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Master of Virtual Production

Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Virtual Production (MVirProd) combines traditional filmmaking and content creation with real-time digital technologies.
Students learn technologies including Unreal Engine/game engines, motion capture, camera tracking, green screen and LED-volume production.
The programme combines technical production skills with storytelling, creative development and critical evaluation.
Students work on small technical exercises and projects before progressing to a substantial final creative production.
The final project can take forms such as a short film, proof of concept, experimental project, immersive experiment or hybrid screen work.
Students work in close association with K?awa Studios, UC's purpose-built digital screen production facility.
Koawa Studios includes an LED virtual-production volume, real-time rendering workstations, motion-capture systems and professional film and sound equipment.
Students receive support from academic mentors and industry-based creative and technical advisers during the major project.
UC positions the qualification for careers across entertainment media and the wider creative industry.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-point MVirProd consists of four compulsory courses followed by a major creative project.

Compulsory courses:

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MVirProd does not currently advertise separate named specialisations or endorsements.

Instead, students develop expertise across the virtual-production field through compulsory coursework and their final creative project.

Potential areas of focus include:

Programme Highlights

180-point Level 9 master's
First offered in 2026
February intake
18 months full-time
Up to 3 years part-time
Practical studio-based learning
Real-time virtual-production technology
LED-volume production
Motion capture
Real-time rendering
Game-engine workflows
Story and creative development
Major 60-point creative production
Access to K?awa Studios
Academic mentoring
Industry-based creative and technical advice
Final production can be a short film, proof of concept, experimental, immersive or hybrid screen project
Potential progression to a PhD in Creative Practice.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies a wide range of potential career roles, including:

The qualification can also support careers across:

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The Master of Virtual Production is a new UC qualification, first offered in 2026.
The current qualification is 180 points.
The standard full-time duration is 18 months.
The current advertised intake is February.
Students must complete the four compulsory courses before progressing through the programme's major creative production structure.
The final project involves a substantial screen-production output and written reflection.
Practical participation is important because the programme uses specialist virtual-production facilities.
Students should expect collaborative studio and production work.
Entry can be based on relevant academic study or, alternatively, a bachelor's degree plus relevant professional/work experience.
Students entering through the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma route need at least a B average in that qualification.
UC's current regulations state that if a student fails up to 30 points, the relevant Dean/delegate may permit repetition or substitution; failing more than 30 points results in withdrawal from the qualification.
The qualification may be awarded with Merit or Distinction under UC's general regulations.
The programme's current regulations are subject to CUAP and TEC approval.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for the MVirProd.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include: