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Media Design School

Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand Private
#21 National
Media Design School campus
1,300 students 38% international Urban $21k - $32k/yr

About Media Design School

Media Design School (MDS) in Auckland, New Zealand, is a renowned private tertiary institution specializing in creative technologies, design, and digital arts. Established in 1998, MDS has consistently focused on providing industry-aligned education, making it a leading institution in its field globally. It is recognized for producing graduates who excel in animation, game development, film, and interactive media.

Academics


MDS offers a diverse range of programs, including 3D Animation & VFX, Game Art, Game Programming, Graphic Design, Interactive UX/UI, Artificial Intelligence, and Creative Advertising. The school's teaching approach simulates a real-world industry environment, utilizing state-of-the-art software and technology from day one. MDS was the first in New Zealand to offer dedicated programs in 3D Animation and Game Development, and Bachelor's degrees in Cloud Computing and AI. It also holds exclusive partnerships, such as being the only school in New Zealand partnered with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's PlayStation First Academic Development Programme.

International Students


Media Design School boasts a multicultural environment with over 500 international students from more than 40 countries, enriching the academic experience and fostering cross-cultural teamwork. The school offers English-taught programs and provides support services for international students, including assistance with visa applications and finding accommodation. MDS also offers scholarships, including tuition fee waivers of up to 40% for creativity, leadership, and academic excellence.

Campus & Location


The MDS campus is located in Auckland's vibrant Wynyard Quarter, within the Innovation Precinct, offering students networking and collaboration opportunities within New Zealand's tech industry. Auckland provides a dynamic city life, and the campus itself features customized design studios, classrooms, and photo studios equipped with cutting-edge technology. Public transportation, including buses, trains, and ferries, is readily accessible, with Britomart being a central hub for connections across the city.

Career Outcomes


MDS graduates are highly sought after, with a reported employability rate of 90%. The school maintains strong industry connections, collaborating with professionals to ensure its curriculum aligns with current industry standards. Notable employers of MDS alumni include leading design, advertising, game, animation, film, television, and production studios globally. MDS also fosters a startup culture through its MDS Studios program, which nurtures students in starting their own production companies and bringing their creative ideas to market.

Highlights

  • Top ranked creative school in Oceania
  • Industry partnerships with global tech giants
  • Highly awarded student work internationally
  • Specialized digital and creative arts degrees
  • Located in Auckland's innovation precinct
  • Strong focus on practical portfolio development

Subject Areas

3D AnimationGame ArtGraphic DesignMotion GraphicsInteractive Design

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

Media Design School photo 1Media Design School photo 2Media Design School photo 3Media Design School photo 4Media Design School photo 5Media Design School photo 6Media Design School photo 7Media Design School photo 8Media Design School photo 9

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science

Bachelor Programs (8)

Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects)

Animation and VFX

Digital Arts & Animation
36 months English Full-time

$31,000/yr

Bachelor of Software Engineering (Artificial Intelligence)

STEM

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence
36 months English Full-time

$31,000/yr

Bachelor of Digital Transformation

Business Technology

Business Administration
36 months English Full-time

$29,000/yr

Bachelor of Software Engineering (Cloud Computing)

STEM

Cloud Computing

Networks & Systems
36 months English Full-time

$31,000/yr

Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies

Creative Technologies

12 months English Full-time

$28,000/yr

Bachelor of Creative Technologies (Game Art)

Game Development

Game Development
36 months English Full-time

$31,000/yr

Bachelor of Media Design

Graphic Design

Digital Design
36 months English Full-time

$31,000/yr

Bachelor of Software Engineering (Game Programming)

STEM

Software Engineering

Software Development
36 months English Full-time

$31,000/yr

Master Programs (2)

Master of Design

Design Strategy

Digital Design
12 months English Full-time

$35,000/yr

Master of Software Engineering

STEM

Software Engineering

Software Development
12 months English Full-time

$35,000/yr

6+ IELTS
80+ TOEFL
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Tuition (per year) $21k - $32k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$1000
Teaching Language English
Student : Faculty 15:1
Accreditation
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

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