Core Zone
This zone consists of all the compulsory requirements for the degree.
240 credit points
Qualification
240 credit points
Bachelor of Game Design and Development
UAC CODE: 300542
Overview
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Selection rank A degree’s selection rank is achieved by combining your ATAR (or equivalent rank) with any adjustment factors you’re eligible for.
A degree’s selection rank is achieved by combining your ATAR (or equivalent rank) with any adjustment factors you’re eligible for.
- 75
Study options
- Part Time
- Full Time
- In person, on campus
Duration Duration can vary due to your prior learning and work experience. Learn about admission points under Entry Requirements.
Duration can vary due to your prior learning and work experience. Learn about admission points under Entry Requirements.
- Full time: 3 years (or equivalent part time)
Fees Fees shown are approximate only and are generally based on current mean rate for full-time study (eight units per year). Actual rates will be calculated at enrolment time and may differ depending on year of enrolment, amount and type of units chosen.
Fees shown are approximate only and are generally based on current mean rate for full-time study (eight units per year). Actual rates will be calculated at enrolment time and may differ depending on year of enrolment, amount and type of units chosen.
- Domestic Commonwealth Supported Fee
- Estimated annual fee AUD $9,500
Location and start dates
North Ryde:
- Session 1 (23 February 2026)
- Session 2 (27 July 2026)
Current Macquarie students: To view all the details for your chosen course, visit the Macquarie University Handbook
Summary
Key features
- Enhance your employability with transferrable skills
Develop artistic and user experience design skills in new units focused on 3D modelling, animation and serious games.
- Explore diverse career opportunities
Consider mobile app or web design, take creative writing or entrepreneurship, and become adept in multiple game development tools.
- Undertake the only video games degree of its kind
Master core technical skills while also uniquely exploring the societal impact of games, including ethical issues and responsibilities.
- Learn in our state-of-the-art 14-lab computing precinct
Get hands-on in this facility, complete with cyber security, networking and gaming resources, and a virtual reality space.
Career outcomes
With a rapidly evolving job market, graduate employability remains our priority. We’re working closely with a range of industries and sectors to ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate. View graduate professions and potential employers.
See career outcomesAbout the Bachelor of Game Design and Development at Macquarie University
Faculty of Science and Engineering
The Faculty of Science and Engineering isn't afraid to tackle the big issues. In a world more dependent on science and engineering than ever before, we stand at the forefront of innovation. We're home to globally renowned academics, so you'll learn from those who are making an impact on major issues affecting the world.
Learn more about the faculty
Studying at Macquarie
Our vibrant and leafy campus forms part of one of the largest business and technology precincts in Australia. To ensure you have the right skills when you graduate — whether you're starting your first job or taking your career to the next level — we offer flexible study options, personalised degrees and practical experiences.
Benefits of studying at Macquarie
Course structure
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Focused and flexible study
Where you can study
In person, on campus
Core Zone
240 credit points
Your degree’s core zone provides the focus of your preferred area of study and consists of all the units you’ll need to complete to meet your degree’s requirements.
Essential units
210 credit points
Complete each unit below.
Essential units are units that you must complete to qualify for your degree.
Capstone unit
10 credit points
Complete the capstone unit below.
A Capstone unit is an essential unit that integrates all the material presented across your degree, which is generally undertaken in your final year.
1000 level Elective unit
10 credit points
Select any 1000 level Undergraduate unit for which you meet the requisites
Elective units allow you to customise your degree by choosing units within or outside your area of study.
3000 level Elective unit
10 credit points
Select any 3000 level Undergraduate unit for which you meet the requisites
Elective units allow you to customise your degree by choosing units within or outside your area of study.
Further details
Find further information and specific requirements in the Macquarie University Handbook.
Guide to University terminology
Use our handy guide to better understand common study terms.
