Overview
The Game Programming programme at Media Design School provides students with the technical expertise required to engineer complex digital environments. This degree focuses on the intersection of software engineering and interactive entertainment, ensuring graduates are prepared for the global gaming industry.
Students engage in a collaborative learning environment that mirrors professional studio settings. By working alongside game artists, you will learn to breathe life into unimagined worlds through advanced coding and systems design. The curriculum emphasises not only technical mastery of tools but also the essential communication skills needed to thrive within a development team.
The teaching style is deeply rooted in practical application, allowing you to build a comprehensive portfolio of work.
Why Game Programming at Media Design School?
Media Design School is recognised as a leading institution for game development, maintaining strong alliances with major industry players such as Rocketwerkz, Pik-Pok, and Outerdawn. These partnerships provide students with insights into the professional landscape and enhance their employability upon graduation.
The school offers state-of-the-art facilities and a studio-based environment that simulates the realities of the gaming sector. Students benefit from the expertise of a faculty comprised of industry veterans and researchers. The programme is distinguished by its focus on high-level languages like C++ and its integration with PlayStation development platforms.
Tuition Fee Breakdown
- International fee: NZD 34550 per year
- National fee: NZD 12300 per year
Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.
Syllabus
Modules may include:
Year 1
- Software Engineering for Games
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- 2D Game Programming
- 3D Graphics Programming
- Game Studies I
- Maths 1
- Mathematics for Graphical Games
- Game Design Principles
- Gameplay Programming
Year 2
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Engineering for Games
- Physics Programming
- Technology Leverage for Games
- Advanced Graphical Games Programming
- Software Engineering Principles and Practices
- Software Engineering for Mobile Platforms
- People and Games
- Rapid Game Prototype
Year 3
- Game Engine Development
- Software Engineering Capstone Project
- Software Engineering Game Development Capstone Project
- Preproduction
- Game Development Team Production Alpha
- Game Development Team Production Gold
- Professional Practice
Careers with Game Programming
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the international technology and entertainment sectors. Common career paths include becoming a Gameplay Programmer, where the focus is on character controls and interaction mechanics, or an AI Programmer, developing decision-making algorithms for non-player characters.
Other opportunities exist as a Tools or Engine Programmer, creating the foundational software that supports the entire development pipeline. Alumni from this programme have secured positions at prestigious organisations including Game Loft, Grinding Gear Games, Mytona, and PlaySide Studios.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Software Engineering for Games
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- 2D Game Programming
- 3D Graphics Programming
- Game Mechanics
- Mathematical and Engineering Principles
- Mathematics for Graphical Games
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 96 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
Language
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Credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Sydney, Australia
- Brisbane, Australia
Disciplines
Game Design Software Engineering Artificial Intelligence View 13 other Bachelors in Game Design in New ZealandWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Prepare for Your English Test
AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.
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- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Other requirements
General requirements
Minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as CIE or IB University Entrance, or, level 4 or higher Qualification from a related discipline (not required for students 20+).
Plus, you will need to have fulfilled the following credit requirements:
- 28 NCEA credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology. *Note: At this time, students completing NCEA Level 3 will only require 24 credits in the above subjects.
Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.
Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Media Design School and/or in your country of interest, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Tuition Fees
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents34550 NZD / year≈ 34550 NZD / year -
Domestic Applies to you
Applies to youCitizens or residents12300 NZD / year≈ 12300 NZD / year
Living costs
Auckland
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
This programme is taught in different countries. Which country are you interested in?
- Australia
- New Zealand
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Game Programming.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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