MDS to offer Visual Effects and 3D Animation Degree

12/19/2011 9:00:00 AM by Sarah

With the announcement of a new degree qualification in visual effects and 3D animation, the New Zealand screen industry can now look towards Media Design School for a constant source of highly skilled creative graduates.

Media Design School has received accreditation from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for its first screen industry degree programme, the Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects). The intensive three-year qualification makes Media Design School the only private tertiary institute in New Zealand to offer a bachelor degree in art and design.

The need for comprehensive visual effects and 3D animation education in New Zealand has become apparent over the past five years as the screen industry continues to grow and the demand for highly skilled new talent increases. Global attention continues to focus on New Zealand’s film production and post-production capabilities, driven by the release of groundbreaking films like Avatar, The Lord of the Rings and Tintin.

Media Design School maintains strong industry relationships with prominent New Zealand film companies, and faculty members have drawn on both teaching experience and industry knowledge to formulate the curriculum of the Bachelor of Art and Design. The accreditation for its first specialist degree programme represents the culmination of more than two years of intensive preparation by this award-winning creative tertiary institute.

“Accreditation for this bachelor degree, specialising in 3D Animation and Visual Effects, is the result of providing specialist tertiary education for careers within the film, television and computer game sector for over a decade,” said Frances Valintine, CEO of Media Design School. “This three-year, bachelor qualification will provide students with the ability to hone their skills and talent specifically for the 3D and visual effects industry, which is experiencing unprecedented global growth and demand.”

The Bachelor of Art and Design (3D Animation and Visual Effects) will provide a unique framework for students to learn the theory and practical elements of animation and visual effects, from the earliest stages of design through to its implementation in various interactive entertainment platforms. Applications for the February 2012 intake are being accepted now.