Career outcomes
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Set your career in motion
Professions
- 3D modeller
- App designer
- Game animator
- Game audio engineer
- Game designer
- Game producer
- Game programmer
- Game tester
- Motion capture technician
- Narrative designer
- Serious games designer
- Technical artist
- User experience (UX) designer
- Virtual reality or mixed reality designer or developer
- Web designer
Employers
- Aerospace and aviation industry
- Banks and financial institutions
- Consulting firms
- Creative industries
- Defence agencies
- Education and training sector
- Energy and environment sector
- Gaming developers
- Government agencies and departments
- Media and entertainment companies
- Medical device companies
- Research institutes
- Retail and e-business companies
- Start-ups
- Superannuation and insurance firms
- Technology and software development companies
- Transport, infrastructure and logistics companies
- UX design companies
- Universities
- Utilities companies
Career information
Job and Skills Australia – an Australian Government initiative – provides accessible labour-market data, research and tools to help you understand Australia’s current and projected workforce-skills needs.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Game Design and Development is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Multiply your employability
In-demand graduates
Study at Australia’s #1 uni for graduate employment rate: QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2020.
Career service
Get help preparing a résumé, identifying job opportunities and connecting with employers.
In-built internships
Study a degree with built-in practical experiences, and get an invaluable head start in your career.
Entry requirements
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Simple steps to entry at Macquarie
See if you meet the academic requirements
Check if you qualify for recognition of prior learning
Academic requirements
Selection rank score: 75
The selection rank considers your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or equivalent rank plus any adjustment factors you’re eligible for.
What is the ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95. It indicates your position relative to other students aged 16-20 who have completed the HSC and who meet eligibility criteria for an ATAR. Universities typically admit students based on their selection rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustments). However, other criteria – such as a personal statement, questionnaire, portfolio of work, audition, interview or test – may also be considered. Visit the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for more information.
What are adjustment factors?
If you’ve completed the HSC, interstate Year 12 examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) and included Macquarie in your preferences, you may be eligible to receive adjustments – additional points that can be added to your ATAR or equivalent admissions rank to boost your selection rank. Many of our degrees allow you to combine our adjustment factor schemes, up to a maximum of 10 points. Not all adjustment factor schemes apply to all degrees, so check adjustment factors for more details.
What if I don't have an ATAR?
Not everybody comes to university with an ATAR. That’s why we provide a range of entry schemes and pathway options that assess your suitability on more than just your educational attainment to date. Explore entry pathways.
Entry pathways to Macquarie
At Macquarie, we consider a range of criteria in addition to your selection rank to assess your suitability for study. We offer many different admission pathways, including early entry schemes and alternative routes to a degree. Use our Entry Navigator to discover which options are best for you.
Year 12 applicants
If you’re in Year 12 or you’ve just completed the HSC, interstate Year 12 examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB), you apply to Macquarie via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Your eligibility for an offer is determined by your selection rank or our Subject Advantage Entry Scheme. You might also be eligible for the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme, the Schools Recommendation Scheme or the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway
I have work and life experience
If you’re a non-Year 12 applicant and you don’t hold any formal education qualifications, but you do have informal learning and work experience, you may submit a portfolio for entry into one of our pathway programs, which allow you to articulate into a Macquarie degree after successfully completion.
I have TAFE, college or university qualifications
Macquarie recognises completed TAFE, college and university qualifications. If you’ve completed a recognised qualification, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Additional information and requirements
Assumed knowledge
Recommended studies
Inherent requirements
To be eligible to graduate from your degree, you must satisfy the inherent requirements – essential activities, capacities and academic requisites – of your degree.
View inherent requirementsStudent snapshot
View student profiles for each of our degrees and learn how other students have been admitted. Information on the ATAR and selection rank, as well as other criteria and general offer information, is available.
Student profilesRecognition of prior learning (RPL)
If you’ve completed prior study at diploma level or higher, you may be eligible for credit towards your degree.
Your prior learning may consist of:
- formal learning (post-secondary study)
- informal and non-formal learning (work and life experience).
