Professional Documents
Culture Documents
mediadesignschool.com
Contents
Our Story 02 03
Industry Connections 04 05
Foundation Studies 08 11
Game Art 16 19
Bachelor of Creative Technologies
Game Programming 20 23
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Creative Advertising 32 35
Golden Grads 42 43
Enrolment 44 45
Portfolio 46
How to Apply 47
Prerequisites 48 49
Welcome
Media Design School was the first school to recognise the
emerging creative industries such as game development,
Media Design School, a NZQA Category One provider, is animation and visual effects and develop qualifications to
fuel them with talented graduates.
New Zealands most awarded tertiary institute for digital and
creative technology qualifications. What sets Media Design School apart is our commitment to delivering
degrees to the highest academic standards within an industry relevant,
immersive environment.
Were ranked amongst the top 3 schools in the world to provide Every qualification we offer is designed to adapt with the changing creative
VFX/Animation and Game Development qualifications by the industries landscape while ensuring a strong academic foundation.
Autodesk sponsored CG Student Awards, making us one of the Our courses have a strong base in traditional foundation subjects as well
as offering the theoretical and critical thinking behind current digital and
best tertiary providers in our field globally. creative technologies. Students learn in a productionoriented environment
that encourages collaboration and helps them discover creative solutions to
contemporary design challenges.
Our award-winning programme leaders and lecturers come
Our approach to teaching and learning is aligned to industry expectations.
from a diverse array of digital disciplines and bring their real- Students are encouraged to collaborate, work to deadlines, maintain attendance
world industry experience to your learning experience. levels and develop strong communication skills.
As a result, our graduates are internationally renowned for their expertise and
confidently enter the workplace as skilled professionals rather than technicians.
The Colmar Brunton 2014 Employer Claims Survey showed
In fact, Media Design School alumni can be found in the worlds leading game,
that New Zealand employers rate Media Design School as animation, film, television and production studios. They are also business owners
the top tertiary institute for supplying graduates with the and considered amongst the best in the business.
technical skills necessary to be a valuable employee; the We look forward to you joining a global community of creative practitioners
and taking your place in an ever-changing digital world.
skill most valued by employers in the creative sector who are
considering hiring new graduates.
Fionna Scott
Chief Academic Officer
mediadesignschool.com
1
Our Story
Media Design Global Connections
School Story The Laureate International Universities network is a
leading international network of quality, innovative higher
Media Design School was As the digital and creative sectors
continue to evolve, so too does Media
education institutions.
founded in 1998 to provide
Design School. In 2016,Media Design Laureates more than 80 universities educate over 1 million students in 29
trained graduates for digital
School announced the launch of the countries globally. Many Laureate institutions are ranked among the top providers
and technological companies, Media Design Postgraduate School. of higher education in their respective regions, countries and fields, and have
so that they could respond to received international recognition for their academic quality.
Our Postgraduate Certificate in
the opportunity of a rapidly Design, Postgraduate Diplomain
Our Global Locations:
expanding global industry. Design, andMaster of Design students
explorethe very latest in design theory,
As pioneers in the creative technology research,practice, and innovation. The USA Australia
education sector, we were the first students work in a simulated industry San Diego, California
tertiary institution in the Southern environment where they are challenged The Media Design School of Digital Arts at Torrens University Australia, the first new
Hemisphere to offer a dedicated to researchrelevant ideas, problem-solve, NewSchool is a unique collaboration between comprehensive university in over 20 years,
programme of study for 3D animation
andcreate designsolutions in responseto NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San and Media Design School have collaborated to
using industry-standard computer Diego, California, and Media Design School. design a suite of digital and creative technology
a variety of real-worldbriefs.
graphics software. We were also the programmes.
This project-based interdisciplinary The Media Design School of Digital Arts
first school in New Zealand to provide
at NewSchool campus lies in the heart of Adelaide Campus
a specialised games course for approach means that our graduates
the exciting East Village design district in Located on the historic site of the Menz
aspirational game developers. complete the programme with an downtown San Diego; home to leading design Biscuit Factory, the Wakefield campus of
impressive portfolio filled with practical studios, an exciting indie developer community
Located on Albert Street in Aucklands Torrens University in Adelaide offers students
CBD, Media Design School is New and relevant work experience to show to and innovative advertising companies. the opportunity to study the Bachelor of
their current or prospective employers. Programmes offered at the Media Design Media Design, which has been designed
Zealands most awarded tertiary School of Digital Arts at NewSchool include the collaboratively between Torrens University
institution for digital and creative Bachelor of Science in Media Design and the Australia and Media Design School.
technology qualifications. But dont Bachelor of Arts in Game Development.
just take our word for it: in 2015, Media
Design School was ranked among the
top three schools in the world providing Italy
VFX/Animation and Game Development Milan
qualifications by the Autodesk Based in Milan the Master in Creative
sponsored CG Student Awards 2015 - Advertising is a joint initiative between
making us the No.1 ranked school in the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano
Asia Pacific region and one of the best (NABA) and Media Design School.
tertiary providers in our field globally. NABA is located in one of Milans historical
districts called Navigli (canals), one of the
most attractive and liveliest areas in the city.
