Master of Design Technology

Overview

If you are interested in pursuing both a creative and a technical career and are thinking about working in one of the many emerging technology industries here in Wellington, New Zealand or even globally, the Master of Design Technology may be for you.

The Master of Design Technology (MDT) is an exciting one-year (full-time) 180-point professional Master’s degree that provides students with the skills needed to work in highly technical design professions including game design, visual effects (VFX), exhibition design and multimedia design.

This programme is unique in New Zealand in providing students with the best expertise in both University research and Industry practice with which to gain the skills they need for a future in the broad-based and rapidly growing technology sector.

The MDT is technology-centric and builds upon the skills acquired in an undergraduate degree focused on digital technology. It is ideal for students who have a bachelor’s degree in design or a closely related field and are looking to up-skill with advanced techniques and high-tech professional practice.

Students undertaking this Master’s Degree will produce a professional portfolio based around their chosen focus of study. A practicum (60-point) that concludes the degree will contribute a substantial project to the candidates' final design portfolio. Examples of practicums range from participating in an internship with a local film studio to working on a group project (like a game or animated short) under the guidance of professional mentors.

The programme starts in March each year and is taught at Victoria's Miramar Creative Centre. This new center contains the latest industry standard technology so that students gain first-hand experience in the software, hardware and professional practices common to the leading creative tech industries.

Who should apply

People who hold a passion for creative technologies, and are committed to learning the deep levels of skills and knowledge required of the industry, are ideal candidates for this programme. Applicants for the Master of Design Technology should already have some understanding of digital design technologies while looking to develop their skills appropriate for the Visual Effects, Game Design, Exhibition Design, and Multimedia Design Industries.

All applicants for the Master of Design Technology should have:

• completed a Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with good grades
• been accepted by the Head of School of Design
• a proven aptitude for both technical and creative design.