Program Overview

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Master of Screen Arts – MSA

The Master of Screen Arts is a postgraduate qualification that spans many fields, including animation, documentary and factual, emerging creative technologies, film production, game development, media technology, and visual effects. This program is strongly industry-aligned and supports connections and partnerships with industry, sector, and communities to enable research pathways and externally funded projects.

Overview

The Master of Screen Arts is grounded within Aotearoa and connected with global discourses and fields of enquiry. Students will be guided and supported towards developing increasingly complex and multi-disciplinary projects within the scope of their studies. These projects will reflect current and anticipated conditions within the wider screen sector, where technological convergence and the proliferation of platforms increase the need for skilled graduates.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Postgraduate study
• NZQF level 9

Time to Complete

• 1 year 6 months full-time (180 credits)
• Part-time available

Where You Can Study

• Wellington campus
• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Entry Requirements

To enter the Master of Screen Arts, students must meet the University admission requirements and:

• Have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum grade average of at least B
• Have been awarded or qualified for the Bachelor of Screen Arts (Honours) with a grade of at least B across the 700-800 level courses, or equivalent
• Have been awarded or qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in Screen Arts with a grade average of at least B, or equivalent
• Have been granted admission under the Admission with Equivalent Status regulations and demonstrate practical, professional, and scholarly experience at an appropriate level

Students will also need to:

• Provide a Research Statement prior to interview
• Provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at universities other than Massey University
• If English is not their first language, supply a current IELTS (or equivalent) score

Courses and Specialisations

The Master of Screen Arts is a parts-based qualification. Students will choose courses from the following areas:

• Research Methods
• Project Development
• Elective courses

Credit Summary

• 180 credits
  • Part One: Research methods and project development courses (45 credits), Elective course (15 credits)
  • Part Two: Exhibition (30 credits), Thesis (90 credits) for the 90-credit thesis pathway
  • Part Two: Thesis (120 credits) for the 120-credit thesis pathway

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees:
  • Domestic students: $11,645
  • International students: $50,190
• Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme available
• Scholarship and award opportunities, including the Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship

Careers and Job Opportunities

Employment pathways for graduates of the Master of Screen Arts include:

• Film and television
• Game design and development
• Animation and visual effects
• Immersive and interactive production

Related Study Options

• Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts – BMVA
• Graduate Diploma in Design – GDipDes
• Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts – GradDipSCA
• Master of Design – MDes
• Master of Māori Visual Arts – MMVA
• Photography – Bachelor of Design with Honours
• Photography – Bachelor of Design
• Postgraduate Diploma in Design – PGDipDes
• Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts – PGDipMVA
• Postgraduate Diploma in Screen Arts – PGDipScreenArts

Colleges

• Massey Business School, Te Kura Whai Pakihi
• College of Creative Arts, Toi Rauwhārangi
• College of Health, Te Kura Hauora Tangata
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata
• College of Sciences, Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao

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