Game Design Courses

Explore all our Game Design courses

Great games begin with great design. AIE’s Game Design programs teach you how to develop and pitch game concepts, design systems and mechanics, and collaborate with artists and programmers to bring ideas to life. You’ll work in a multi-disciplinary studio environment alongside programmers and artists — the same collaborative dynamic you’ll find in a professional studio. Programs range from short introductory courses through to our Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree, all taught by working game designers with commercial development experience.

Launch your Game Design career

Game Design Foundations Certificate Course Feature Image | AIE

Game design is not just about coming up with great ideas, it’s also about creating an experience that teaches and entertains the player. AIE runs a variety of game design programs from introductory-level programs for beginners right through to courses for those who want to make game design their career.

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Game Design FAQ

What is the difference between Advanced Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree?

The Advanced Diploma is a practical and career-focused qualification studied over two years. It focuses on skills required by Game Artists and working as part of game development team. Advanced Diploma graduates who are interested in starting their own studio can continue into the Graduate Diploma.

A Bachelor Degree offers a stronger academic foundation and covers a broader base of knowledge and analytical skills over three years. A degree often allows for more opportunities in terms of career growth and prepares graduates for further postgraduate study at Masters level.

I want to work in the games industry, which program should I do?

Both programs – Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree – will get you industry-ready. Both cover practical skills required by industry and the knowledge required by game artists. If you are interested in working overseas, having a degree is often a requirement of a work visa.

Do I need to show work or a portfolio as part of my application?

We’d love to see what creative work you have produced in traditional or digital mediums to understand the skills and knowledge you currently have and your career goals. If you don’t think you have any relevant work – talk with our Admissions Team who help.

Is the Bachelor Degree equal to a university degree?

Yes. AIE Institute and the Bachelor of Game Development is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education, regulating the public and private university sector.

What sort of projects will I create?

In these programs you will develop characters, environments, animation, game assets, rendered movies, visual effects and a series of games with teams of artists, designers and programmers. You will pitch and plan out your game experiences and have a large portfolio of work to impress prospective employers.

This is what AIE students make

AIE students work in professional studio environments, on industry tools, from day one. What you see below is the result.

Hit play and see for yourself.

What our graduates say

"I will never forget the amazing time and valuable experience AIE have given me, they really helped me shine to be more than who I thought I was, I am now a Game Designer creating fun innovating games for the future generations"

CEO
Dark Shadow Studios

Casey Thomas

"Game development for many graduates is just a dream. AIE provided me with the skills and knowledge to realise that dream. With such close ties to industry, AIE is a foot in the door to network directly with game companies to help land that elusive job."

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
League of Geeks

Tom Johnstone

"AIE gave me the opportunities to learn industry relevant skills that made it possible for me to get a job in the industry. The teachers were fantastic and incredibly motivated."

LEAD MODELLER
Scanline VFX (Oscar winning VFX studio)

Damien Lam

"AIE was the best choice I made when deciding my career path, the course structure and the connections I made there is what put me in the position for most of the jobs I've gotten. The teachers go above and beyond for their students!"

CHARACTER ARTIST
SMG studio (indie game studio & creators of death squared)

Kellie Lautier

"What I enjoyed about AIE the most was being taught by people that actually have industry experience. My teachers at AIE really helped me figure out the necessary paths and helped me be the best that I could be when I graduated."

SENIOR ENVIRONMENT ARTIST
Cloud Imperium Games (Creators of Star Citizen)

Josh Van Zuylen

"AIE provided me with the building blocks to take my art career to the next level. I learned about the industry, made connections, mentors and friends, asked questions, and viewed my work as an evolution rather than a destination."

OUTPUT DESIGNER
Funko Inc (creators of funko pops)

Beverly Crock

"AIE gave me the specific tools to learn what I needed to know to get into the games industry. AIE taught me a valuable skillset which I have been able to apply to my career."

LEAD CHARACTER ARTIST
Splash Damage

Ben Davis

"AIE has proved to be an invaluable catalyst for my career. The industry veteran teachers and staff went above and beyond. I would not be anywhere near where I am if it wasn't for my AIE family."

VISUAL EFFECTS ARTIST
Bungie

Vinessa Mayer