2 3
Industry Connections
Industry Connections Work to live briefs
Our close connections with the creative industries in both Media Design Schools teaching style has been created
New Zealand and abroad are integral to Media Design to simulate the real world industry as closely as possible.
Schools central philosophy of developing and promoting From their very first day at Media Design School, our
our students capacity to take risks and push boundaries in students study in a studio-like environment using industry
the fields of new and emerging digital technologies. These aligned software and technology. They are encouraged
industry partnerships ensure that our courses are aligned to challenge conventions and push boundaries in new
with the latest industry standards and mirror the challenges and emerging digital technologies through project based
and successes that are faced by a typical graphic designer, learning and live briefs.
animator, or creative director on a daily basis.
4 5
Interactive
Graphic Design
Creative
Advertising
3D Animation &
Visual Effects
Games
Motion Graphics
6
Foundation
Why choose the Foundation Programme?
Programme
Build a strong foundation in creative technologies
to prepare yourself for further study and develop
a range of skills including working in a team to
deadlines and refining presentation abilities. If you are interested in becoming a part of the
creative and digital arts community but youre
not sure which degree would suit you best,
our foundation programme is a great way to
discover which career in creative or digital
design is for you.
mediadesignschool.com/foundation
8 9
AKL
Image: Chetan
Foundation Programme
10 11 mediadesignschool.com/foundation
3D Animation & Visual Effects
12 13
3D Animation & Visual Effects
AKL
Bachelor of Art and Design
USA
Image: Escargore (2015)
NZQF: Level 7 (420 Credits), 1.2 EFTS per year
The Bachelor of Art and Design focuses Digital Art II: This builds on from the
on the technical and soft skills that previous module, only this time, the
youll need in the post-production side assets are all in 3D.
of the film industry. 3D Modelling: Build 3D models that
are fit for production purposes.
Specialise in visual effects or motion
graphics, technical studies or 3D 3D Rendering: Students will gain
animation and, in your final year, youll be knowledge in rendering and lighting
working on an industry level production 3D objects and scenes.
using contemporary visual effects Foundation Mini-Project: This
techniques in order to create an amazing, mini-project will draw on all years
state-of-the-art short film. learning to produce, test, and revise
students art assets.
14 15 mediadesignschool.com/3d-animation-visual-effects
Game Art
Bachelor of
Why choose a
Bachelor of Creative Technologies? Creative Technologies
Media Design School was the first school in New
Zealand to provide specialised gaming degrees for
Game Art
aspirational game developers.
In the final year of their degree, Game Art students
collaborate with game programmers to develop a
major game project; a set-up that emulates how the
industry works in the real world. Our Game Art degree will enable you to
seamlessly enter the industry by working with
fellow artists and programmers in your third
year to create a commercially viable game.
16 17
Game Art
AKL
Bachelor of Creative Technologies
18 19
18 mediadesignschool.com/game-art
Game Programming
Why choose a
Bachelor of Software Engineering? Bachelor of
Media Design School is the only school in New
Zealand to have partnered with Sony Computer Software Engineering
Entertainment Europes PlayStation First Academic
Development Programme, giving our students the Game Programming
opportunity to develop games for the PlayStation
platform and evidences industry recognition of the
quality of our programmes.
