Master of Design

Creative Media

A hands-on, research-led master's programme focused on 2D and 3D digital media design, including illustration, branding, animation, game design, and screen production.

NZ$39,675

inc GST

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This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 9 Certification (180 Credits)

Study Level

Post Grad

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In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Whitireia and WelTec, Wellington

It will take a total of 18 months

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Collaboration and Relationship Building

Build sustainable relationships through collaborative practice in design settings.

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Critical Evaluation

Critically evaluate the complexity and diversity of the context in which design work is situated.

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Methodology and Research Application

Explore, adapt, and apply selected methodologies evidencing diverse knowledge, research skills, and perspectives to solve design problems.

What You're Signing Up For

The Master of Design at Whitireia and WelTec is a 180-credit Level 9 qualification that provides hands-on applied research in digital media. The programme supports focus areas including illustration, branding, photography, digital publication, animation, interactive media, game design, and screen production. Graduates build expertise through advanced methodologies, professional studio practice, and culminate with a dissertation and industry-engaged project. The programme aims to foster sustainable collaboration, critical evaluation of context, and advanced creative problem-solving using diverse research methodologies.

Course Content

  • Design media theory and practice (2D and 3D, time-based media, including illustration, digital painting, drawing, photography, publication design, print making, video, animation, interactive/web media, game design)
  • Advanced Methodologies for Design Research (establishing research orientation, contextual literature review, proposal writing, ethical/cultural considerations)
  • Development Studio (concept research, multidisciplinary practice, technical applications, industry/community context, professional documentation)
  • Creative Thinking (critical analysis, creative problem-solving, research documentation)
  • Studio Project (portfolio/exhibition development, multimedia approaches, documentation of process, industry/community engagement)
  • Dissertation and Implementation (research methodology, resolved body of work, critical reflection, stakeholder engagement)

What you need to know first

Bachelor’s degree or similar qualification in art or design (minimum B- grade average over highest level 120 credits)

Equivalent skills and knowledge for non-graduates

Portfolio submission demonstrating graduate-level design engagement

Research proposal submission

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Creative Arts

  • Digital Media

  • Design

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Digital Media Designer

  • Animator

  • Game Designer

  • Design Researcher

  • Creative Director