New Master of UX Design Qualification

April 2017

The Wellington ICT Graduate School is launching the Master of User Experience Design (MUXD) in July 2017. This is a one-year programme based in downtown Wellington. Aaron Muñoz, Academic Advisor, explains.

About the Wellington ICT Graduate School

In 2016 the Wellington ICT Graduate School (WICTGS) opened its doors as one of three new graduate schools around New Zealand designed to create work ready talent for the growing ICT sector. The WICTGS is a partnership between Victoria University of Wellington, Whitireia, and WelTec delivering postgraduate education in ICT.

The WICTGS team operates alongside industry within downtown Wellington’s innovation hub. As part of all of its degree programmes, there are small industry-driven projects as well as a trimester-long placement which provides hands-on industry experience and small group, team based learning. These projects help give students practical “on the job” experience as well as the opportunity to explore interests within the ICT sector. Additional presentations from industry professionals and workshops on soft skills help better prepare students for future roles within industry.

Master of User Experience Design programme

One of the new programmes that kicks off in July 2017 is the Master of User Experience Design (MUXD). This is a conversion programme intended for recent graduates wishing to enter the design profession from another field. The degree focuses on coursework that will teach the professional skills needed to work effectively in web design and user experience (UX) related fields.

A graphic design course will provide an intensive introduction to design fundamentals using industry standard software. A project concluding the degree will contribute a substantial project to the student’s design portfolio.

Other programmes offered

In early March 2017, the WICTGS launched its Master of Design Technology (MDT) degree at Park Road Post Production (part of WingNut Films, which was founded by Peter Jackson). The MDT focuses on coursework that prepares students with the professional skills needed to work effectively in highly technical visual effects (VFX) related professions such as: digital compositing, game design, 3D animation, exhibition design, and multimedia design.

The MDT is technology-centric and relies upon skills supplied by an undergraduate degree focused on digital technology, and is ideal for students holding a bachelor’s degree in design. As with the MUXD, a project concluding the degree will contribute a substantial project to the student’s design portfolio.

Currently the school is also offering 4 other Masters level programmes with a Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in ICT beginning in July 2017.

  • Masters in Software Development (July 2017)
  • Masters in Professional Business Analysis (July 2017)
  • Masters in Information Technology (July, November 2017)
  • Masters in Engineering Practice (November 2017)
  • Masters in User Experience Design (July 2017)
  • Masters in Design Technology (March 2018)

For further information on any of these programmes, please email hello@wellingtonict.ac.nz or visit www.wellingtonict.ac.nz.