Game Design & Development

Our Game Design and Development pathway is an excellent option if you wish to work in the games industry. Graduate with work-ready skills and live your passion for games!

Man wearing a VR headset and headphones holding VR game controllers in each hand

We offer two pathways to help you get started in either the design or development aspect of games. Choose the best option for you based on your talent and career aspirations.   

Our Bachelor of Design (Communications) is ideal if you prefer a creative career. Pro tip - Don’t worry if you don’t meet the entry requirements. Our Digital Media and Design certification can help you transition into the degree.   

For tech-lovers, the Bachelor of Information Technology is perfect if you’re interested in the programming side of gaming.   

Each qualification provides an elective in games so you can develop specific skills. You will cover our standard qualifications with a focus on games, including class projects and assignments.   

Gain the core skills in game design or development, and graduate work-ready. You will have the confidence and knowledge to work in the fast-paced industry.  

Game Design & Development qualifications

Art, Design

Learn how to be creative on the computer. Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication) or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. This programme will also prepare you for the New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5). A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies or Bachelor of Visual Arts may also be possible.

Duration

17 Weeks Full-time

2 Years Part-time

Delivery

On campus

Location

Dunedin

Career potential

Entry-level roles, Further tertiary study

Design, Information Technology

Learn how to craft ideas and tell stories through still and moving images, text, sound, and interactive media. You will develop industry-ready skills during this hands-on programme and have the chance to practise these during community and client-driven projects that focus on positive social and environmental change. In year one, you’ll study a broad range of different media to discover where your strengths lie before choosing your speciality for years two and three.

Duration

3 Years Full-time

6 Years Part-time

Delivery

On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ

Location

Dunedin

Career potential

Animator, Art Director, Character Designer, Design Project Manager, Design Researcher, Filmmaker, Game Artist or Animator, Game Designer, Game Publishing, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Level Designer, Narrative Designer, Web Designer

Information Technology

Learn what IT professionals do and build the communication skills you need to work effectively in the industry. During this hands-on degree, you'll cover a broad general knowledge of IT and then focus on an area that interests you most. Through a series of projects, you'll gain industry-relevant techniques so you can hit the ground running.

Duration

3 Years Full-time

Delivery

On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ

Location

Dunedin

Career potential

AI Programmer, Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Cloud Developer, Engine Programmer, Gameplay Programmer, Generalist Programmer, Network Engineer, Physics Programmer, Programmer, Software Developer, Systems Administrator, Tools Engineer, UX Engineer, VFX Programmer, VR/AR Programmer, Web Developer

“The Game Development paper was an amazing opportunity for me. I can now apply my skills to anything from programming in C++, to reading from the server database, to creating and designing 3D assets to put straight into the level.”

Clayton Davidson

Bachelor of Information Technology

Software Programmer at GFactor Technologies

Looking for a student intern?

Our students can add value to your business through work experience and business research. Find out more information about how to recruit student interns from:

Contact us

If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.