Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts at Massey University enhances skills and expertise in the screen arts industry. Through hands-on project-based learning, students develop advanced technical and creative abilities in animation, film production, game development, immersive media, media technology, and visual effects. The program prepares graduates for successful careers in various screen arts fields, including production companies, post-production houses, and game development studios.
Program Outline
It provides an opportunity for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees to expand their knowledge and develop advanced technical and creative abilities in specific areas within the screen arts field.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the technical skills and industry knowledge necessary to excel in the screen arts sector.
- Foster critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills within a collaborative production environment.
- Develop advanced portfolio development and storytelling techniques for professional application.
- Provide graduates with the opportunity to specialize in their chosen field of interest within screen arts.
Program Description:
The program focuses on providing hands-on experience through project-based learning, simulating real-world production scenarios. Students work in collaborative teams, utilizing industry-standard facilities and equipment to create professional-level projects. The program emphasizes the importance of combining creative studio practice with technical expertise and professional development, preparing graduates for successful careers in the dynamic screen arts industry.
Outline:
Program Content:
The Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts encompasses a comprehensive curriculum, including:
- Animation: Develop advanced skills in animation techniques and software, creating engaging and impactful animated sequences.
- Factual Production: Gain expertise in the production of factual content, including documentaries and factual entertainment programs.
- Film Production: Master the art of storytelling through film, focusing on scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing.
- Game Development: Learn the intricacies of game development, including game design, programming, and user experience.
- Media Technology: Gain a deep understanding of media technologies, including sound design, visual effects, and post-production techniques.
- Visual Effects: Master the art of creating visually stunning and realistic visual effects for film, television, and other media.
Structure:
- The program consists of 120 credits, completed over one year of full-time study or up to eight years of part-time study.
- Students complete a combination of compulsory and elective courses, allowing for specialization in their chosen field.
- The program culminates in a Major Project, where students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to develop and complete a significant screen arts project.
Course Schedule:
- Courses are offered throughout the year, with specific schedules available upon program enrollment.
- Students can choose from a range of courses within their chosen specialization, allowing for flexibility and personalized learning paths.
Individual Modules:
Compulsory Courses:
- Advanced Critical Practice for Screen
- Screen Arts Major Project
- Professional Cultures 3
Compulsory Course Selection:
- Major Project Development
- Screen Production Development
- Advanced Audio
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- A variety of assessment methods are employed, including:
- Individual and group projects
- Portfolios
- Presentations
- Written assignments
- Exams
Assessment Criteria:
- Assessments are evaluated based on:
- Technical proficiency
- Creative originality
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Professionalism
- Communication skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- One-on-one mentorship
Faculty:
- The program is taught by experienced and industry-connected faculty members, actively engaged in research and professional practice.
Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes a hands-on, project-based learning approach, providing students with practical experience in a collaborative production environment.
- Students have access to industry-standard facilities and equipment, including studios, labs, and editing suites.
- The program fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among students and faculty.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts can pursue careers in various screen arts fields, including:
- Animation
- Film and television production
- Game development
- Immersive media
- Media technology
- Visual effects
- Scriptwriting
- Directing
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Sound design
Career Opportunities:
- Graduates are well-equipped to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Production companies
- Post-production houses
- Game development studios
- Media agencies
- Broadcasting organizations
- Educational institutions
Career Outcomes:
- The program is open to international students on campus in New Zealand.
- Prior learning, credit, and exemptions may be considered.
Entry Requirements:
Admission to Massey:
- Applicants must meet Massey University's entrance requirements to be admitted to the university. These include achieving a National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 2 or above, including 20 credits in English.
Academic Background:
- Applicants must have already been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
- Applicants with relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, demonstrating equivalent professional and scholarly experience.
Portfolio:
- Applicants must provide a portfolio of work demonstrating their ability to undertake work up to 300-level and beyond. The portfolio should showcase the applicant's skills, knowledge, and creative potential in the chosen field of screen arts.
Academic Transcripts:
- Applicants must submit copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at institutions other than Massey University.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Massey University's English language standards. The qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
- Applicants can meet the English language requirement by achieving a minimum score on an approved English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Summary:
The entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts at Massey University are designed to ensure that admitted students possess the necessary academic background, skills, and knowledge to successfully complete the program. The program requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a portfolio demonstrating creative abilities, and the fulfillment of English language proficiency requirements for non-native English speakers.
