What is Motion Design?
Bring design to life
The field of motion graphics is constantly transforming and there are now endless career possibilities available to designers in the field. Specialise in Motion Design and we'll teach you key technical skills such as 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, composition, image manipulation and text choreography. By the end of your degree, you’ll have evidence of your experience working to a variety of client briefs. Start building your new life today!
See some recent student work here.
This programme is available both on campus and online.
What is Motion Design?
Motion design is the process of giving life to otherwise static graphics and images through animation. In essence, it involves giving movement to traditional graphic design elements like text and logs, albeit with less emphasis on storytelling. By incorporating the element of time into the creation process it adds a new dimension to graphics.
Course Outline
What you'll cover in this course
Step right up as we introduce you to theory, professional practice and broad principles that allow you to respond effectively to briefs. You'll also be immersed in the studio to develop practical and ideation skills, while majors are introduced through theory and studio components.
Component Name | Credits | Toggle |
---|---|---|
Design Theory
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10
|
|
Students begin to develop a common vocabulary and understanding of the major motivations and concerns of media designers, enabling them to collaborate across majors in interdisciplinary teams to develop effective media designs in future joint projects such as Interdisciplinary Group Project.
Level 5
BMD1R1
PC3994
|
||
Design Studio
|
20
|
|
Students put theories and principles learnt in Design Principles (BMD1R1) into practice. They are introduced to a range of analogue tools and creative problem-solving methods using a combination of guided class exercises, group work, class discussions and self-directed investigative tasks. Students develop creative solutions in response to briefs, critique and reflect on each others work within a workshop environment.
Level 5
BMD1R2
PC3994
|
||
Contextual Studies 1
|
10
|
|
In combination with other components, students are introduced to the idea of using a critical position in response to contextual study to develop imaginative and socially relevant approaches to visual communication. Students also acquire the knowledge and skill to identify the content, media, processes and context of a chosen subject and relate it to contemporary practices.
Level 5
BMD1R3
PC3994
|
||
Photographic Studies
|
10
|
|
Students focus on developing fundamental technical photographic skills and identify contexts for the work to operate. Students can use photography to explore concepts and contexts, or develop their own subject matter and approach. A series of images will be created as a visual response to the exploration of a predetermined subject and position.
Level 5
BMD1R4
PC3994
|
||
Digital Image Foundation
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10
|
|
Digital Image Foundation focuses on providing a basic technical vocabulary and skillset for digital image making, providing a foundation for effective practices in all media design disciplines. Through practice exercises students are introduced to industry-standard software packages used in the production of digital imagery such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Level 5
BMD1R5
PC3994
|
||
Interdisciplinary Design Foundation
|
30
|
|
Students independently implement a multi-part interdisciplinary project integrating practices from all majors. The project is carried out within tight technical and creative limitations, giving students practical experience working in a commercial design environment. Independent and reflective thinking, personal responsibility, time management and practical skills are developed using a project-based learning approach.
Level 5
BMD1R6
PC3994
|
||
Motion Design Theory 1
|
10
|
|
Students are introduced to motion design disciplines, historical influences and the theories, principles and processes of motion design with a focus on typography, principles of animation, moving image narrative and production techniques. Advanced ideation and creative problem-solving strategies, including methods for generating & evaluating effective concepts of motion design communication, are also incorporated.
Level 5
BMD1MD1
PC3994
|
||
Motion Design Studio 1
|
20
|
|
Classes focus on developing creative and technical solutions in response to motion design briefs through self-directed practice.
Level 5
BMD1MD2
PC3994
|
Build on the knowledge you gained in the first year with an emphasis on the production of innovative video and motion graphic campaigns for TV commercials, music videos and logo animation. Acquiring the essential skills in communication, pitching, and collaboration are a critical part of the year, as well as strategies and methods to go out on your own.
Component Name | Credits | Toggle |
---|---|---|
Creative Media Strategies
|
15
|
|
Students are introduced to different areas of marketing communications, the media involved, the concept of creative advertising, the creative brief and the importance of ideas and insights in enabling integrated and transmedia communication.
Level 6
BMD2R1
PC3994
|
||
Professional and Academic Practice 1
|
15
|
|
This component introduces students to the subjects of project management, interpersonal communication and scholarly investigation. Students are encouraged to examine assumptions and personal biases that effect their investigative practice. Industry guests also provide live case studies to promote student engagement and develop authentic dialogues. Various presentation formats, strategies and conventions are presented.
Level 6
BMD2R2
PC3994
|
||
Contextual Studies 2
|
10
|
|
This component introduces students to a specific contemporary issue in Media Design. Learning will be supported with guest lectures, critique sessions and reading groups introducing students to multiple perspectives, encouraging independent critical thinking and helping them develop in depth dialogues with the topic.
Level 6
BMD2R3
PC3994
|
||
Special Topic Project
|
20
|
|
Students engage in an investigative project that effectively explore concepts and contextual knowledge. The projects can be weighted differently depending on the goals of the student. Two project types are available: Interdisciplinary Project, for students who want to develop knowledge across majors in a practical project; and Specialist Investigation, for students who choose to deepen knowledge within their own major.
