TAFE Queensland
Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)/Bachelor of Design (Game Development) - on campus with some online
South Bank, Queensland, Australia
Level
Advanced Diploma
Duration
3-CO
Campus
South Bank (QLD)
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
January 2027
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Course Overview
**Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)/Bachelor of Design (Game Development)
- on campus with some online** at TAFE Queensland in South Bank, Queensland, Australia is a advanced diploma programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Games development graduates pursue careers as gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists and game designers at studios from AAA publishers to independent developers. The global games industry employs over 300,000 professionals and continues to grow rapidly.
Student life (indicative)
Acacia Ridge offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle. Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.
The University at a Glance
Staff Ratio
18.0:1
Career Prospects
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)/Bachelor of Design (Game Development) - on campus with some online
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)/Bachelor of Design (Game Development) - on campus with some online topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)/Bachelor of Design (Game Development) - on campus with some online
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
Completion of Year 12 or attained Year 12 leaving age
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Staff Ratio
18:1
Students per staff
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Acacia Ridge offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle. Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.
- Acacia Ridge offers a comfortable, outdoor-focused student lifestyle.
- Great weather, natural surroundings and a friendly community create a welcoming environment, with cafés, bars and local events to fill your downtime.
What Students Love
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Great café culture
- Thriving student social scene
- Beach lifestyle
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Games development graduates pursue careers as gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists and game designers at studios from AAA publishers to independent developers. The global games industry employs over 300,000 professionals and continues to grow rapidly.
- Games development graduates pursue careers as gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists and game designers at studios from AAA publishers to independent developers.
- The global games industry employs over 300,000 professionals and continues to grow rapidly.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Healthcare
- Business
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Check the university's official fee page
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Like most major Australian cities, Acacia Ridge carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110). A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.
- Like most major Australian cities, Acacia Ridge carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110).
- A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.