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Games Design and Development

Key Information

Duration and course structure

8 trimesters, to be completed in 3 years, or 6 trimesters to be completed in 2 years (fast-track), 24 units, 72 credit points

Intake dates

January, May, September

Mode of delivery

On campus

Fees

Total tuition fee: AED 174,600

Overview

Have you ever wondered how your favourite video games are developed? As a software developer and computer programmer, you’ll help transform ideas into engaging, playable experiences. With opportunities growing rapidly in this dynamic industry, this course equips you with the skills to thrive in both the international games and broader information technology sectors.

Through a combination of theory and hands-on practice, you’ll learn to design and develop games for a variety of platforms, including computer, mobile, and eXtended Reality (XR). The course covers core areas such as game mechanics, software development, user interfaces, gamification, and immersive technologies.

In your final year, you’ll participate in a professional practice project, working in teams to solve real-world challenges for industry clients. This provides valuable experience in applying your skills in practical, client-focused settings.

Offered at Murdoch University Dubai, the Bachelor of Information Technology in Games Design and Development provides a comprehensive education in IT, with a strong focus on game design and development, user eXperience, and systems analysis.. You’ll gain both the theoretical foundation and applied skills needed to succeed in the fast-evolving games development landscape.

Our Bachelor of Information Technology course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Why Choose the Games Design and Development Course?

  • Learn key areas including game development, 3D animation, eXtended Reality (XR – AR/VR/MR), UX/UI design, and game production.
  • Gain real-world experience through internships, industry projects, and collaboration with gaming professionals.
  • Build full-scale games and immersive environments using industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and XR frameworks.
  • Master player experience design through advanced UX/UI techniques, interactive storytelling, and iterative playtesting.
  • Develop a strong portfolio through hands-on projects and industry engagement.
  • Graduate with a globally recognised Australian degree from Murdoch University, boosting your international career prospects.

Develop Your Skills

Through the course, the students will have a combination of skills that involve:

  • Games software design and development
  •  Game design theory and production methods
  •  Core concepts and principles of computing technology
  •  3D graphics and eXtended Reality environments
  •  User eXperience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design
  •  Systems analysis and project management
  •  ICT research and innovation

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course can pursue a career within the IT and gaming industries as:

  • Game Developer
  • Game Designer
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Systems Analyst
  • AR/VR/MR Developer
  • Game Producer
  • Digital Media Specialist
  • Simulation Engineer
  • Interactive Experience Designer
  • Software engineer

Course structure

Spine (9 Credit Points)

  • ICT111 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • MSP200 | Building Employability Skills
  • COM203 | Consulting and Freelancing

Course Core (Required Units – 24 Credit Points)

  • ICT100 | Transition to IT
  • ICT159 | Foundations of Programming
  • ICT169 | Foundations of Data Communications
  • ICT170 | Foundations of Computer Systems
  • ICT201 | Information Technology Project Management
  • BSC203 | Introduction to ICT Research Methods
  • ICT285 | Databases
  • ICT302 | IT Professional Practice Project

Major (24 Credit Points)

  • MJ-GSD Games Design and Development

Required Units (18 Credit Points)

  • ICT101 | Introduction to 3D Graphics and Animation
  • MAS164 | Fundamentals of Mathematics
  • BUS279 | Digital and Social Media Marketing
  • ICT288 | Virtual Realities and Games Software Design
  • ICT367 | Virtual Realities and Games Software Production
  • ICT396 | Games User Experience and User Interface Design

Specified Electives (6 Credit Points)

Set 01 | ICT145 | Python Programming for Everyone or ICT167| Principles of Computer Science

Set 02 | ICT284 | Systems Analysis and Design or ICT206| Intelligent Systems  Note: Students considering a double major with Computer Science must take ICT206.

Options (15 Credit Points)

Double Major – With a double major, you’ll complete two majors under one degree, usually in the same timeframe as a single degree. When you graduate, you’ll receive one bachelor’s degree with recognition of both majors.

Or

Electives – you can choose elective units to the value of 15 credit points, when choosing electives you must be sure you have satisfied pre-requisite requirements.

 

B1390 - Bachelor of Information Technology

Recommended Double Majors

Bachelor of Information Technology in Games Software Design and Production:

Academic Entry and English Language Requirements

Australian entry requirements

The following is required for Australian students:

  • Successful completion of Year 12 with ATAR of 70

Afghanistan entry requirements

The following is required for Afghanistan students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Argentina entry requirements

The following is required for Argentina students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Bahrain entry requirements

The following is required for Bahrain students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Bangladesh entry requirements

The following is required for Bangladesh students:

  • Successful completion of Higher School Certificate (Year 12) with a GPA of 4.0

Bhutan entry requirements

The following is required for Bhutan students:

  • Successful completion of Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) with a grade average of 60% in the best 4 subjects (excluding local language)

Botswana entry requirements

The following is required for Botswana students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Brazil entry requirements

The following is required for Brazil students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Brunei entry requirements

The following is required for Brunei students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:","A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Cambodia entry requirements

The following is required for Cambodian students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Cameroon entry requirements

