Bachelor of Games and Interactivity/Bachelor of Computer Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

This double degree combines the imaginative world of game design with strong computer science skills, preparing you to create both interactive experiences and robust software systems. It’s perfect if you love storytelling, play-testing games, and also want to dive into programming, algorithms, and system design.

Curriculum Structure

First year: You’ll start by building a solid foundation in programming and game design. For example, you might study Introduction to Programming (COS10009), Computer Systems (COS10004), and Introduction to Game Studies (ART10004). These units will help you understand how software works and how games are structured, giving you a strong base for future years.

Second year: Year two deepens your skills in both coding and game development. You could take Object-Oriented Programming (COS20007) and 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments (DDD20022), alongside Principles of Game Design (GAM10002). By now, you’re not just learning theory—you’re building interactive worlds, exploring user experience, and honing your game mechanics.

Third year: In your third year, you’ll focus on real-world projects and integrating everything you’ve learned. Units like Digital Game Prototyping Lab (GAM20003) and a major computer science project such as Computing Technology Project A (COS40005) let you collaborate, prototype, test ideas, and gain hands-on experience that prepares you for professional practice.

Fourth year: Your final year is about polishing your skills and showcasing your work. With units such as Games & Interactivity Project 2 (GAM30003) and Computing Technology Project B (COS40006), you’ll refine your project management and teamwork abilities, delivering professional-quality outcomes and a portfolio that stands out.

Focus Areas

Game design and interactive media
Software engineering and computer science foundations
Industry-linked project work and professional practice

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this double degree will be able to:

Critically evaluate research and apply theoretical principles in games and interactivity
Integrate game design and software development skills
Communicate and collaborate effectively in teams
Apply software engineering methods in diverse contexts
Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning

Professional Alignment

This double degree is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level, giving you strong industry recognition.

Reputation and Employability

Swinburne is ranked among the top 10 Australian universities for Computer Science and Electronics, and 85% of graduates find employment within four months of completing their studies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, you’ll dive straight into practical, hands-on work. In the Games & Interactivity / Computer Science double degree, you’ll get access to game design studios, prototyping labs, and cutting-edge computer science laboratories. You’ll collaborate with your peers to design, develop, and test interactive applications and games—learning the theory and putting it into real software. You’ll also connect with professional projects, placements, and integrated units that reflect real-world work practices.

Here are some of the highlights of experiential learning in this program:

Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning (WIL): You’ll complete six project-focused units in Computer Science, each linked with industry to give you professional experience.

Studio labs for game design and prototyping: Core units like Pervasive Game Design Lab and Digital Game Prototyping Lab give you a hands-on environment to explore game creation and experimentation.

Optional professional placement: You can choose a 6- or 12-month industry placement in Games & Interactivity/Computer Science to gain real-world experience.

Collaborative team projects: You’ll develop and play-test games in studio settings and work in interdisciplinary teams, mirroring how the industry operates.

Use of industry-standard laboratories: Computer Science labs are equipped with the latest technology, giving you a professional-grade workspace for coding, testing, and development.

Real-world projects and briefs: For example, past students have created applications like a “Smart Parking” app as part of their capstone projects, solving practical problems with software solutions.

Blend of game design and software engineering: You won’t just be designing games—you’ll be building interactive systems, writing code, evaluating user experiences, and integrating multiple technologies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you complete the Bachelor of Games and Interactivity or Bachelor of Computer Science at Swinburne University of Technology, you’ll be well positioned to launch a creative and technically rich career in both the gaming and broader software industries. Typical roles you could aim for include games developer, software architect, multimedia developer, and data scientist.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: Swinburne provides a dedicated Careers & Employment service, including the Professional Purpose program, to help you secure internships, build your portfolio, and land full-time roles after graduation.

Employment stats: Around 85% of graduates find employment within four months, showing strong career outcomes for students.

Accreditation and industry recognition: The Computer Science component of the degree is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), ensuring your skills are recognized in the industry.

Industry partnerships: Swinburne collaborates with organisations like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), offering hands-on, industry-engaged learning and project opportunities.

Work‑Integrated Learning: The degree includes guaranteed industry-linked project units and professional placement options, giving you real-world experience that employers highly value.

Graduation outcomes: By the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong mix of game design, software development, and interactive media skills, along with a portfolio of real projects—preparing you for roles across creative technology and IT.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a Master’s in fields like Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Game Technology, or Human–Computer Interaction, building on the solid technical and design foundation this degree provides.