UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY · NEW ZEALAND
Game Development
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Unity and Unreal EngineIndustry-standard tools
- AR/VR equipment, gaming PCs, consoles, motion captureSpecialised labs
- Develop own games from Year 2Practical application
The Game Development program at the University of Canterbury (UC) offers a comprehensive study path for those interested in the ever-growing digital games industry. You will acquire the essential tools and understanding to create modern video games from the ground up. This program covers various aspects of game creation, from building immersive worlds and characters to narrative design, animation, sound, project management, testing, and marketing. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software like Unity and Unreal Engine, starting to develop their own games and prototypes from the second year of study.
Curriculum
The Game Development major is part of the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours. The curriculum progresses from foundational programming and computer science concepts to advanced game design and development.
- 100-level
- Introduction to Computer ProgrammingCOSC121
- Introduction to Computer ScienceCOSC122
- 200-level
- Software Engineering 1SENG201
- Game Design in ContextPROD221
- Game Project Studio 1PROD222
- Immersive Game DesignPROD223
- Computation for GamesPROD224
- 300-level
- Game Development in Unreal and C++PROD225
- Interactive Computer Graphics and AnimationPROD321
- Game Engines and Artificial IntelligencePROD323
- 400-level
- Game Development projects
Careers
A degree in Game Development from UC can prepare you for a variety of roles within the games industry and related technology fields. You will develop skills applicable to creating engaging and meaningful interactive experiences.
- Game Programmer (Gameplay, AI, Audio, Graphics)
- Game Art
- Game Testing
- Multimedia Programming
- Software Engineering
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Game Development programme for international students?
- International students need to have successfully completed a relevant secondary school qualification equivalent to a High School Diploma. You must also meet English language requirements, such as an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no band score lower than 5.5, or a TOEFL iBT of 80. It's recommended to use the 'Check your eligibility' tool on the UC website for specific country requirements.
- How much are the tuition fees for international students?
- International tuition fees apply to non-New Zealand or non-Australian citizens. The exact fee amounts for 2026 are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the date; please refer to the University of Canterbury's official fee schedule for specific details.
- What is the duration of the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours programme?
- The Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours, which includes the Game Development major, is a four-year programme. The curriculum progresses from foundational concepts in the first year to advanced game design and development in subsequent years, including 400-level Game Development projects.
- What career paths can I pursue with a Game Development degree?
- A Game Development degree can prepare you for roles such as Game Programmer, Game Art, Game Testing, Multimedia Programming, and Software Engineering within the games industry and related technology fields.
- How do I apply to the Game Development programme as an international student?
- International students can apply through UC's online application portal (myUC) after checking their eligibility and reviewing fees and scholarship information. Remember to be aware of key enrolment dates, including application deadlines and course start dates.
- Are there scholarships available for international students in the Game Development programme?
- Yes, various scholarships are available for international students, including government-sponsored Manaaki NZ Scholarships, UC's own merit/need-based scholarships, and others like the Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship or Pacific Community Scholarship, depending on eligibility.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentSuccessful completion of a relevant secondary school qualification meeting UC's academic entry requirements.
IELTS (Academic)6.0 overall with no band score lower than 5.5
TOEFLiBT 80
Specific requirements may vary based on country and qualification. Applicants are encouraged to check the 'Check your eligibility' tool on the UC website.
Fees
Tuition (international)International tuition fees apply to non-New Zealand or non-Australian citizens, unless on an exchange programme.
Tuition (home)Domestic tuition fees apply to NZ citizens, Australian citizens, and those with NZ Residence Class Visa or Australian Permanent Residence living in NZ.
Living—
Tuition fees for 2026 are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the date. For specific fee amounts, please refer to the University of Canterbury's official fee schedule.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityUse the 'Check your eligibility' tool on the UC website to ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours.
2. Find Information on Fees and CostsReview the international tuition fees and estimated living costs for students in New Zealand. Note that tuition fees for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the date.
3. Explore ScholarshipsInvestigate available scholarships for international students, including those offered by the New Zealand Government (Manaaki NZ) and UC.
4. Submit ApplicationApply for the qualification through the UC's online application portal (myUC).
5. Review Enrolment DatesBe aware of key enrolment dates, including application deadlines and course start dates.
Scholarships
Gough MBA Leaders ScholarshipFinancial support
Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship—
Pacific Community Scholarship—
Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Postgraduate Scholarship—
Manaaki NZ ScholarshipsFull scholarship
UC Scholarships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Game Development programme for international students?
+
International students need to have successfully completed a relevant secondary school qualification equivalent to a High School Diploma. You must also meet English language requirements, such as an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall with no band score lower than 5.5, or a TOEFL iBT of 80. It's recommended to use the 'Check your eligibility' tool on the UC website for specific country requirements.
How much are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International tuition fees apply to non-New Zealand or non-Australian citizens. The exact fee amounts for 2026 are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the date; please refer to the University of Canterbury's official fee schedule for specific details.
What is the duration of the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours programme?
+
The Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours, which includes the Game Development major, is a four-year programme. The curriculum progresses from foundational concepts in the first year to advanced game design and development in subsequent years, including 400-level Game Development projects.
What career paths can I pursue with a Game Development degree?
+
A Game Development degree can prepare you for roles such as Game Programmer, Game Art, Game Testing, Multimedia Programming, and Software Engineering within the games industry and related technology fields.
How do I apply to the Game Development programme as an international student?
+
International students can apply through UC's online application portal (myUC) after checking their eligibility and reviewing fees and scholarship information. Remember to be aware of key enrolment dates, including application deadlines and course start dates.
Are there scholarships available for international students in the Game Development programme?
+
Yes, various scholarships are available for international students, including government-sponsored Manaaki NZ Scholarships, UC's own merit/need-based scholarships, and others like the Graduate Women Canterbury (Inc.) Trust Board Scholarship or Pacific Community Scholarship, depending on eligibility.