The following is required for Cameroon students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Canada entry requirements

The following is required for Canada students:

  • Successful completion of High School Graduation Diploma with an average of 65 OR Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a minimum of 30 points and an average of 65% in 6 Level 12 subjects, including English

Chile entry requirements

The following is required for Chile students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

China entry requirements

The following is required for Chinese students:

  • Successful completion of Gao Kao with a minimum score equating to 63% of the maximum overall mark (e.g. 472.5 / 750 or 378 / 600)

Colombia entry requirements

The following is required for Colombian students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Denmark entry requirements

The following is required for Denmark students:

  • Successful completion of either Studentereksamensbevis or Hojere Forberedelseseksamen with final grade of 6

Ecuador entry requirements

The following is required for Ecuador students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Egypt entry requirements

The following is required for Egypt students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

El Salvador entry requirements

The following is required for El Salvador students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Fiji entry requirements

The following is required for Fijian students:

  • Successful completion of Year 13 Certificate Examination, with an average grade of 60% in the best 4 subjects

France entry requirements

The following is required for French students:

  • Successful completion of French Baccalaureate with a grade average of 10

Gambia entry requirements

The following is required for Gambia students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Germany entry requirements

The following is required for Germany students:

  • Successful completion of the Abitur with a GPA 3.5

Ghana entry requirements

The following is required for Ghana students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Greece entry requirements

The following is required for Greece students:

  • Successful completion of the Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Apolytirio Lykeio – previously Apolytirion of Eniaio Lykeio) with a grade average of 14

Hong Kong - SAR entry requirements

The following is required for Hong Kong - SAR students:

  • Successful completion of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a combined score of 15 points from the best 6 subjects (4 core and 2 electives from Category A or C)

India entry requirements

The following is required for Indian students:

  • Successful completion of Higher Secondary Certificate - State Boards except Punjab State Board - with a minimum average of 65% in the best 4 academic subjects

India entry requirements

The following is required for Indian students:

  • Successful completion of Class XII with a minimum average of 60% in the best 4 academic subjects.

Indonesia entry requirements

The following is required for Indonesien students:

  • Successful completion of Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) 3, with a minimum average of 75% and with Surat Keterangan Hasil Ujian Nasional(SKHUN) as proof of graduation.

Iran entry requirements

The following is required for Iran students:

  • High School Diploma with minimum 14 points (Theoretical Stream only)
  • In addition, students who have successfully completed the national entrance exam (Konkur) will be considered for entry in any of their preferred Murdoch University programs, as listed above (Foundation, Diploma, Undergraduate)

Iraq entry requirements

The following is required for Iraq students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Japan entry requirements

The following is required for Japanese students:

  • Successful completion of the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho (Upper Secondary School Certificate of Graduation) with a GPA of 3.5 out of 5.

Jordan entry requirements

The following is required for Jordan students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Kazakhstan entry requirements

The following is required for Kazakhstan students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Kenya entry requirements

The following is required for Kenya students:

  • Successful completion of KSCE with a grade average of B or GCE A Levels with an aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included

South Korea entry requirements

The following is required for South Korean students:

  • Successful completion of the Senior High School Certificate (Immumgye Kodung Hakkyo Chorupiang) with a grade average of A

Kuwait entry requirements

The following is required for Kuwait students:

  • Successful completion of Middle Eastern Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Shahadat-al-thanawiaal-a’ama) with a minimum grade average of 80%

Latvia entry requirements

The following is required for Latvia students:

  • Successful completion of the Latvian Attestation of General Secondary Education with a grade average of 7.0

Laos entry requirements

The following is required for Laos students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Lebanon entry requirements

The following is required for Lebanon students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Libya entry requirements

The following is required for Libya students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Liberia entry requirements

The following is required for Liberia students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Macau - SAR entry requirements

The following is required for Macau - SAR students:

  • Successful completion of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a combined score of 15 points from best 6 subjects (4 core and 2 Electives from Category A or C), where (5**=6, 5*=5.5, 5=5,4=4, 3=3, 2=0, 1=0 or Category C subjects - A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3,D=2, E=1)

Malawi entry requirements

The following is required for Malawi students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Malaysia entry requirements

The following is required for Malaysian students:

  • Successful completion of the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with a minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects OR Unified Chinese Examination (UEC) with a total of 20 or lower from the best 5 academic subjects

Mauritius entry requirements

The following is required for Mauritius students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Mexico entry requirements

The following is required for Mexico students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Moldova entry requirements

The following is required for Moldova students:

  • Successful completion of Moldova Diploma de Bacalaureat, with a grade average of 7

Mongolia entry requirements

The following is required for Mongolian students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Myanmar entry requirements

The following is required for Myanmar students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Nepal entry requirements

The following is required for Nepalese students:

  • School Leaving Certificate Examination (Grade XII) awarded by the National Examinations Board: Minimum GPA of 2.8

New Zealand entry requirements

The following is required for New Zealand students:

  • Successful completion of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3

Nigerian entry requirements

The following is required for Nigerian students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Norway entry requirements

The following is required for Norway students:

