Gain the skills to join the industry
A game designer develops the experience, rules, narrative, and technology of a video game. You’ll create compelling and immersive experiences by deciding what the players interact and engage with, and how they do it.
Your study covers skills ranging from prototyping interactions to narrative design—from project management to testing and marketing.
Game Design is a multidisciplinary subject for people with a range of skills and attributes. Whether you’re interested in storytelling or technology, into software or more of an artist—if you’re passionate about games you could find yourself at home in Game Design.
The latest facilities and equipment
During your study you’ll use the latest technology in purpose-built studios, with support from specialist staff.
You’ll get the most out of your study with:
- full motion-capture suits and facility
- VR headsets and environments
- computers labs with the latest software
- cutting-edge AI tools.
You will also have access to industrial design and media facilities to realise unique projects, including 3D printers, 3D body scanning, a laser cutter, photographic resources, and a design library.
Virtual Reality lab
Our Virtual Architecture Simulation Environment lab (VASE) is an experimental design-research laboratory. It’s used for research in the broader fields of augmented, mixed, virtual, and extended realms. It’s equipped with the latest XR instruments, tracking devices, and social VR projection, as well as mobile computing and high-end VR workstations.
Equipment includes a Hyve3D and various Oculus headsets, coupled with Dell Alienware VR Aurora computers.
Choose your study path
You do Game Design as your major subject in a three-year Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI). There are compulsory courses you need to take in your first year for a major in Animation and Visual Effects.
Although it’s less common to take Game Design as a minor, this is also an option.
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Game Design goes well with Arts or Commerce.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Game Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Gaming is a growing industry. It’s now worth more than the film and music industries combined, with opportunity for expansion here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Video games themselves have also become varied—traditional mainstream games now stand alongside the experimental and independent.
Our graduates go on to work at companies like Wētā Digital, PikPok, and Fingertapps.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Game Design.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design Innovation
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design Innovation
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate study
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s degree, or if you want to do independent research, for a PhD.
Choose between three Master’s degree options depending on your interests.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.