Create games that will change the world.
Serious Games are more than “just a game”. Used for education, healthcare, marketing, and more, this rapidly growing industry is all about solving real world problems using the universal appeal of play.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2024 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Serious Games are more than “just a game”. Used for education, healthcare, marketing, and more, this rapidly growing industry is all about solving real world problems using the universal appeal of play.
Throughout this program, you’ll develop and apply your skills in game design and development to a range of problems in authentic contexts. You will analyse the meanings and cultural implications of gameplay and story, and use this knowledge to create emotionally rich and challenging experiences within your own games and simulations.
You will specialise in game art, interactive narrative, or programming, and then work as a specialist in multidisciplinary project teams. Choose a minor to hone your studies in a particular subject area, from areas as diverse as Indigenous Studies, Health Promotion, or Politics and International Relations. Collaborating with other game writers, artists, programmers and designers, you will produce and publish serious games that meaningfully connect with their players and address global needs.
Gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop for PC, Smart-phones and Tablets, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. USC's first-class simulation environments and a growing demand for serious games specialists make this unique program a game-changer. With the opportunity to undertake internships and real world projects, graduates will enter one of the most diverse, distributed and fastest-growing sectors of the games industry. As well as working in game studios, graduates can take on embedded roles in businesses, not-for-profits, and government.
Career opportunities
Game designer, artist, programmer, writer, reviewer, interactive educator/trainer, simulation/visual design.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7)
COR109 Introduction to Economics
CMN105 Introduction to Management
ICT112 Introduction to Marketing
SGD100 Accounting for Business
SGD101 Introduction to Informatics
SGD103 Communication and Thought
SGD120 Introduction to Tourism, Leisure and Events
Advanced course (6)
ICT352 Business Law and Ethics
SGD200 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
SGD202 Tourism, Leisure and Special Interests
SGD304 Tourism and Leisure Policy and Planning
SGD305 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
PLUS select 1 course from:
ENT311 Technology and Innovation in Tourism, Leisure and Events
ICT341 Event Management
ICT342 Business Events
Minor courses (7)
Select 1 minor from:
Interactive Narrative
Game Art
Game Programming
PLUS complete 1 additional minor from the following:
Comparative Studies
Development Studies
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Health
Game Art
Game Programming
Health Promotion
Indigenous Studies
Interactive Narrative
Marketing
Planning Studies
Politics and International Relations
Sociology
Sustainability
Elective courses (4) *
Select 4 elective courses towards the required 288 units. These courses may be selected from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
* The number of elective courses may vary depending on the minor combinations chosen.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)