Games Art and Design
Set yourself up for a career in the games production industry with this tailored course taught by international experts.
What type of student are you?
Murdoch code
MJ-GMADStudy mode
Part Time or Full TimeSelection rank
70CRICOS code
See CourseApply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.Internal | External | |
---|---|---|
Murdoch | Semester 1 | Semester 1 |
Semester 2 | Semester 2 |
Overview
Take your passion for video games to the next level and develop the creative thinking and production skills that you need for a career in the games industry.
In this course you’ll level up your knowledge of games art and design processes, production concepts and industry-standard tools and techniques. By creating games and mods you’ll learn about animation, 3D modelling, concept art, and designing for mobile and virtual reality platforms.
This major allows you to explore different areas of specialisation to suit your dream career path, so you’ll learn what’s involved working as a: concept artist, games designer or technical artist.
For roles in concept art, you’ll learn how to bring your ideas to life, building skills in 2D illustration and character design. For roles in games design, you’ll learn to construct virtual worlds, as well as techniques for level design and developing high-concept gameplay. And for roles in production art, you’ll learn to create characters, props and terrains, and will explore production art processes for 3D modelling, animation and texture painting.
Depending on the area you choose, you can learn how game designers create games and gamified systems around systems of play, how concept artists transform ideas into visuals, or how production artists create characters, props and terrains. This allows you to gain the benefits of the fundamental concepts in digital art workflows and design, as well as the relevance and experience of working with industry best-practices.
3 reasons to study Games Art and Design at Murdoch
- Five-star rating for student-teacher ratio, overall experience, student support and teaching quality.
*Source: Good Universities Guide 2020 - Work with real organisations on real projects, and complete internships through our work integrated learning program. Our students have collaborated with Black Lab Games and the Water Corporation in the past.
- Follow in the footsteps of some of our other Murdoch graduates who have gone on to work on Furious 7, Fantastic Four, The Hobbit and more.
What you’ll learn
Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:
- Advanced 3D character animation
- Mobile app and interaction design
- VR, platforms and publishing
- Critical games play and design
- Digital painting
Your future career
The games industry is experiencing substantial growth and the ubiquity of games means that there are not only more jobs than ever available in the entertainment games space, but that companies in other fields are looking to skilled games graduates to create digital experiences for their business needs, such as simulation, training, or education. Careers could include:
- Concept or Technical Artist
- Animator
- Character or Environment Modeller
- Game or Level Designer
- Production or Lighting Artist
You could work in various local and international agencies as well as in web development.
For further admission information about this course, please download our Information Pack.
Study areas
Courses with this major
Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.Internal | External | |
---|---|---|
Murdoch | Semester 1 | Semester 1 |
Semester 2 | Semester 2 |
Structure
Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
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Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Select which option best describes your path to university :
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses | Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. | Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. |
Enabling courses | Successful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:OnTrack, FlexiTrack, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch UniversityMurdoch FlexiTrack High program in year 12 and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)TLC – Learning for Tomorrow, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and achievement of a scaled score of 50+ in ATAR English or a grade of 'C' or better in General Englishan enabling or bridging course at another Australian University. | Successful completion of the course. |
University study | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Creative Portfolio | Successful Portfolio application as assessed by the Academic Chair of the course.Find out more | Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses |
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Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. |
Enabling courses |
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Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:OnTrack, FlexiTrack, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch UniversityMurdoch FlexiTrack High program in year 12 and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)TLC – Learning for Tomorrow, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and achievement of a scaled score of 50+ in ATAR English or a grade of 'C' or better in General Englishan enabling or bridging course at another Australian University. |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of the course. |
University study |
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Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Creative Portfolio |
---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful Portfolio application as assessed by the Academic Chair of the course.Find out more |
Minimum english requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 54 or higher. | 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
GCE A Levels | Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. | A Levels: D in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish LiteratureKnowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. |
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. | Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:EnglishEnglish Extension (Literature)English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | 70 | Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
Portfolio entry | For Creative Media, Arts and Design and Communications courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. | |
Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. | Case-by-case assessment. |
VET course studied at school | Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Total score of 24 or higher. | Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
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Minimum academic requirementCPS 54 or higher. |
Minimum english requirement50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
GCE A Levels |
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Minimum academic requirementMinimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
Minimum english requirementA Levels: D in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish LiteratureKnowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. |
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
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Minimum academic requirementOverall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. |
Minimum english requirementSound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:EnglishEnglish Extension (Literature)English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
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Minimum academic requirement70 |
Minimum english requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
Portfolio entry |
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Minimum academic requirementFor Creative Media, Arts and Design and Communications courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
Extenuating circumstances |
---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. |
Minimum english requirementCase-by-case assessment. |
VET course studied at school |
---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
Overseas Year 12 |
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Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study. |
Minimum english requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study. |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
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Minimum academic requirementTotal score of 24 or higher. |
Minimum english requirementHigher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Certificate IV AQF level 4 | Successful completion of a Certificate IV. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
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Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV. |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 |
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Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Portfolio entry | For Creative Media, Arts and Design and Communications courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. | |
Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Portfolio entry |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Creative Media, Arts and Design and Communications courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementMAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementMultiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which can be demonstrated through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Advanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Adjustment for Murdoch RISE
Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Advanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.


Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.
Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
International students are full fee paying. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.


Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.
The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.
Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How to apply
I want to start studying in
No Admissions
To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can being your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.