Emerging Creative Technologies – Bachelor of Screen Arts

Virtual and Augmented Realities (VR and AR) allow new ways for us to blend the physical and digital worlds, creating uncharted possibilities for the future.

Where you can study
Wellington campus
International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Note:
This major was previously known as 'Immersive Media'

Specialise in Emerging Creative Technologies for your Bachelor of Screen Arts at Massey

Studying at the frontier of emerging creative technologies, you'll gain skills working with industry-standard software, VR/AR, and capture hardware, to develop and produce a range of immersive media based projects.

You will explore the medium as a creative concept and blend digital technology with real-world experiences. You will gain an understanding of the current state of immersive technology in industry, and push the boundaries and potential of immersive media applications.

Facilities

You’ll use our tech labs and motion capture rig, along with VR Headsets Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, 2HTC Vive/Vive Pro, HP Virtual Reality and our AR equipment includes iPad Pro's, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7's and other immersive equipment: Depth Cameras, Handheld 3D Scanners and industry standard software.

Further study

Extend your study and work on an independent research project in the Bachelor of Screen Arts with Honours  or take a creative product or idea to market in the Master of Screen Arts.

Planning information

Planning information

Full-time study is recommended. You’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

About this major

The Emerging Creative Technologies major in the Bachelor of Screen Arts consists of 90 credits.

Minors

Completing a minor is optional and may be a way for you to show the breadth of your degree.

A minor must be in a different subject from your major and be made up of at least 60 credits.

If you’re interested in doing a minor you should contact us using the Get advice button on this page. Our student advice team will be able to talk you through your options and help you plan your degree.

More on minors

More information: ‘Creative Arts qualification guides’. 

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Courses you can enrol in

Courses you can enrol in

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Core courses for the Bachelor of Screen Arts

As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.

Bachelor of Screen Arts core courses

Emerging Creative Technologies courses

Course code: 289116 Introduction to Emerging Creative Technologies 15 credits

This course offers an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence as a tool for creative expression across multiple disciplines. Students will explore how AI can generate and transform images, music, film, and spatial environments, while critically engaging with the cultural, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of machine-assisted creativity. Alongside hands-on experimentation and collaborative projects, the course will foreground conversations around data ethics, bias, authorship, the environmental impact of AI, and Indigenous perspectives. Students will examine how emerging technologies intersect with traditional knowledge systems, and explore alternative frameworks for creation, stewardship, and storytelling.

View full course details
Course code: 289216 Emerging Creative Technology Production 15 credits

This course expands on foundational creative tech knowledge and guides students into the immersive intersection of artificial intelligence and cross-reality (XR) environments. From intelligent virtual performers to generative architectural assistants, students will learn to design, train, and deploy agents tailored to specific datasets and creative intents.

Prerequisites: One of: 289.116, 197.191, 198.124, 224.158, 159.101, 159.102, 159.223

View full course details
Course code: 289226 Virtual Volume Project 15 credits

This course introduced the Virtual Volume as a multi-use creative space. Students are encouraged to explore its possibilities for designing speculative environments, interactive soundscapes, and abstract visual systems. This course culminates in a collaborative small project rendered on the Virtual Volume.

Prerequisites: 75 credits at 100-level from the College of Creative Arts

View full course details
Course code: 289303 Advanced Practice Exploration 15 credits

Students engage in creative and technical exploration through the development of role specific skills in preparation for Major Project productions and industry. These specialized, area of practice learning modules include advanced equipment, techniques and processes specific to your chosen field.

Prerequisites: 120 credits at 200-level from the Bachelor of Screen Arts, including 289.220 or 289.205 OR 120 credits at 200-level from the Bachelor of Design including 296.263 or 296.264 or 296.265

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Course code: 289333 Screen Arts Major Project 30 credits

Work to an advanced technical, creative and professional standard in a collaborative production environment to complete a Major Project. Students will put into production the projects developed in the Major Project Development course managing deadlines and schedules to ensure project completion.

Prerequisites: 289.303 AND one of the following: 289.302 OR 296.367 OR 296.368.

View full course details

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations. Once you have applied and enrolled we encourage you to book a Creative Review to ensure you are on the right track.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

  • Domestic students: $9,957
  • International students: $45,580

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Course fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

Careers and job opportunities

Producer, director, visual effects producer, special effects technical director, virtual producer, virtual camera operator, media technologies developer, animator, 3D modeller, rigger, games art director, games developer, games producer, VR developer, AR developer, motion capture animator, digital effects artist.

International students

International students

New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated 5-star plus by the QS World University Rankings.

Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.

As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.

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