About the Course

Course Description:

This double degree aims to provide students with a broad range of multimedia production skills combined with extensive skills in the software engineering and development required to develop games and interactive applications. The degree is designed to combine theoretical and practical knowledge through a range of experiential teaching methods, and apply these to the development of 2D and 3D games. Students completing this degree will possess a highly desirable combination of multimedia and information technology skills, enabling them to find work in a variety of positions in the games industry as well as in the broader information and communications technology sector.

Aims & Objectives:

• A sound and broad knowledge of the design of multimedia and interactive applications and an appreciation of the various skills required
• 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
• Been prepared for the rapidly evolving multimedia and games industries by developing their life-long learning skills and flexibility of mind
• Knowledge of the computer networking and software technologies typical for multimedia production facilities, and skills in analysing, specifying and supporting those networking and software resources
• 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 understanding of the process of software development
• Skills in the object-oriented approach to systems analysis, design and implementation
• High-level skills in developing software in Java and C++
• An understanding of social, legal and ethical issues confronting the software engineering professional
• An understanding of aspects of user interaction
• An immersive and experiential understanding of the interactive nature of game play
• Knowledge of current aspects of game play including: terrain models, levels of detail, character and real-time animation, game architecture and user-interaction
• An understanding of game-specific principles such as ludology and haptics and their application to wider games research
• The skills to build large-scale graphical simulations and non-recreational games

Course Structure:

• Core Games & Interactivity Studies (112.5 credit points)
• Core Multimedia & CSSE Studies (237.5 credit points)
• Elective Studies (50 credit points)

Units of Study:

• In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree.   
• The optional Industry-Based Learning (IBL) program is not available to international students.

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: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/spl/ibl/  

The optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is currently not available to international students. However, international students may be able to participate in IBL in another country, subject to the approval of the relevant Swinburne IBL Manager and appropriate immigration approval.

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 while 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:

It is expected that the course will be accredited at Professional Level with the Australian Computer Society.

How To Apply

Entry Requirements:

ENTER:

2008 Round 1 Cleary-In ENTER: 77.55 (CSP)

Credit Transfer:

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into 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://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Pathways (articulation):

An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

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:

Applicants who believe they will receive an ENTER of at least 97.00, have an opportunity to undertake this course through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. For further information visit the website at: http://www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

Application Procedure:

Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 34721 (CSP), 34723 (Int. Fee)

For further information, visit the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au

Find Out More

Further information: