Why Study/Key Benefits

The Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies (Interactive Design) at Media Design School is a one-academic-year programme designed for students who want to develop advanced skills in interactive design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. It combines design theory with studio practice, project-based learning and a major capstone project.

Key benefits include:

• Develop user-centred design skills for websites, mobile applications, digital products and other interactive experiences.

• Learn to plan, prototype and evaluate interactive design solutions.

• Respond to design briefs through practical studio projects and independent work.

• Build a portfolio through a major project that reflects the student’s design interests and professional direction.

• Explore interdisciplinary design practices, particularly for students entering through the July intake.

• Potentially reduce tuition costs through the NZD 6,000 Graduate Diploma of Creative Technologies International Scholarship, subject to eligibility and selection.  

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The qualification requires at least 140 credits. MDS explains that the exact components in a student’s learning plan are discussed after applying. The published components differ between the February and July intakes.

February intake

This intake is designed for students who already have strong design skills and want to apply them to interactive design. The first half of the year focuses on theory and studio practice, followed by independent interactive projects.

• Interactive Design Theory: explores interactive design principles, ideation, planning, prototyping, user experience and goal-centred design approaches.

• Interactive Design Studio: students develop creative and technical solutions to interactive design briefs through directed and self-directed practice.

• Special Topic (Minor Project): students undertake a specialist investigation or an interdisciplinary project, developing a proposal and realising it through studio practice.

• Interactive Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry: students conduct an independent practice-based inquiry, document their work and develop a final body of work that reflects their emerging professional identity. Lecturers provide mentoring and feedback.

  Media Design School at Strayer

Published February timetable

• Semester One: 11:45 am–2:45 pm, Monday to Friday.

• Semester Two: 8:30 am–11:30 am, Monday to Friday.

• Additional directed online learning: five hours per week.

• Programme period: February to November across four terms.

  Media Design School at Strayer

July intake

This intake offers a broader foundation in graphic, motion and interactive/UX design before students focus on an interactive design capstone project.

• Interdisciplinary Design Foundation: integrates graphic, motion and interactive/UX design practices. Students undertake a multi-part project supported by technical, formal and contextual theory.

• Professional and Academic Practice: introduces project management, interpersonal communication, scholarly investigation, critical thinking and reflective practice.

• Creative Media Strategies: covers marketing communications, media, creative advertising, creative briefs, ideas and insights in integrated and transmedia communication.

• Special Topic Project: students undertake a specialist investigation or interdisciplinary project.

• Interactive Design Capstone Project: Practice-based Inquiry: an independent project that consolidates the student’s learning and produces a body of work reflecting their perspective as an emerging professional designer.

  Media Design School at Strayer

Published July/September timetable

• Semester One: 3:00 pm–6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

• Semester Two: 8:30 am–11:30 am, Monday to Friday.

• Additional directed online learning: five hours per week.

• Programme period: four terms.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Interactive Design, with an emphasis on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

Key areas include:

• User experience design: understanding user needs and designing intuitive, useful digital experiences.

• User interface design: creating visual layouts, interactive elements and interfaces for digital products.

• Interaction design: planning how people interact with websites, applications, digital systems and product interfaces.

• Prototyping and design development: exploring ideas, developing solutions and testing design concepts.

• Interdisciplinary design: combining graphic, motion and interactive design practices, particularly in the July intake.

• Independent design investigation: exploring a specialist area through a minor project or capstone.

Programme Highlights

• One academic year at Level 7.

• Minimum of 140 credits.

• Focus on interactive design, UX and UI.

• Studio-based learning, design briefs and self-directed projects.

• A capstone project intended to help students demonstrate their design thinking and professional capabilities.

• Different learning plans for the February and July intakes.

• Five hours of directed online learning per week in the published timetable, in addition to scheduled classes.

• Potential NZD 6,000 tuition support through the international Graduate Diploma scholarship, subject to approval.

 

Career Outcomes

MDS identifies several potential career pathways for graduates of the Interactive Design programme:

• UX Designer: researches user needs and develops intuitive, efficient digital experiences.

• UI Designer: designs the visual and interactive elements of digital interfaces.

• Product Designer: works on the design and functionality of digital products, balancing user needs and business objectives.

 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The next listed start date is 22 February 2027, followed by 19 July 2027.

• The published international tuition fee for Year 1 is NZD 35,549.80.

• The international Graduate Diploma scholarship offers NZD 6,000 towards tuition for eligible applicants.

• February and July learning plans differ, so applicants should confirm the appropriate stream and timetable before accepting an offer.

• Applicants should prepare a professional portfolio, a letter of intent, academic records and a CV.

• The programme page indicates that quotas may apply and that admission may be first-come, first-served where places are limited.

Post-study work visa changes

Immigration New Zealand announced that, from 16 November 2026, Post Study Work Visa eligibility will extend to graduates who:

• Complete an NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma.

• Study full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification.

• Remain enrolled for the full duration, without using cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning for the qualification.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree completed in New Zealand or overseas.

 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students planning to attend classes in Auckland generally need the appropriate New Zealand student visa. The final visa decision rests with Immigration New Zealand, not MDS.

The official Fee Paying Student Visa page lists the following current details:

• Cost: from NZD 850.

• Processing time: 80% within 7 weeks.

• Maximum stay: up to 4 years, depending on the visa granted.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

Applicants generally need to demonstrate:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.

• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of an acceptable scholarship or other funding.

• Sufficient funds for living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.

• Evidence of outward travel or funds to purchase a ticket.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period.

• Good health and character.

• Genuine intentions to study and compliance with the conditions of the visa.

Living-cost funds

For tertiary study, Immigration New Zealand currently requires:

• NZD 20,000 for each year of study if the course lasts one year or longer; or

• NZD 1,667 per month if the course lasts less than one year.

Work rights during study

A student visa may permit work for up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to the individual visa. Students must follow the specific conditions stated on their visa.

Post-study work visa

From 16 November 2026, the new Level 7 Graduate Diploma pathway may allow eligible graduates to apply for a Post Study Work Visa, provided they studied full-time in New Zealand for the full qualification, were enrolled for its full duration without cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning, and hold a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas. The visa is not automatic, and applicants must meet all other requirements in force at the time of application.