“Imagine a spark igniting a flame of creativity. That’s how Media Design School began. It all started in 1998 when Liz Valintine founded the school on Queen Street in Auckland.
Back then dial-up internet was new. Jobs in digital and creative technology were emerging fast. Media Design School answered the industry’s call. It provided digitally fluent design-savvy graduates.
Fast forward twenty-five years. Media Design School has become a leading force. It’s a leader in digital design and creative education. The school moved to a custom-built campus in Wynyard Quarter in 2021. This reflects its innovative outlook. Today Media Design School is the most awarded private tertiary provider. It excels in digital and creative technology qualifications across the Asia-Pacific region.
Industry connection has always been vital to Media Design School. Darryn Melrose, Chief Marketing Officer, emphasizes this. He says industry guidance shapes graduates with the skills needed to succeed.
Media Design School boasts a history of firsts. It was the first in the Southern Hemisphere. It offered a dedicated 3D Animation program. Graduates have worked at Weta FX. They contributed to films like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings.
In 2009, a VFX studio approach was adopted for third-year projects. The first film, Slightly Fishy, screened at international festivals. Students’ work has since been featured worldwide.
Recognizing interactive media’s potential the school introduced a Game Development course. In 2014, Media Design School was the first in New Zealand. It offered PlayStation development as part of a degree. This led to commercial releases like Reverie and Sky Noon.
Media Design School became Unity Technology’s first Training and Certification Partner in New Zealand. This ensures graduates enter the industry as Unity Certified Developers.
In 2016, the school pioneered qualifications in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. It also launched Bachelor Degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing.
The school’s philosophy is learning by doing. Award-winning lecturers use industry experience to deliver work-ready skills. Partnerships with Apple, Sony PlayStation, and Houdini position students at the forefront.
Ruth Cooper, Country Director, highlights the school’s ability to serve the industry. This includes developing current programs. It also ensures graduates possess demanded skills and knowledge.
Graduates achieve a 98% employment rate. This surpasses the national average. The Graduate Diploma of Creative Advertising secures roles quickly. Even in lockdown, 90% found agency roles within a week.
The Creative Advertising program recreates a creative department environment. Students work in art director and copywriter teams. It earned a reputation as the awards powerhouse. It pioneered industry awards entries as part of learning.
Media Design School’s impact extends globally. Alumni have linked air pollution to property prices. They’ve established HIV+ sperm banks. They’ve discovered new deep-sea species with the World Wildlife Fund.
As part of Torrens Global Education, Media Design School is connected to Torrens University Australia. They share a commitment to improve academic quality.
In response to demand, a Bachelor of Information Technology was launched. It focuses on artificial intelligence cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Media Design School’s Game Development programs contribute to a 300 million dollar annual industry. Alumni make up 25% of the industry’s workforce in New Zealand.
Media Design School is a Certified B Corporation. It champions women in technology through the Girls in Games initiative. This nurtures talents from high school.
Initiatives have increased participation rates for Māori and Pasifika students. These initiatives include Matauranga Māori integration and partnerships with IBM.
The school is the number one animation school in New Zealand. It’s ranked among the best globally. It’s a Houdini Certified school. Students secure internships at top studios like Weta FX. They win awards at events like Mad Stars.
Students triumph at the ONE SHOW Awards and D&AD Awards. Awards accelerate learning and benchmark students against global creatives.
As Media Design School looks ahead it remains passionate. It supports the growth of creative technology companies. It produces talented graduates ready to impact the world. Its story continues to unfold shaping the future of creative technology.”