Master of Media and Creative Technologies
Course details
About the course
Elevate your creative career with our Master of Media and Creative Technologies in Screen and Media Studies. It is designed to empower media creators, designers, and producers with advanced skills and knowledge. The Master of Media and Creative Technologies (MMCT) allows you to further your knowledge and skills in Screen and Media Studies, offered under the Te Kura Toi/School of Arts, School of Social Sciences, School of Design, and Waikato Management School. The reason this qualification is popular both nationally and globally is that it not only provides students with a distinct edge in increasingly competitive media fields but provides the opportunity for you to become a leading practitioner and thinker ready for the challenges of the creative industries. Alongside taught papers, you will work with our internationally-renowned media academic staff where, under their supervision, you will develop a portfolio of audio-visual projects. Areas you can explore include are, but not limited to: short film, documentary, animation, photography, AI, VR, scriptwriting, online content, podcasts, multimedia installations. Effectively, students take a lead in their learning, developing and producing creative works that showcase their distinctive voice ready for public exhibition and employment in numerous media-related fields. Study under the MMCT will give you extensive collaborative project experience which is supported by technical expertise and advanced creative skills. You will also benefit from substantial grounding in postgraduate academic practice and the deployment of critical and methodological skills in original research. This programme maintains strategic links with the broader Aotearoa-New Zealand community at a number of levels, and we have close links with Wētā Workshop, Warner Bros. International Television New Zealand, Kirikiriroa-Hamilton City Council, and Waikato Regional Council. Our staff members also have strong links with international networks in media and creative technologies, and boast strong links with top ranked institutions in Asia, Europe, North America and within the Pacific region. With an MMCT degree, you will be in demand from large private and public sector organisations where digital technologies now take a priority focus. There will also be a wide range of opportunities arising in commercial design and in the broader field of creative and performing arts. The degree will provide significant skill upgrades for those with professional backgrounds, while also giving younger learners aspiring to enter the creative professions an invaluable opportunity to develop portfolios of a professional standard. Filmmaker, Animator, Podcaster, Commercial Researcher (entertainment and communication), Scriptwriter, Communications Officer, Media Producer, AI and VR Designer.
About the provider
Established in 1964, the University of Waikato is recognised as the top university in New Zealand for research, ranked in the top three universities in New Zealand and 235th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
The University of Waikato has over 2,000 placements or industry-led projects per year, and strong partnerships across government, industry and community organizations, thereby providing students with wider career options and practical learning opportunities.
The university features two vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, both located in the heart of New Zealand's export-driven economy. These campuses offer a lively, inclusive atmosphere that fosters a supportive community where students can thrive academically and socially, making it easy for them to feel right at home while pursuing their studies.
Top 10 reasons to study at Waikato
- International Recognition: Ranked among the top 3 universities in New Zealand and 235th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- Subject Rankings: 11 subjects ranked in the top 350 globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025); ranked in the 151–175 band globally for Business & Economics (THE Subject Rankings 2025)—the highest for any NZ university.
- Research Excellence: Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for research (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- Triple Crown Accreditation: Waikato Management School is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally.
- Academic Excellence: Learn fromaward-winning lecturers and researchers in a close-knit academic community known for innovative teaching and learning..
- Flexible Degree Structure: Choose from over 100 subjects to shape a qualification and 200 programs including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, diplomas, and certificates —tailored to suit your strengths and career goals.
- Industry Connections: Benefit from over 2,000 industry placements and projects annually through strong partnerships with government, business, and community organisations. Access career and employability services to graduate job-ready.
- Student Support & Campus Life: Vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga offer modern facilities, easy access to nature, and dedicated student support—including international advisors, tutors, career services, and a buddy programme.
- Scholarships and Bursaries: A range of scholarships available to support both domestic and international students.
- Inclusive Student Community: Be part of a welcoming, diverse environment with 70+ clubs and 120+ societies covering academics, culture, sports, and more. Waikato is highly recommended by students, with excellent satisfaction ratings in the 2023 Student Barometer Survey.
Hamilton is a vibrant, student-friendly city located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Surrounded by stunning nature, students can enjoy scenic parks, hiking trails, and the famous Hobbiton movie set nearby. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, multicultural community, and welcoming vibe making it a perfect place for students to live, study and explore.
Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, offering students a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure. With its stunning beaches, outdoor activities like hiking and water sports and a warm, sunny climate, it’s an ideal place for students looking to explore, learn and live in a welcoming environment.
Check out a range of accommodation options available on our campuses.