20 21
Game Programming
AKL
Bachelor of Software Engineering
22 23 mediadesignschool.com/game-programming
Bachelor of Media Design
24 25
Graphic Design
AKL
Bachelor of Media Design majoring in Graphic Design
USA
Image: Ashley Boyd
NZQF: Level 7 (360 credits), 1 EFTS a year
26 27 mediadesignschool.com/graphic-design
Interactive Design
AKL
Bachelor of Media Design majoring in Interactive Design
USA
Image: Trouble Maker
NZQF: Level 7 (360 credits), 1 EFTS a year
28 29 mediadesignschool.com/interactive
Motion Design
AKL
Bachelor of Media Design majoring in Motion Design
USA
Image: Lisa Parker
NZQF: Level 7 (360 credits), 1 EFTS a year
30 31 mediadesignschool.com/motion-design
Diploma of Creative Advertising
mediadesignschool.com/creative advertising
32 33
Creative Advertising
AKL
Diploma of Creative Advertising
IT
Image: Jesus Hair
NZQF: Level 6, (160 Credits)
34 35 mediadesignschool.com/creative-advertising
Graduate Diploma in Creative Technologies
36 37
Graduate Studies
AKL
Graduate Diploma in Creative Technologies (GDCT)
If you are looking for a supportive hands- Your lecturers will support you along the way
on learning environment that focuses as guides and mentors, as well as through
on developing practical skills through regular work-in-progress feedback sessions
working on self-initiated projects, then this and one-on-one meetings.
course is for you. Prerequisites
The GDCT will help you further develop your In order to be eligible for this course,
production and design skills through both you must either hold a degree
project-based and problem-based learning. qualification or be able to demonstrate
Youll investigate, propose and produce that you have relevant professional
projects in the creative area of your choice experience in the creative industries.
that compliment your existing skill-set.
All applicants need to provide evidence
You can choose to work within a particular to support the level of skill required for
creative technology discipline including 3D, a self-directed investigation. This could
VFX, Motion Design, Illustration, Graphic be in the form of a portfolio/show-reel
Design or Web Design/Development, of creative/technical work, evidence,
with the end goal of working towards qualification transcripts and employer
professional, academic, exploratory or statements. They also need to provide
experimental learning outcomes. a statement of purpose and initial
In your first semester, you will be proposal outline for their investigation.
introduced to the field through a If you are an international student, youll
combination of tutorials, workshops, need to prove that you are proficient
self-directed learning and a series of in the English language and able to
smaller projects. You will also be assisted complete this course. Well be looking
by your tutors to develop an Individual for Academic IELTS 6.0 (minimum) or an
Coming from a more traditional Fine Arts school, I really Learning Plan (ILP) that will determine equivalent qualification if English is not
your personal learning outcomes. Youll
liked how on-trend and focused Media Design School your first language.
work across a variety of projects in order
was on using new technologies. The very open and to further your design skills. When you apply, youll need to provide
multicultural vibe of the school was also a huge plus, and us with a digital copy of your portfolio.
The second semester will be For a full description of portfolio
the school as a whole just had a very open and down-to- predominantly self-directed where you requirements visit:
earth feel that I found very enjoyable. propose and produce a major project or mediadesignschool.com/enrolment
Elaine Ngeow, Communica, GDCT Graduate in Web and Interactive. series of projects.
38 39
At Weta Digital, we really appreciate
that Media Design School graduates have
not only studied a broad range of disciplines,
but by the end of their studies they have
taken a specific role in a group project under
knowledgeable leadership. This means they
enter the industry with a good understanding
of their strengths, what they most enjoy and the
realities of working in a team to deadlines.
Richard FrancesMoore
Head of Animation, Weta Digital
Golden Grads
Amy Law Tom Chou Aniket A Ujjainkar Chris Howlett
New Zealand Twenty New Zealand Flux Studio India Weta Digital New Zealand Grinding Gear Games
The variety in the work I do is great. The course at Media Design School Before studying at Media Design School, When I first started at Media Design
Everything has fast turn-around, which provided the skills for me to create I worked for number of studios in India, School, it was a great experience being
means Im constantly talking and testing a very polished show-reel that including as a Houdini Artist for Red around a group of people with the same
as well as coding, so Im not staring at demonstrated my ability as an animator. Chillies. I soon realised that I needed to passion for game development and it
a screen all day. I love being creative This, along with the schools reputation further enhance my skills to become not was comforting to know that, like me, a
through logic and seeing something I for producing high calibre graduates, only a better visual effects artist, but a large portion of my class had little to no
build come to life. Agency-land is was key to impressing Flux and me good team player. programming experience when we started.
lots of fun too! getting the position.
The most valuable thing I learned at Media We had some great opportunities at Media
I found that having a qualification One of the most important lessons Design School is the importance of being Design School. During our third year we
from a school with a great industry I learnt at Media Design School able to problem-solve. During my final year were able to present our final project
reputation made a huge difference was how to work effectively in a at Media Design School, I got the chance at the Media Design School booths at
when I was job hunting, and afterward, team environment. Being able to to work on the award-winning short film Armageddon and Digital NatioNZ. It was a
with other companies hunting me communicate confidently with other Escargore, which gave me hands-on great experience watching thousands of
down with offers! people in a working pipeline is essential experience and exposure to New Zealands people having fun playing our game.
