Advanced Diploma of Game Design and Development

The Advanced Diploma of Game Design and Development at Torrens University Australia is a practical, 1.5-year qualification for people who want to build games, not just talk about them. You'll work across the core areas of game development: design, programming, art and production. That means writing design documents, prototyping ideas, building levels, scripting gameplay, creating 2D and 3D assets, and testing what you make. The focus is on getting playable work out the door, so you finish with a portfolio rather than just a transcript.

Australian qualifications sit on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). An advanced diploma is a nested qualification, it sits below a bachelor degree and typically takes 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. Courses are usually delivered over trimesters or semesters, and you enrol in units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. The exact unit list, credit point values and any capstone or final project requirements are set by Torrens University, so check the official course page for the current structure. Some advanced diploma programs include a work-integrated learning component or industry project; confirm whether this course includes one and how it is arranged.

Skills you build include game design fundamentals, programming for games, digital art and asset creation, level design, playtesting and iteration, and working in a team to ship something finished. You'll also learn to present your work, an important skill when you're applying for roles or pitching ideas. Teaching is hands-on, with studio-style classes and access to industry-standard software and equipment.

This course suits school leavers who know they want to work in games, career changers with an interest in design or technology, and people who want a shorter, focused qualification before deciding whether to continue into a bachelor degree. Torrens University has campuses in several Australian cities and strong links to the creative industries, which can help with networking and placements. International students should note that the Student visa generally allows 48 hours of work per fortnight while studying, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, check current Department of Home Affairs rules. English proficiency is required for international applicants; the published standard for this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm entry requirements, fees, intake dates and course structure on the official Torrens University page or the CRICOS listing for course code 118473J.

• Junior game designer
• Game developer (entry-level)
• Level designer
• QA tester / games tester
• 2D or 3D game artist
• Games programmer (junior)
• Production assistant in games or interactive media
• Mobile game developer
• Serious games or educational games developer
• AR/VR content creator (entry-level)

These roles appear in Australian game studios, interactive media companies, animation and VFX houses, advertising and digital agencies, and the education and training sector. Some graduates also work freelance or start their own small studio. The advanced diploma can also be a stepping stone into a bachelor degree with credit for prior study, depending on the institution's rules.