About the Course

Course Description:

The Bachelor of Arts (Games and Interactivity) aims to produce highly skilled graduates capable of gaining employment in the growing computer games industry, or indeed the wider multimedia industry. Through a combination of media, multimedia and specialised games subjects, students gain an understanding of how games operate within society, at the same time developing a set of research and communications skills that are applicable across a range of industries. Instruction is through a combination of theoretical and practical teaching modes, which allows students to get hands-on experience with game development within a broader theoretical framework. While this degree would be suitable for anyone with an interest in studying games as a social phenomenon, it is especially well suited to those seeking employment in the games industry, but who do not wish to become high-level programmers.

Aims & Objectives:

• A sound and broad knowledge of the game and game development industry and its relationship to society and popular culture through sociological, anthropological and theoretical semiotic discussion.
• Skills in the application of learning and instructional design principles to structured multimedia and interactive applications.
• The ability to function effectively as an individual and in project teams, whether as manager, leader or team member.
• The communication and management skills required to successfully manage multimedia development projects.
• Life-long learning skills and flexibility of mind for the rapidly evolving multimedia and games industries.
• An appreciation of texts in context: the various ways in which we make sense of film and media materials (TV, radio, print, new media).
• An understanding of the process of multimedia and interactive application development, and the skills necessary for working in a development team on a large scale project.
• An understanding of the changing face of multimedia and the current games industry, in relation to both acceleration in the use and development of technology, and its impact on society.
• An comprehensive understanding of aspects of user-interaction.
• An immersive and experiential understanding of the interactive nature of game play.
• Knowledge of current concepts of game critique and analysis including: aesthetics, genres, game space and level and character design.
• An understanding of the importance of adapting communication styles for specific contexts.
• An understanding of game-specific principles such as ludology and haptics and their application to wider games research.
• An understanding of how games fit into the emerging media environment and in particular how traditional ideas of narrative translate to the game form.
• An understanding of the political economy of media and sociological impact of electronic games - including issues such as ownership, the effects debate and the cultural impact of new technologies, games and game play.
• An understanding of the changing face of multimedia, in relation to both acceleration in the use and development of technology, and its impact on society.

Course Structure:

• Group 1 – Core Games and Interactivity units;
• Group 2 – Media Studies Majors units;
• Group 3 – Further Multimedia units; and
• Group 4 – Elective units.

• 150 credit points from Group 1 – Core Games and Interactivity units;
• 100 credit points from Group 2 – Media Studies Majors units;
• 37.5 credit points from Group 3 – Further Multimedia units or a recognised elective sequence (see Elective Plus Sequences below);
• 12.5 credit points from Group 3 or 4 – Further Multimedia units or Elective units

• Effective Communication
• Establishing and Running a Business
• Language Practice and Culture
• Enterprising Marketing
• Multimedia: Web Development
• Information Orientation and Knowledge Management
• Undergraduate Research Skills
• Design: Process and Strategy Electives Plus sequence
• The Networked Economy

Units of Study:

• Not all units are offered all semesters. Some may be only offered subject to sufficient enrolments.
• The course panel has the authority to approve additional elective studies for particular students. Such approvals will be advised to the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences Academic Committee.

Course Features

Industry-Based Learning:

Industry-Based Learning is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree. Industry-Based Learning gives students practical experience to add to their academic studies, and is a proven advantage in the graduate job market. All Industry-Based Learning placements are subject to availability of places. For further information visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/spl/ibl

The optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is not available to international students who hold a student visa.

Education Abroad:

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.

Employment Outcomes

Career Opportunities:

Professional recognition:

Graduate Attributes:

• Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community.
• Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.
• Operate effectively in work and community situations.
• Are adaptable and manage change.
• Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent.

2009 VCE prerequisites: Units 3 & 4 – a study score of at least 20 in English (any).

All Non-Year 12 students (NONY12) should refer to the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au  for further infomation.

ENTER:

2008 Round 1 Clearly-In ENTER: 75.00

Credit Transfer:

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of the course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide' at: http://pandoraplus.swin.edu.au/credit/

Pathways (articulation):

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm

Course Fees:

Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students.

HELP

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:

• HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front.
• FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
• OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel.

Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.

For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

Scholarships:

This course is offered through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. Successful applicants are awarded HECS waiver scholarships and will be funded for the duration of their course. For further information visit the website at: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

Application Procedure:

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Further information: