Game Programming Degree
DIPLOMA | BACHELOR OF GAME DEVELOPMENT
Master the tools and techniques to pursue a successful career as a game programmer
Prepare for a Career in Game Programming with a Professional Game Dev as Your Guide
CG Spectrum’s Game Programming Degree combines comprehensive training in C++ and Unreal Engine, enabling students to build high-quality games. Through a hands-on curriculum and industry mentorship, students will develop the technical skills necessary to succeed in game programming, preparing them for roles in the competitive game development industry.
Course Highlights:
- Industry Standard Tools: Gain expertise in using both C++ and Unreal Engine to create immersive, engaging games.
- Hands-On Game Development: Build real-world projects that showcase your skills and creativity.
- Expert Mentorship: Receive guidance from industry programmers with extensive experience in game development.
- Job-Ready Skills: Gain the technical expertise and problem-solving abilities required for a successful career in game programming.
Ready to bring your game ideas to life? Enroll today and gain the skills needed to create the next generation of games!
Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.
Our mission is to ensure graduates are the best trained and best prepared for a successful career in their chosen field.
Everything You Need To Know
Our film and game degrees and diplomas seamlessly blend academic excellence with practical industry methodologies to help students pave a steadfast pathway to a successful creative career.
Bachelor's Degree (AQF 7)
Bachelor - 6 trimesters
Diploma - 6 months
Bachelor - 2 years
Part-time study available
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
Bachelor - $49, 992 USD
Payment options available
The Bachelor of Game Development majoring in game programming will teach you how to program and implement game systems using industry-standard software, workflows and techniques. You'll also build essential interpersonal skills and industry knowledge.
- Create a playable game, including developing game mechanics, while also learning how to debug your gameplay.
- Explore AI, using it to build game worlds from scratch and look at complex behavior trees for more polished character animation.
- Discover industry-standard practices, procedures, and workflows.
- Build valuable interpersonal skills such as communication and problem-solving.
- Dedicated time to building your professional showreel and getting job-ready.
The below course outline reflects a full-time course load, which comprises three subjects per trimester and three trimesters per year over a two-year duration. Part-time study options are also available.
Trimester 01
- Programming Foundations
- Film and Games Principles, Concepts and Innovations: Learning from History
- Industry Overview: Pipeline and Production Processes
Trimester 02
- Game Engine Programming
- Art and Design Concepts and Principles
- Communicate! Mode, Purpose and Context
Diploma Exit Point
Students can choose to exit the bachelor's degree after trimester 02 with a diploma or continue their studies through to trimester 06 and earn their bachelor's degree.
Trimester 03
- Gameplay and AI Techniques
- Concepts and Principles of Story and Visual Narrative
- Identifying and Solving Problems
Trimester 04
- Networking and Replication
- Concepts and Principles of Lighting and Cinematography
- Managing Projects and Creative Assets
Trimester 05
- Advanced AI, Animation and Game Mechanics
- Leading with Integrity
- Establishing and Sustaining Your Business
Trimester 06
- Game Programming Capstone Portfolio
- Stepping Into Industry: Becoming a Proactive Practitioner
- Marketing Yourself and Your Work
Bachelor Degree Point
Download the Course Guide
Your creative journey begins here! Download our comprehensive course guide and discover the exciting educational opportunities that await you.In CG Spectrum’s Game Programming Degree, you will gain a deep understanding of programming concepts, game mechanics, and industry-standard development tools.
Key highlights include:
- Advanced Programming Skills: Master key coding techniques, including C++ and game-specific programming concepts.
- Real-World Game Projects: Build playable games and a professional portfolio using industry-standard workflows and tools.
- Industry Mentorship: Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced game developers who’ve worked on top projects.
- Career-Focused Training: Learn the practical skills and soft skills needed to succeed in entry-level game development roles.
- Job-Ready Portfolio: Graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create engaging, professional-quality games.
Graduates will leave with the technical expertise, creative vision, and industry knowledge needed to excel in game programming and development roles.