I was well prepared for my job and my It was a challenging yet engaging working culture. Currently, I am working as a programmer
boss was surprised with how much I experience where I became close The amount of new skills I learned while for Grinding Gear Games. Im enjoying
knew, how quickly I worked and how friends with a bunch of future industry working on the short film was amazing everything about my job. Working with great
well I could handle pressure - all things leaders. and helped me gain my dream job as a people, on a great game, which is on Steam,
I picked up from Media Design School. Creature Assistant Technical Director at in C++ is amazing! I really couldnt ask for
It really gave me a head start in my
Weta Digital in Wellington, New Zealand, anything else. Being able to go on Twitch
To read Amys full story visit: chosen career and allowed me to slip
working with the best artists and team and see people having fun with content
mediadesignschool.com/amy-law into work effortlessly.
players in the industry. Ive created is an incredible experience and
To read Toms full story visit: something I never thought would happen
http://www.mediadesignschool.com/ To read Anikets full story visit:
when I first started the degree.
about/success-stories/tom-chou http://www.mediadesignschool.com/
about/success-stories/aniket-a-ujjainkar To read Chris full story visit:
mediadesignschool.com/
about/success-stories/chris-howlett
42 43
Enrolment
Thinking of enroling be otherwise qualified for entrance to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) acceptance and student declaration
university. Discretionary Entrance is not form. Offers of place are made based
with Media Design School? Recognition of Prior Learning or
available to international students. advanced standing may be granted to on availability of seats at the time of
Here are some essential offer. If all places have been filled at the
students with prior tertiary education
pieces of information you English Language Requirements and experience relevant to the intended timethe offeris accepted, the applicant
will need to know: Media Design School expects all programme of study. Applicants must may be put on the waitlist or the offer
students to be proficient in English at also provide a strong portfolio showing of place may becancelled.
General Admission an academic level. All applicants whose substantial creative and technical
For our degree programmes, please refer first language is not English will be potential. The admissions team will Withdrawals and Refunds
to the prerequisites page on page 48. required to provide evidence of their recommend a transfer credit based on We have a clear set of guidelines around
proficiency in English through IELTS academic transcripts, appropriate industry the withdrawal period, the process by
For all other programmes, please refer (International English Language Testing experience and the applicants ability to which you need to inform us, and the
to the course pages for each respective System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a
communicate strong commitment to the cancellation fees that will apply.
programmes General Admission details. Foreign Language) from an accredited intensive nature of the course for which For more information on withdrawals
organisation. To study at Media Design they are applying. RPL must be requested and refunds visit our site:
Special Admission School, degree and graduate diploma at the time of application. mediadesignschool.com/offer
Special Admission is a way to be applicants must have an academic
Applicants wishing to be considered
considered for entrance if you are a New IELTS score of at least 6.0 (across all
for RPL for previous studies at other
Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent bands). A transcript of your results (or New Zealand or overseas tertiary
resident, are over 20 years of age on the certified copy) should be included with
institutes must provide certified copies
first day of semester, and who want to your application. IELTS and alternative
of academic transcripts as well as
study with a tertiary education provider test results are only accepted for two
detailed course outlines. Qualifications
but dont have a formal university entrance years from the examination date. completed more than five years
qualification. Applicants who do not meet For further information visit: from date of application cannot be
requirements for general admission, and ielts.org
recognised. All photocopied documents
have relevant experience and skills may (results, transcripts, certificates, etc.)
apply for special admission, which must be must be certified as true and correct
supported by a professional portfolio or copies. Documents that have not been
documented industry experience certified will not be accepted.
Discretionary Admission
Accepting an offer Left & Above: Media Design School
Discretionary Entrance is based on
If you are offered a place to study at
the National Certificate of Educational
Media Design School, you must formally
Achievement (NCEA) Level 2 (or higher),
accept the offer to secure your place.
and is available to applicants who have
To accept an offer of place from Media
gained exceptional results in Year 12. You
Design School, successful applicants
must be under 20, be an NZ or Australian
mustsign, date and return an offer
citizen, or permanent resident, and not be
44 45
Portfolio
How to Apply
No two Media Design School Once you have figured out Step 4:
courses are the same,which which of our course offerings
Interview
is why every programme interests you the most, there
You may be contacted during the review
has its own unique set of are five simple steps that you process for an interview. Depending
specific requirements. need to take to complete the on where you are in the world, these
meetings can take place at Media
application process.