Level 6
BMD2R4
PC3994
|
||
Principles of Practice 2
|
20
|
|
Students are provided advanced knowledge of motion design theory as well as experience with academic writing and critical thinking. Students consider motion design from a historic viewpoint for the purpose of drawing inspiration and enhancing understanding of theory and concept. Contextual knowledge of specific areas within motion design such as broadcast design, advertising and film will be used to introduce students to the formal theories and techniques.
Level 6
BMD2MD1
PC3994
|
||
Motion Design Studio 2
|
40
|
|
Projects linked to creative briefs set in Creative Media Strategies (BMD2R1) enable students to respond with motion design solutions that work in conjunction with other majors. This provides students with holistic understanding of the creative process.
Level 6
BMD2MD1
PC3994
|
The final year covers essential business methods, research methods and project management before an interdisciplinary group project challenges you to synthesise your knowledge and skills as part of a creative team. You will also embark on a half-year, practice-based investigation of motion graphics.
Component Name | Credits | Toggle |
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Professional and Academic Practice 2
|
15
|
|
In this component students continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake postgraduate studies or pursue a career of life-long learning, critical thinking and inquiry within their professional domain. Students are introduced to portfolio development strategies, studio management theory and small business concerns. They also extend their understanding of project management, creative strategies and academic practice.
Level 7
BMD3R1
PC3994
|
||
Interdisciplinary Group Project
|
30
|
|
This component consists of a single major interdisciplinary group project, where students collaborate to conceive and produce an integrated media marketing campaign. They are organised into groups comprising members from across the different major streams and are provided with a client brief.
Level 7
BMD3R2
PC3994
|
||
Interactive Design Portfolio
|
15
|
|
Portfolio development focuses on developing students’ insight into their own specific strengths and weaknesses, their self-promotional skills, and awareness of how they could fit into industry as professionals, preparing them for their Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry (BMD3ID2) and future employment.
Level 7
BMD3ID1
PC3994
|
||
Interactive Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry
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60
|
|
Students design, construct and document a body of work that addresses the proposal for an end-of-year exhibition. Students will be able to collaborate in pairs or on team projects as long as their role in the project and their specific individual aims are clearly expressed in their project brief. This final body of work will represent the culmination of the degree process and should also represent the students’ perspective as emerging professional designers.
Level 7
BMD3ID2
PC3994
|
Qualification Requirements
Qualification Requirements
NCEA
You are advised to take a combination of traditional and digital art subjects (these could include Art, Digital Technologies, Digital and Visual Communications, or Ngā Toi).
CIE
You are advised to take at least one Art-related subject.
IB
Your IB Diploma must include an arts-related subject. A portfolio showcasing your design skills is also required.
International Students
If you are an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum) with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent qualification if English is not your first language.
You may be eligible for discretionary entrance if you have:
- An Excellence Endorsement in art/design subjects at Level 2, AND
Literacy and Numeracy requirements (i.e.: 10 credits in Maths at Level 1 and 10 credits in English at Level 2 (5 reading/5 writing))
You may be eligible for Special Admission if you:
- Are over 20 years old
- Have relevant or applicable experience and a portfolio
Click the title for more info!
Quotas
Please note, quotas may apply to some programmes. Where demand exceeds the number of available places, applicants who meet entry requirements will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Language Requirements
Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you may be required to provide satisfactory evidence of your proficiency in English in the form of a recent IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score , TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score or a Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) from an accredited organisation.
Portfolio type:
General Portfolio
File format:
PDF, Website URL or JPGs
Your portfolio is a selection of work that shows your skills and talents. It introduces you and your ideas, and shows us you have the creativity and imagination to be a student at Media Design School. There are no strict rules about what you should include in your portfolio. As a guide, it should include a range of 12 - 20 pieces of your best works that represent who you are as a creative person. We recommend including a range of media and styles. It is not imperative you include digitally rendered artworks.
Portfolio Requirements
How to prepare your portfolio
Things you could include:
• Pencil drawings and illustrations
• Painting
• Photography
• Graphic or Digital design
• 3D models or visualisations
• Concept art and characters
• Video or moving images
BYOD Requirements
BYOD Requirements
Before you begin your study with us, you will need to have a suitable device that has the functionality to run the programmes required for your course.
Follow this link to find course-specific requirements and recommendations, along with links to more information about hardware specifications. We have prepared these recommendations to help our students equip for flexible, blended learning.
Careers & Industry
Industry Insights
Motion Designers can go on to work in:
- Television
- Advertising
- Production houses
- Corporate event companies
- Freelancer
Design comes to life as you develop motion graphics for commercials, title sequences, music videos and television. The course includes 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, composition, image manipulation and text choreography. Graduates enter the industry with a portfolio that showcases their ability to answer client briefs, collaborate across multiple disciplines and experience working in production.