Bachelor of Games and Virtual Worlds (Programming)

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The BGames&VW(Prog) is a 3 year degree focused on producing graduates for the simulation, virtual worlds and games industries. IT students enrolling at our Canberra campus now have the option of enrolling in AIE's two year Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development or the degree programme in partnership with CIT.

The degree program is designed to provide professional game programmers with the skills and knowledge of a computer science degree contextualised by gaming applications plus core skills in programming and design. Previous AIE Advanced Diploma graduates wishing to articulate into the BGames&VW(Prog) need to complete four bridging subjects (12 months part-time study) before starting the final year of the degree (one year full-time or 2 years part-time study).

First Year

Semester 1	Software Development 1A (AIE)	Software Development 1B (CIT)	Maths for Games and Simulation Programming 1 (AIE)	Introductory Data Structures and Algorithms(AIE)
Semester 2	Software Development 2 (AIE)	Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (AIE)	Virtual World Development (AIE)	Development Life Cycles (CIT)

 

Second Year

Semester 3	Graphics and Simulation Programming (AIE)	Games and Simulation Middleware (AIE)	Maths for Games and Simulation Programming 2 (AIE)	Project Architecture 1 (CIT)
Semester 4	Applied Development Project (AIE)	Game Design (AIE)	Professional Practice 1 (AIE)	Project Architecture 2 (CIT)

 

Third Year

Semester 5	Software Development 3 (CIT)	Preparation of Final Project Business Case  (AIE)	Professional Practice 2 (CIT)	Application testing and Metrics (CIT)
Semester 6	Software Development 4 (AIE)	Final Project (AIE & CIT)		Project Architecture 3 (CIT)

The program will be delivered in a mixture of online activities through CIT at Reid and face-to-face activities at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment campus at Watson (ACT).

Please note that due to the immersive and integrated delivery in a team environment, the first two years must be undertaken full-time. The third year may then be undertaken part-time.

See the detail subject and course summaries here.

 

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Prerequisite

You must:
- have basic computing skills including being able to operate a personal computer, other hardware (for example printers, games consoles, PDAs etc), create and manage basic files, perform simple operating system tasks and work with more than one standard software package such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases or web browser. (If you do not have these skills you may enrol into the Certificate II in information Technology.)
AND EITHER:
- have demonstrated Year 12 or equivalent qualification in English and mathematics (which includes calculus) with a minimum pass grade OR have successfully completed an approved bridging program and/or skills assessment in mathematics and English;
OR
- have successfully completed the Advanced Diploma of Professional Games Development (Software Development) or the Diploma of Information Technology (Software Development) AND the approved bridging program;
OR
- be of mature age (turn at least 20 years of age in your first year of study in the program) and demonstrate a level of general education in mathematics and English which provides you with a reasonable chance of successfully completing the program (this may include successful completion of an approved bridging program and/or skills assessment in mathematics and English) AND be able to demonstrate an interest in the development of computer games and simulations.

Selection Criteria: Preference will be given if you have:
- successfully completed the Advanced Diploma of Professional Games Development (Software Development) or the Diploma of Information Technology (Software Development) AND the approved bridging program; and/or
- exceeded the minimum pass grade entry requirement in Mathematics and/or have successfully completed an advanced mathematics subject; and/or
- exceeded the minimum pass grade entry requirement in English; and/or
- completed additional relevant studies in physics at the equivalent of Year 12 with a minimum pass grade; and/or
- demonstrated a genuine interest in the development of computer games and simulations.

Selection Process: Selection will primarily be based on an assessment of your previous education record, work and other relevant experiences and interest in the field of study, as identified on the application form and accompanying personal statement. Where it is necessary to collect additional evidence regarding the Selection Criteria, you might be requested to participate in an interview which may include a written or oral skills assessment test.

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Course Costs

Each subject in the Degree costs $2252.01 except for the Final Project which is a double subject and therefore costs $4504.02. The Degree is Fee Help approved.

Application Procedure

Applications for February 2011 intake are now open.  Applications for the July 2010 intake open in April. Contact your nearest campus for more information.

1. Download and send (email, fax or post) us the application form
2. We arrange an interview time with you and you gather your portfolio of programming work
3. You drop in for your interview and show us your portfolio
4. We'll let you know if you're accepted and organise enrolment

Click here for more information about the degree program on the CIT website.