Bachelor Degree Tuition
Avg. Cost per Trimester
$8,332 USD
Duration
6 Trimesters Full-time (2 Year Fast Track or Part-time Options Available)
Total Program Cost
Diploma Tuition
Avg. Cost per Trimester
$8,332 USD
Duration
2 Trimesters Full-time (Part-time Options Available)
Total Program Cost
Don't Put Your Future On Hold
With FEE-HELP and CG Spectrum’s expert training, you can develop the skills and connections you need to thrive in the competitive film and game industries.Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors
To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All game programming classes are taught by professional game devs with years of experience.
Firas Hosn
While at Ubisoft, AAA programmer Firas released almost a game a year including Far Cry 3, 4, 5, Assassin's Creed 3, Your Shape, Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Watchdogs 2 and 3.
Known for Assassin's Creed 3
Daniel Punch
Daniel has experience in game development as well as other applications. He contributed to Marvel Super Hero Squad and was a member of the Need for Speed: No Limits team.
Known for Marvel Super Hero Squad
Sushama Chakraverty
Known for Watch Dogs: Legion
Rez Graham
Known for The Sims 4
Max Maroe
Max is a lifelong gamer and game developer and has devoted his life to the universes inside our computers. He's currently pursuing the development of a multitude of VR and XR games and systems.
Known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Will Masek
Will has taught games programming as a University lecturer before working on the Horizon franchise. Since then he started his own company and works with other studios on a number of exciting projects.
Known for Sniper Elite III: Afrika
Rob Brooks
Rob has developed games and experiences for a number of platforms from mobile and desktop to virtual reality. He specializes in creating gameplay mechanics and quick-fire game prototypes for a number ...
Known for Dev Enabled
Ming Zhang
With over 6 years of experience in the game industry, Ming has worked for Ubisoft, Activision, and Gameloft. He has also applied his programming skills in a wide range of areas.
Known for Tom Clancy's EndWar
Bryan Griffiths
After 20 years in the industry, AAA game expert Bryan has worked on titles like Too Human, X-Men: Destiny, Rollers of the Realm, Debris, and now Far Cry 6.
Known for Far Cry 6
Filip Krstevski
Filip has been teaching for 10+ years, with a current focus on Game Programming in Unreal Engine. Armed with a B.Sc. in Computer Science, Filip has worked at both AAA and indie studios since 2007.
Known for Infinity Blade series
Get The Education Your Deserve
"A cornerstone for your career.
I can honestly say that even by having experience in the field, I've gained a mind-blowing volume of understanding, even when considering the most basic of aspects behind Game Design and Development! Concepts I thought I knew now look so different in a new light. Lessons are challenging, and assignments and classes engaging. A must for any professional looking to up their game a notch or 73."
Fritz M | Game Development
"CG Spectrum's training got me hired in the industry.
CG Spectrum helped me build the skills and connections that directly resulted in getting hired as a Gameplay Programmer at New World Interactive."
Jeff G | Game Development
"CG Spectrum has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality of learning, support, and continued guidance from mentors and peers.
Also, the community at CG Spectrum is amazing! People are passionate about what they study and do. It's a great study and work environment."
Alexios V | Game Development
"CG Spectrum is the perfect place to gain focus, understanding, an encouragement for your journey.
If you are looking for a supportive place to gain or hone skills in game design or other verticals, CGS is a fantastic and worthy place to dive in."
Shaul H | Game Development
"I chose CG Spectrum because I wanted to take my learning to the next level & ensure I was working on the most efficient way to get into the industry.
Chris Swain was the guiding force that kept me headed in the right direction with his sage advice. He was also a calming presence that kept me relaxed during what was often an overwhelming experience.
Thank you Chris for being a friend, a motivator, and a teammate during my time at CG Spectrum and beyond."
Luke Williford | Game Development
"CG Spectrum prepares you to work as a professional game designer from day one.