  • Successful completion of the Vitnemal with a grade average of 3

Oman entry requirements

The following is required for Oman students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Pakistan entry requirements

The following is required for Pakistan students:

  • Successful completion of the Higher Secondary School Certificate with a grade average of 65% taken from the best 4 academic subjects

Papua New Guinea entry requirements

The following is required for Papua New Guinea students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Paraguay entry requirements

The following is required for Paraguay students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Peru entry requirements

The following is required for Peru students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Philippines entry requirements

The following is required for Philippines students:

  • Senior High School Diploma K-12 Academic Track only with an overall average of 85%

Poland entry requirements

The following is required for Poland students:

  • Successful completion of the Certificate of Matriculation of the General Lyceum (Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci Liceum Oglnoksztalcacego) with a grade average of 4.0

Russian Federation entry requirements

The following is required for Russian Federation students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Saudi Arabia entry requirements

The following is required for Saudi Arabia students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Sierra Leone entry requirements

The following is required for Sierra Leone students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Singapore entry requirements

The following is required for Singapore students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Solomon Islands entry requirements

The following is required for Solomon Islands students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

South Africa entry requirements

The following is required for South African students:

  • Successful completion of the National Senior Certificate with a minimum grade average of 5 in best 6 subjects (excluding ‘life orientation’)

Spain entry requirements

The following is required for Spain students:

  • Successful completion of the Tlitulo de Bachiller with an average grade of 7

Sri Lanka entry requirements

The following is required for Sri Lankan students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Sudan entry requirements

The following is required for Sudan students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Sweden entry requirements

The following is required for Sweden students:

  • Successful completion of the Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola) with a grade average of 15

Switzerland entry requirements

The following is required for Switzerland students:

  • Successful completion of Swiss Cantonal Maturity Certificate (prior to 2008) with a grade average of 4.0 OR the Federal Maturity Certificate with a grade average of 4 (on a 6-point scale) or 3.4 (on a 5-point scale).

Taiwan entry requirements

The following is required for Taiwan students:

  • Successful completion of the Senior High School Diploma / Senior Vocational School Diploma with a minimum of 80%

Tanzania entry requirements

The following is required for Tanzania students:

  • Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) either Division 1 or 2 accepted.

Thailand entry requirements

The following is required for Thailand students:

  • Successful completion of Secondary 6 (Matayom 6) with a GPA of 3

Turkey entry requirements

The following is required for Turkey students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Uganda entry requirements

The following is required for Uganda students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Ukraine entry requirements

The following is required for Ukraine students:

  • Successful completion of the Ukraine Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education with a GPA of 6.5

United Arab Emirates entry requirements

The following is required for United Arab Emirates students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

United Kingdom entry requirements

The following is required for United Kingdom students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

USA entry requirements

The following is required for USA students:

  • (1100/1600) - Successful completion of the High School Diploma with a GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 500 in each band in the SAT. OR successful completion of a minimum of 2 AP subjects with a minimum of 7 points and final Grade 12 High School Diploma. OR successful completion of the American College Test (ACT) with a minimum score of 24 and a completed High School Diploma. Use the College Board institution code 9115 to send official AP and SAT scores to Murdoch University Dubai.

Uzbekistan entry requirements

The following is required for Uzbekistan students:

  • Successful completion of Diploma of Post-Secondary Vocational Education (O’rta Maxsus Ta’lim To’grisidagi Diplom)

Venezuela entry requirements

The following is required for Venezuela students:

  • Please contact the Admissions Office for further information

Vietnam entry requirements

The following is required for Vietnam students:

  • Successful completion of High School Graduation Diploma (Giay Chung nhan tot ngiep Thpt) with a minimum average of 7 from the national exam, with the Giay Chung Nhan Tot Ngiep Thpt as proof of graduation.

Zambia entry requirements

The following is required for Zambia students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Zimbabwe entry requirements

The following is required for Zimbabwe students:

  • Aggregate of 6 points from:
  • A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR
  • A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects
  • At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation
  • AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
  • A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

English language entry requirements

International students must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency before being admitted to this course.

See requirements
Salih Ismail image

Faculty Profile – Information Technology

Discipline Lead – Dr. Salih Ismail

Dr. Salih is an industry-experienced academician. He holds a PhD from Heriot-Watt University in Security of Cloud Computing. He also graduated with a distinction in MSc in Computer Systems Management from Heriot-Watt University and received a BSc (Hons) in Information Technology from the University of Bedfordshire. He holds a Fellowship (FHEA) and a Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) from the Higher Education Academy (UK).

His research interests include Cyber Security, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and the Semantic Web. He has published across various disciplines in some top journals and conferences. His research collaborations have extended globally to receive funding for his projects.

Before academia, he worked in the industry in various posts, including IT Manager, Technology Officer, and Database Administrator, and sat on many advisory boards for tech start-ups. Throughout his career, Dr. Salih has demonstrated a strong commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers. He has consulted on multiple mission-critical projects in Cyber Security for both Governments and Industries. He has received various awards showcasing his excellence in Cybersecurity, including the prestigious Dubai Electronic Cyber Security Innovation Award.

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