Youll need to check what type of Design Schools central Auckland
portfolio or task sheet youll need to campus, by Skype, or by telephone.
prepare for each course in order to
Step 1:
ensure that you are sending in all of the
Prepare your documents Step 5:
relevant documentation at once.
This includes your portfolio, academic Offer of Place and Enrolment
Your portfolio is a selection of work that records, and letter of intent. Find out
shows off your skills and talents. Image: Luna Arango what documentation you need to Successful applicants will receive an
It introduces your ideas to our faculty prepare by visiting our website: Offer of Place for the programme, along
and shows us that you have the with information about enrolling and
mediadesignschool.com/how-to-apply
creativity, imagination and ambition to studying at Media Design School. To
reserve your place on the programme,
be a student at Media Design School. Step 2: you will need to sign your Fee Protection
For more information about submitting Student Acknowledgement Form (PT
your portfolio and what requirements Complete your online application Form) within 10 working days of the date
you will need to fulfill please visit: Once you have got your documents of issue of the Offer of Place. We will
mediadesignschool.com/portfolio-build in order, youll have to lodge your reserve a place for you through the date
application online by visiting: specified above. If you fail to sign the PT
mediadesignschool.com/enrolment Form within the specified time frame or
Success Tip: we do not hear from you, then your Offer
If you have any questions throughout of Place becomes subject to availability
For a Successful Application this process please get in touch and your offer may be cancelled. After
The number of places for each of our with our Admissions team: signing your PT Form, you will then need
courses is limited, so your admission admissions@mediadesignschool.com to pay your full fees as invoiced.
is based on the quality and content
of your application (including your Step 3: International Students
portfolio, if applicable); prior experience If you are an international student you
Image: Christopher Peacock
and achievements; your level of written Review may need to make arrangements for
and spoken English; maturity; attitude; Once your application (and all of your your accommodation and travel and
and commitment to the intensity supporting documents) has been include proof of this along with your
of our course. received by Media Design School, it will documents from Media Design School
then be passed on to and reviewed by with your student visa application.
the Admissions Board.
46 47
Prerequisites
Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Bachelor of Creative Technologies Bachelor of Media Design Bachelor of Software Engineering
Animation and Visual Effects) (Game Art) (Graphic Design, Interactive (Game Programming)
To qualify for General Admission, youll To qualify for General Admission, youll Design and Motion Design) To qualify for General Admission, youll
need a minimum qualification of NCEA need a minimum qualification of NCEA To qualify for General Admission, youll need a minimum qualification of NCEA
University Entrance or its equivalent, University Entrance or its equivalent, need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or its equivalent,
such as CIE or IB University Entrance. such as CIE or IB University Entrance. University Entrance or its equivalent, such as CIE or IB University Entrance.
Applicants should have a minimum of 28 Applicants should have a minimum of 28 such as CIE or IB University Entrance. Applicants should have a minimum of 28
credits at Level 3 NCEA in Art, Design or credits at Level 3 NCEA in Art, Design Applicants should have a minimum of 28 credits at Level 3 NCEA in Mathematics,
Technology subjects. or Technology subjects. credits at Level 3 NCEA in Art, Design Physics, or Computing and Technology
or Technology subjects.
If you are an international student, If you are an international student, If you are an international student,
youll also need to prove that you are youll also need to prove that you are If you are an international student, youll also need to prove that you are
proficient in the English language and proficient in the English language and youll also need to prove that you are proficient in the English language and
able to complete this course. Well able to complete this course. Well proficient in the English language and able to complete this course. Well
be looking for Academic IELTS 6.0 be looking for Academic IELTS 6.0 able to complete this course. Well be looking for Academic IELTS 6.0
(minimum) or an equivalent qualification (minimum) or an equivalent qualification be looking for Academic IELTS 6.0 (minimum) or an equivalent qualification
if English is not your first language. if English is not your first language. (minimum) or an equivalent qualification if English is not your first language.
if English is not your first language.
When you apply, youll need to When you apply, youll need to A portfolio is not required for this
provide us with a digital copy of provide us with a digital copy of When you apply, youll need to programme.
your portfolio. For a full description your portfolio. For a full description provide us with a digital copy of
of portfolio requirements visit of portfolio requirements visit your portfolio. For a full description
mediadesignschool.com/enrolment mediadesignschool.com/enrolment of portfolio requirements visit
mediadesignschool.com/enrolment
48 49
About Our Campus
50 51
Image: Te Iwihoko (Iwi) Te Rangihirawea
54 55
phone +64 9 303 0402
mail info@mediadesignschool.com
location 92 Albert St
Auckland
New Zealand
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