English language requirements
When applying to study at Macquarie University, you’re required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
You may satisfy the English language requirements if you’ve completed:
- senior secondary studies equivalent to the New South Wales HSC
- at least one year of full-time Australian or comparable tertiary study in a country of qualification.
The required standard of English for this degree is:
| IELTS band | Minimum score required |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6 |
| Writing | 6 |
| Listening | 6 |
| Speaking | 6 |
Note:
Satisfying the admission criteria does not guarantee you a place in this degree.
Fees and scholarships
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Fees
This fee information is intended as an indicative guide only; actual rates will be calculated at the time of enrolment. To obtain a more accurate approximation, look up the cost of your unit or course by using our Fee calculator.
Fees are generally based on current mean rate for full-time study (eight units per year). For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol. Fees may increase each year.
Find out moreEstimated cost
The cost of your studies may vary based on:- year of enrolment
- amount and type of units chosen
- government support received
- approved credit for prior learning or work experience.
Commonwealth supported place
AUD $9,500
Indicative annual fee
Government assistance
HECS‑HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places to pay their student contribution amounts. It can't be used for additional study costs, such as accommodation or text books.
Student amenities fee
You’re required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) to Macquarie University in compliance with the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Act 2011 (Cth). The fee contributes to services, support and facilities of a non-academic nature.
Learn about SSAFScholarships
Macquarie University offers a variety of scholarships that recognise a range of factors, including academic or athletic achievement, leadership experience and volunteer work, or financial need and hardship. Additional scholarships may be available for selected areas of study.
Scholarships available for eligible undergraduate students, studying the Bachelor of Game Design and Development
All
The Adrian Di Marco Student Scholarship
Applications close: Application form for 2027 will be available soon.
Award value: $5,000 one off for one-off award
Find out moreFinancial
Aboriginal
Academic
Birrung (Star) Scholarship
The Birrung (Star) Scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of being a student and support the successful completion of an Undergraduate degree.
Applications close: Application form for 2027 will be available soon.
Award value: $10,000 one-off for one-off award
Find out moreAcademic
Rural
Dr Arthur Pryor Scholarship
Supporting new Physics and Astronomy students
Applications close: Application form for 2027 will be available soon.
Award value: $5,000 per year for 3 years
Find out moreAboriginal
Financial
Rural
Indigenous Commonwealth Assistance Scholarship
Supporting Indigenous students relocating to study
Applications close: Nov Round: 13 November 2026; Dec Round: 10 December 2026; Jan Round: 8 January 2027
Award value: $6,000 per year for up to 4 years
Find out moreHow to apply
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looking to start my course in
Course details
Course title:
Bachelor of Game Design and Development
UAC code:
300542
Starting year:
2026
Application instructions
Australian or New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia, or holders of Australian permanent resident humanitarian visas who are applying for undergraduate study at Macquarie must apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
To be considered for this course, you must search (based upon the UAC Code provided above) and include it as one of your course preferences.
What you'll need to apply
When submitting your application, it's important you provide:
- your personal details (including a personal email address - don't use a school address as it will expire).
- your name as listed on your official ID, otherwise you'll have problems when you enrol.
- details of your studies and qualifications, including completed secondary studies and complete or incomplete certificate, diploma, and degree studies.
- evidence of English language proficiency (if required).
Steps to apply
Decide on your course
Explore your entry options and check the requirements
Gather your documentation
Submit your application
Help with your application
For help with your application, or if you have any questions, contact our team.
Future Students
T: +61 (2) 9850 6767
E: futurestudents@mq.edu.au
Important dates
| Session/Year | Location | Applications open | Applications close | Session commences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | North Ryde | 2 April 2025 | 6 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Session 2 | North Ryde | 8 April 2026 | 9 July 2026 | 27 July 2026 |
Applications for entry pathways
To best help you follow your passion at Macquarie, we’ve created a simple entry program navigator that allows you to compare all of our entry programs and find out which ones suit you the best.
Ask a question
If you’d like to know more about studying at Macquarie University, we’d love to hear from you.