Are you a Bright Spark?
If you're in Year 11, 12, and 13 and eager to pursue a successful career in the dynamic field of digital design, then MDS is just the place for you. We're the ultimate destination for aspiring high schoolers who are passionate about unleashing their artistic potential.
Create award winning work
Whichever course you choose, you'll be producing work that gets attention from the very best in the business. Our student films are constantly winning awards on the film festival circuit, and the Bachelor of Media Design students have a wall dedicated to all of their awards. And lets not get started on Creative Advertising...
The point is, we've almost lost count at this stage of how many awards our students win. If you want to go through and count them all, check out our awards page HERE.
2026 Prospectus
Download a digital copy of our prospectus at the link below. If you want to order some physical copies for your school, contact us at domestic@mediadesignschool.com
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Our range of events are designed to give you a taste of various design disciplines and immerse you in the vibrant digital design industry.
Chart your course
Have a look through the subjects we teach, and take the first step in your creative career.
Set your sights on our bachelors by building the skills you need to succeed with this entry level design course. No portfolio needed!
Entry Requirements
| Domestic and International | Domestic students must be at least 16 years of age. International students must be at least 18 years of age and have an IELTS score of 5.5 - or equivalent, with no band score lower than 5. All applicants need to provide: NCEA Level 2 (or International equivalent) Candidates without NCEA Level 2 (or international equivalent) will be assessed by the Programme Co-ordinator. |
Entry Requirements
| Domestic and International | Domestic students must be at least 16 years of age. International students must be at least 18 years of age and have an IELTS score of 5.5 - or equivalent, with no band score lower than 5. All applicants need to provide: NCEA Level 2 (or International equivalent) Candidates without NCEA Level 2 (or international equivalent) will be assessed by the Programme Co-ordinator. |
Major in Graphic Design
Do you have a passion for design? A Bachelor of Media Design specialising in Graphic Design will teach you how to communicate using text, images and form to make visual connections and craft ideas into meaningful interactions. By the end of your third year, you will have designed, constructed and documented a body of work that represents your perspective as an emerging professional designer. If you're hoping to hone your existing skills, why not apply now?
Major in Motion Design
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!
Major in Interactive UX Design
A Bachelor of Media Design specialising in Interactive Design prepares you for the technical demands of the web design and mobile development industries. Experiment with a variety of interactive and dynamic design theories and immerse yourself in fundamental digital design processes such as front-end web development, interactive programming, and content management systems. You'll also devise interactive design solutions in response to creative and technical briefs from industry. If you want to stand out, study here.
Entry 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)) |
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)) |
Realize your dreams in Hollywood by climbing the animation ladder culminating in the creation of your own animated film, and professionally assisted class-film that will be submitted to international award shows.
Entry 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)) |
Entry 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)) |
GAME ART
Become an arbiter of creation and destruction. Breathe life into NPCs, form spectacular environments, create memorable storylines, and combine them all for immersive experiences to share with the world. Our Game Art degree will enable you to seamlessly enter the industry by developing your skills in a studio-like environment. Personify code through beautiful imagery and pursue your creative vision toward a commercially viable game.
We’re not saying the road will be easy, but you’re used to grinding exp. Right?
GAME PROGRAMMING
Manipulate physics and make a new reality - or break it. Crack the code for platforms like Sony PlayStation and Apple iOS, take the driver’s seat in game engines such as Unity and Unreal, and collaborate with artists to make their beautiful worlds come to life. Our Game Programming degree will enable you to seamlessly enter the industry by developing your skills in a studio-like environment. Set the foundations and push your game to its full potential.
If you had the chance to work on Diablo, Call of Duty, or Halo, what’s the probability of you accepting it?
