Design Technology scholarships awarded
Nataly Lowe and Peter Hillier’s outstanding design portfolios have won them a scholarship to cover half their tuition fees in the Master of Design Technology (MDT) programme.
Applications were considered by Victoria University’s Head of School of Design, Doug Easterly, MDT Programme Director Raqi Syed, and Senior Lecturer, Areito Echevarria.
“The selection panel felt all of this year’s incoming class had some amazing points of creative distinction in their portfolios. This year’s winners were able to exhibit a breadth of work, and level of ambition, lending a slight edge needed to claim this years awards” says Head of School of Design, Doug Easterly.
As part of the application process, students must be able to showcase some basic understanding in digital design technologies. MDT Programme Director, Raqi Syed, has been impressed by the range of technical abilities coming through at this early stage. “Nataly and Peter each bring a unique skill set and vision to their practice from fields as diverse as motion capture, philosophy, gaming, and virtual reality. The MDT is thrilled to support this kind of interdisciplinary approach to visual effects.”
Nataly is looking forward to the programme, “It’s truly an honor to receive this scholarship. The MDT programme will certainly allow us to progress further and transition into industry standards, whilst providing the opportunity to experiment and develop our own projects. I am looking forward to exploring what the programme has to offer as well as delving into the minds of such a wealth of industry professionals.”
“I was ecstatic to receive the news of the scholarship. The MDT feels perfect for me and really fits my requirements in a postgraduate programme to further my education. I feel privileged to be a part of something that I believe will further not only myself, but also my fellow students, and hopefully the industry. I’m glad I made the decision to not only apply to the MDT but to also move from Auckland down to Wellington. I believe it will be more than beneficial in the long run.” says Peter.
The students will also have the unique opportunity to learn from and be mentored by experts in industry. Kevin Romond, VFX Supervisor at Weta Digital, will be working with the students one day a week. “I’m excited to hit the ground running with this cohort, and it will be our first full year in this great new campus.”
About the Master of Design Technology
The Master of Design Technology is a one-year, full-time, 180 point professional master’s degree that will provide students with the skills needed to work effectively in highly technical design professions such as game design, Visual Effects (VFX), exhibition design and multimedia design.
It is open to anyone with a Bachelor’s degree who already has some basic understanding in digital technologies. The programme is taught at Victoria’s Miramar Creative Centre, a new state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Miramar’s film sector.