraduateCUR-DIG10

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 1 Dec 2025
Curtin University

Animation and Motion Graphics Design

UndergraduateCUR-DIG28

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 1 Dec 2025
University of Tasmania

Games Fundamentals

UndergraduateTAS-KIT109

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of South Australia

Digital Graphics and Imaging

UndergraduateUSA-GRAP1027

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all subjects

Online game design & development degrees

Curtin University

Create a new world with game design or animation

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Diploma of ICT Professional Practice

UndergraduateTAS-IPP-DIP

A professional IT industry certification

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Torrens University Australia

Build games from concept to commercial release

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Tasmania

First steps towards a career in IT

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all bachelor degrees

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Game design & development study FAQs

What will I learn in a game design and development course?

A game design and development course will show you how games are made—from concept to commercialisation. Many courses give you an insight into the entire production process, so you’ll have a solid understanding of the industry and can discover which area you’re most passionate about.

Depending on your qualification, you’ll cover topics like: 

  • Design and development using game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity3D

  • Game scripting

  • Programming and computer science

  • Animation and motion graphics design

  • 3D modelling and rendering using industry software like Autodesk Maya

  • Special effects compositing

  • User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design

  • IT project management

You can expect to graduate with a strong portfolio of work, which is essential for getting a job with game studios.

Do I need coding experience to enrol?

No, you don’t need to come to a game design and development course with existing coding experience, though it could be useful. You’ll most likely learn coding skills throughout your course.

What software and tools will I use during my studies?

Throughout your game design and development studies, you may use industry-standard software such as Unity and Unreal, though this will depend on the exact course that you choose.

Check the individual course pages for more detailed information about the kinds of software and programs you will use.

Are there any hands-on projects or portfolio-building opportunities?

Yes, many online game design courses are very practical in nature, meaning you will be guided to build a portfolio of work throughout your studies. This will show off your skillset and become a valuable asset that you can present to industry after you graduate.

Are there opportunities to collaborate with other students on game projects?

Many online game development courses are collaborative in nature, as this will prepare you for the workflow that exists in the games industry. You’ll work alongside other talented students to gain experience on different aspects of the design and development process and bring projects to life.

It's best to have a read of the individual online game design and development course pages to see if this is a strong focus for your course of choice.

What careers can I explore after studying game design and development?

After you graduate your game design and development course, you may land roles such as:

  • 2D/3D animator

  • Game designer

  • 3D artist

  • Visual effects artist

  • Motion graphics designer

  • Art director

  • Games educator

What if I’m not sure game design and development is the study area for me?
How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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