Entry Requirements - Game Art
| General Admission |
NCEA University Entrance NCEA Level 3: Three subjects at Level 3, made up of 14 credits each. Literacy 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 5 credits in reading 5 credits in writing Numeracy 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of: achievement standards (specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects), or, unit standards, package of three numeracy unit standards: 26623, 26626, 26627. (All three 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. |
Entry Requirements - Game Programming
| NCEA | 28 NCEA Credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology. *Note: Students completing NCEA Level 3 in 2020 will only require 24 credits in the above subjects. If you are enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and have not yet completed your NCEA (CIE or equivalent) qualification, you can still apply now for admission. When your NCEA results are available in January, we will check them and contact you. |
|
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)) |
Entry Requirements - Game Art
| General Admission |
NCEA University Entrance NCEA Level 3: Three subjects at Level 3, made up of 14 credits each. Literacy 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 5 credits in reading 5 credits in writing Numeracy 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of: achievement standards (specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects), or, unit standards, package of three numeracy unit standards: 26623, 26626, 26627. (All three 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. |
Entry Requirements - Game Programming
| NCEA | 28 NCEA Credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology. *Note: Students completing NCEA Level 3 in 2020 will only require 24 credits in the above subjects. If you are enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and have not yet completed your NCEA (CIE or equivalent) qualification, you can still apply now for admission. When your NCEA results are available in January, we will check them and contact you. |
|
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)) |
Pioneer the edge of current tech, learning futureproof insights to create new jobs, improve old ones and change the face of the world forever with the power of programming.
Entry Requirements
| NCEA | TTo apply for this degree, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as: An appropriate qualification from an overseas secondary school or tertiary institution, deemed by Media Design School to be sufficient for admission into a bachelors programme. CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination) IB (International Baccalaureate) Plus, you will need to have fulfilled the following credit requirements: 28 NCEA Credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology. *Note: Students completing NCEA Level 3 in 2020 will only require 24 credits in the above subjects. Learn more about NCEA and UE in 2020 here. If you are enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and have not yet completed your NCEA (CIE or equivalent) qualification, you can still apply now for admission. When your NCEA results are available in January, we will check them and contact you. |
|
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)) |
Entry Requirements
| NCEA | TTo apply for this degree, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as: An appropriate qualification from an overseas secondary school or tertiary institution, deemed by Media Design School to be sufficient for admission into a bachelors programme. CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination) IB (International Baccalaureate) Plus, you will need to have fulfilled the following credit requirements: 28 NCEA Credits* at Level 3, in a range of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Technology. *Note: Students completing NCEA Level 3 in 2020 will only require 24 credits in the above subjects. Learn more about NCEA and UE in 2020 here. If you are enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and have not yet completed your NCEA (CIE or equivalent) qualification, you can still apply now for admission. When your NCEA results are available in January, we will check them and contact you. |
|
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)) |
Dive into a realm where creativity meets functionality. Unleash the potential of programming to shape the future workforce, enhance existing roles, and revolutionise work-scapes.
Entry Requirements
- NCEA University entrance or International equivalent CIE/IB grades (preferably information technology subjects)
- Have successfully completed a Media Design School qualification, Level 4 or higher
- Have successfully completed a qualification from another discipline, Level 4 or higher
- Discretionary entry may be given to applicants over 20 years of age - contact us for more details. An interview may be scheduled with the Programme Coordinator.
Our Alumni
MDS students go on to have successful careers in their chosen disciplines, whether it's winning world-recognised design awards, creating you favourite triple A games, or creating visual effects for the latest Disney + hit show.
Building your portfolio
Your portfolio is a reflection of yourself, that should not only show off your skills and talents, but more importantly, show off your dedication and passion. We recommend 12 – 20 pieces of work in a variety of disciplines. Remember: we’re here to teach you the skills, so we’re not expecting something that will be hung in a gallery. We just want to see that you have a heart for creativity.
We know that getting your portfolio together can be difficult, so our team of experienced programme leaders and lectures have put together some tips and key advice for getting your portfolio ready.
Click the link below to get started!
Discretionary Entrance
For Year 12 students who possess exceptional talent and demonstrate a bright spark of creativity, we offer an alternative option to completing year 13 where you can pathway straight into one of our Bachelor degrees.
We believe in recognising and nurturing extraordinary talent, and the discretionary entrance program allows us to provide opportunities to those who possess exceptional creative abilities. For information on Discretionary Entry click here.
Useful Links
StudyLink
StudyLink is your go-to for all your study funding needs. Get your fees covered with interest-free loans, apply for weekly allowances, and more!
Fees Free Study
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme. Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
Schools and Teachers info - NZQA
Find out all the information on New Zealand education here. That includes things like University Entrance criteria, credits, levels of study and qualification details.