Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree?
Introduction
About Each Program
Advanced Diploma of
Professional Game Development (AIE)
The Advanced Diploma is a two-year, full-time vocational qualification delivered by AIE, an award-winning Registed Training Prodvider accredited by ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) The Advanced Diploma is at the highest level of the VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector. Students choose a specialist stream at the start of the course in one of three streams: Game Art and Animation, Game Design and Production, or Game Programming.
In the first year, students learn all the fundamental skills and knowledge in their specialist stream and achieve two Diploma qualifications simultaneously. In the second year, they complete the Advanced Diploma. The study model is sequential: students work through one subject at a time, completing it before moving to the next, in an industry-simulated studio environment.
The Advanced Diploma is approved for VET Student Loans, allowing eligible domestic students to defer tuition fees through the Australian Government loan scheme.
Bachelor of
Game Development (AIE Institute)
The Bachelor of Game Development is a three-year, full-time higher education degree delivered by AIE Institute, a higher education provider registered with TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency). It is the first bachelor degree in Australia to integrate the three core game development disciplines of game art, game design, and game programming within a single multi-disciplinary environment.
Students choose a major in Game Art, Game Design, or Game Programming, and study four subjects simultaneously per semester across six semesters. In the first semester, students all study the same core units and have the flexibility to change their major. In their final semester, students can apply for an industry internship or complete a major production capstone project with elective units.
The Degree is approved for FEE-HELP, allowing eligible domestic students to defer tuition fees through the Australian Government loan scheme.
Camparison summary
| Advanced Diploma | Bachelor Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full-time | 3 years full-time |
| Provider | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) | AIE Institute |
| Qualification Type | Vocational (VET) – AQF Level 6 | Higher Education – AQF Level 7 |
| Study Mode | One subject at a time, 4 subjects per semester | Four subjects simultaneously per semester |
| Cross-discipline projects | 3 cross-stream game dev projects | 6 cross-stream game dev projects |
| Assessments | Practical projects, coursework, technical documentation | Practical projects, coursework, research papers and essays. |
| Internship | Available in final semester (limited positions, selection applies) | |
| Courses |
Summary
The Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree are different programs designed to serve students with different needs, strengths, and ambitions.
The Advanced Diploma may be the right course if you:
- Learn best by doing, and want to focus on building a strong portfolio from day one.
- Prefer to study one subject at a time rather than juggling multiple subjects simultaneously.
- Want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible.
- Find academic writing boring or difficult and prefer to be assessed on practical output.
- Are interested in eventually completing the degree, but want to start working first.
The Bachelor of Game Development may be the right course if you:
- Are comfortable with academic writing and developing analytical research skills.
- Can manage studying four subjects simultaneously and stay on top of competing deadlines.
- Are interested in postgraduate study later in your career.
- Want the internship opportunity and broader subject coverage available in the third year.
- Have a longer-term view of your career and want to build a foundation for senior, specialist, or management roles over time.
- Want the formal credential that satisfies overseas work visa requirements.
The most important thing you can do is to think about who you are as a learner and where you actually want to be in five years. If you are genuinely unsure after reading this document, speak with the AIE Admissions team directly. They can help you talk through your individual situation. You can also come to an Open Day and speak to teachers and students in both programs.
Questions to Help You Decide
Question 1
Which subjects did you most enjoy at school?
If you enjoyed subjects like English, History, Psychology, Philosophy or Legal Studies, you’re probably comfortable with the academic writing demands of a degree. If understanding the theory and reasoning behind something helps you apply it better then the Degree will work for you.
If you thrived in hands-on, practical subjects such as Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Media Production, Software Development, or Maths, the Advanced Diploma’s practical assessment model may suit you better. Do you learn by doing, and find that theory makes more sense once you have made it then the Advanced Diploma may be a better fit.
Neither preference is better; they reflect simply reflect different learning approaches.
Question 2
How long do you want to study for?
The Advanced Diploma is two years long and the Degree runs for three.
If you can’t wait to make your mark and get into the industry as soon as possible, the Advanced Diploma is going to get you there faster.
On the other hand, an additional year of developing your skills will shine through on your portfolio. The degree gives you more time to learn and the internship in the third year is a great runway to boost your industry experience and professional network.
Question 3
Where do you see yourself in five years?
If you see yourself as a specialist -3D Artist, Gameplay Programmer, or Game Designer — the Advanced Diploma’s intensive, portfolio-focused training is an effective path to that goal.
If you see yourself in a role that involves managing people, leading projects, communicating strategy to stakeholders, or running your own studio, you will cover more of these skills in the degree. This includes areas like analytical writing, research, and multi-subject management.
Question 4
Multiple subjects at once or one subject at a time?
The degree requires you to work across four subjects simultaneously every semester. For some students, this keeps things interesting and helps you develop strong project management skills.
If multiple subjects stress you out and you know you work best when you can focus on one thing completely, the Advanced Diploma structure of covering once subject at a time may work better for you.
Question 5
Are you considering further study after your course?
We’re all on a life-long educational journey so it’s worthwhile considering what your next path might be after this one.
If you decide to do the Advanced Diploma, you can articulate into the Bachelor Degree or commence the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) which helps students through starting their own studio.
Many Degree students will be thinking about pursuing a Master’s degree or another other postgraduate qualification. To do your Masters, you will need a bachelor degree.
Question 6
Would you like to work overseas?
If working overseas is a meaningful goal, consider that many countries require a bachelor degree as a minimum qualification for skilled worker visas.
Many Advanced Diploma graduates have gone on to work overseas but only after establishing their professional career with an Australian studio and gaining industry experience for at least 3 years.