The most impressive quality CG Spectrum offers is a course that makes study as if you were on your first job. If you are willing to put the energy into studying and do the assignments as if you were on the job, and if you are ready to hear your mentor's suggestions and challenge yourself to push your limits, you will get an experience very similar to the workplace. "
Loris C | Game Development
"My experience at CG Spectrum was second to none, and taught me so much more than I initially anticipated.
My mentor took me from being barely computer literate to an animator working at a studio in only a year and a half. The information and level of teaching at CG Spectrum will absolutely not be found anywhere else."
Kieran L | Game Art & Animation
"Having a mentor definitely helped! It was awesome to have someone I could reach out to when I was stuck.
Getting the weekly feedback also helped in terms of what to improve and what to focus on next. In Term 3, we learned Unreal Engine; I implemented the knowledge I gained in that course to my Advanced 3D Modeling Course to create some additional renders that demonstrated my understanding of using and integrating game-ready assets into an actual game engine.
Benjamin O | Game Art & Animation
"I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!
I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!"
Kasia P | Game Art & Animation
"Having someone that is part of the industry personalizing your training, and providing honest feedback backed up by years of experience is something very valuable you won't get in other Game Programming Courses.
My mentor assisted me in realizing a game prototype I had in mind for quite a long time, and that was amazing. I highly recommend anyone interested in the course to spend that extra money and go for the 1-to-1 formula, because that's where you'll see the biggest difference with other online resources."
Luca Piedrelli | Game Development
Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios
Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career. Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.
Questions? We Have Answers
Details for both domestic and international applicants can be found on our Entry Requirements page.
CG Spectrum Institute is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
All CGSI degrees and diplomas are accredited, providing students with credible and recognized qualifications.
About TEQSA:
TEQSA stands for the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency. It is an independent regulatory body in Australia responsible for assuring the quality and standards of higher education institutions.
TEQSA-accredited qualifications are widely recognized, allowing students to pursue further studies or employment opportunities around the world.
Your studies will require you to download and get acquainted with a variety of software, including:
Core Subjects:
Game Programming Major:
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- GitHub Desktop
- Open Broadcaster Software
- Unreal Engine - educational license
We recommend a minimum of 32GB RAM. See below for more info on hardware specifications.
Core Subjects:
Game Programming Major:
Please note: As the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enrollment.
CG Spectrum Institute ensures that individuals can access high-quality education and professional development without significant financial barriers, empowering them to achieve their goals and excel in their chosen fields.
Australian Students:
All higher education AQF Award Courses offered at CGSI are supported by the Australian Government’s FEE-HELP program.
Domestic students who meet specific eligibility criteria can access FEE-HELP, which allows them to borrow money for all or part of their tuition fees and repay the loan through the tax system once their income reaches a certain threshold.
For more information, please head to the Financial Aid on our website.
International students:
There is a range of financing options suited to your situation and country. Please contact our friendly admissions team for more information on how we can support your learning journey.
On completion of the Bachelor of Game Development (Game Programming Major), you will have greater confidence in your abilities and a portfolio to show employers.
You will also have personalized career services with our Career Development Manager, which can help when applying for junior game design jobs such as:
Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:
While our past CGS students have a high job success rate, we cannot offer guaranteed employment as the film and game industry is competitive, and there is no way of knowing what the market will demand.
The students who experience the greatest success are those who take responsibility for their career, put in the hard work to get their skills and portfolio up to industry standard, leverage their mentor's invaluable expertise and the networking opportunities provided through the CG Spectrum community, and take advantage of every opportunity to excel.
To help students find employment, we have a range of career services and a dedicated Career Development Manager who regularly hosts exclusive career-focused webinars, Q&As, artist interviews, and workshops for students and alumns and is available to answer career-related questions.
Degree students receive additional 1-on-1 career support, CV/portfolio reviews, and help with application/interview preparation.
If you have any questions about our career services as they relate to your personal career goals, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Ready to take the next step toward your future? Head to our application page to get started. Whether you're looking to learn something new, build on your existing skillset, or nurture your creative side, begin your application today to start your creative journey with us!
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