Name: Bachelor of Media Design (Motion Design)
Price: 11990 NZD

Qualification

Three Academic Years

Degree, NZQF Level 7 (360 Credits, 1.0 EFTS per year)

Start Dates

17 February 2025

14 July 2025

23 February 2026

Course Fees (Year 1. See fees information.)

Domestic $12,300.00 NZD

International $34,550.00 NZD

Admission Requirements

NCEA Level 3, CIE or IB University Entrance or Level 4 or higher Qualification from related discipline (not required for students 20+)

Full details including discretionary entrance based on Level 2 Excellence Endorsement can be found here.

Study On Campus or Online

Portfolio Requirements

General Portfolio

Click here to access key information about this qualification

Study on campus Study online

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Bring design to life

Making text, illustrations and images move is the specialty of the Motion Graphics Designer. This truly unique art form can be found in numerous elements of digital design, including music videos, promotional videos, television commercials, and in films. This course includes learning key technical skills such as 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, composition, image manipulation and text choreography to give you the experience and evidence of working to a client brief needed to land a job in a dynamic and exciting agency and production environment.

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.

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	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	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
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

Motion Design Portfolio	15
Level 7 BMD3MD1 PC3994

Motion Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry	60
Level 7 BMD3MD2 PC3994

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.

Your IB Diploma must include an arts-related subject. A portfolio showcasing your design skills is also required.

International Students

To apply for this degree, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or CIE (University of Cambridge International Examination) or IB (International Baccalaureate) or equivalent overseas secondary school qualification or have completed one year of tertiary study from recognised institution.

Please Note: Entry requirement may vary based on your country of citizenship. Please refer to our International Page for entry requirements at mediadesignschool.com/international-students. If you country is not on the list, please email international@mediadesignschool.com for further information.

All international students must be 18 years of age when the programme commences (on- campus or online). International applicants can start their application before they turn 18 years of age.

Special Entry Discretionary Entry and Cross Credits

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

As 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 test result.

We accept a range of internationally recognised English Language proficiency test. Find out more on the NZQA website or download the NZQA list HERE.

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.

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

For more information about how to build your portfolio, head over to our portfolio tips page.

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.

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.

Animation Director

As an Animation Director, you would lead the creative vision for animation projects, whether for film, television, or digital media. You would guide the motion design team, making artistic decisions on animation style, timing, and storytelling. This high-level role is for professionals with significant experience in motion design and animation.

Motion Graphics Designer

Creates animated content for a variety of media, including advertisements, social media, and video production. This role involves using software like After Effects to design engaging and dynamic visuals that move.

Broadcast Designer

Designs motion graphics specifically for television, including opening title sequences, transitions, and on-screen graphics for live events, news programs, or talk shows.

Student Success Stories

View all Alumni

Sophie Tse

Junior Graphic/Motion Designer

Daylight Creative

I had no knowledge of Motion Design or ever considered doing it as a path until MDS introduced me, then I fell in love! The very human way of learning that makes MDS special, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have rather been anywhere else.

Bachelor of Media Design - Motion Design

Jonathon Morris

Freelance

Self-Employed

When I was looking for a design degree, MDS just felt like the obvious choice. They had an incredible reputation and the student work on display didn’t leave much doubt as to why. I was looking for a hands-on environment that would leave me fully prepared to enter the industry, and MDS was able to deliver on that.

Bachelor of Media Design - Motion Design

Adam Shrosbee

Motion Designer

Warner Bros

the best life advice I could give [to anyone considering studying Motion Design] is to challenge yourself. Set yourself a limit and proceed to pass it each time.

Bachelor of Media Design - Motion Design