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Master's degree

Master of Virtual Production

MVirProd
22 July 2025

Learn how to create, interact with, and capture visual effects in real time.

START

Master of Virtual Production

Degree Structure - Start In
Semester 1 (February)

POINTS

180

DURATION

Master of Virtual Production

Degree Structure - Duration
18 months full-time, up to 3 years part-time

Enrolments opening soon

This new programme is subject to Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand CUAP and Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission approval.

 

Some details may change before this degree is open to enrolments from 2026.

Overview


Master of Virtual Production

Introduction

Virtual Production is an innovative filmmaking and content creation process that combines real-time technologies with traditional production methods to enable the seamless integration of live-action footage and digital environments.

In UC's Master of Virtual Production (MVirProd) degree, you will learn how to use tools such as game engines (eg, Unreal Engine), motion capture, camera tracking, green screen, and LED volumes to visualise, interact with, and capture visual effects in real time.

The Master's degree is structured as a combination of coursework and a substantial creative project. You will demonstrate advanced knowledge in virtual production, gain critical evaluation skills, and the ability to conduct independent creative work.

UC students using Virtual Production technology to film a scene on the LED volume.

Master of Virtual Production

What will my study involve?

  • Study a combination of coursework and creative projects, including using core technologies involved in virtual production, understanding end-to-end production, developing your storytelling skills, and technical exercises and mini projects that are format-driven.
  • Carry out a major final project completing a high-quality screen project such as short film, proof of concept, experimental, immersive experiment, or hybrid screen work.
  • Learn from academic staff with internationally recognised experience in film, games, animation, and virtual production; and work in close association with Kōawa Studios, UC’s purpose-built digital screen production facility. This includes a fully equipped virtual production stage with LED volume, real-time rendering workstations, motion capture systems, and high-quality film and sound equipment.
  • Get support from academic mentors and industry-based creative and technical advisors, particularly during the design and creation of the final-semester creative project.

Master of Virtual Production

Entry requirements

To apply to the MVirProd, you will need to have one of the following:

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

For the full entry requirements, use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Master of Virtual Production

How do I plan my degree?

The MVirProd is made up of a total 180 points, which includes four compulsory courses developing your experience in a range of production technologies and in producing small projects, followed by a major creative production in the third semester.

Beginning in February, the degree will take 18 months of full-time study to complete, or can be completed part-time within three years.

Master of Virtual Production

Subjects and courses

Compulsory courses

  • DISC611 Foundations of Virtual Production
  • DISC612 Story, Design, and Creative Context
  • DISC613 Virtual Production Studio
  • DISC614 Story Development Studio

Creative project

In the final semester, you will carry out a high-quality screen project with real-time virtual production tools, including pre and postproduction, followed by a written reflection.

  • DISC680 Virtual Production Major Project

Master of Virtual Production

Career ready

Career options are varied across the entertainment media and creative industry because of your practical expertise in preproduction and postproduction projects.

This master’s degree can prepare you for a wide range of roles, for example:

  • Virtual Production Creator/Supervisor
  • Cinematographer for LED Volume/Virtual Sets
  • Real-Time Environment Artist
  • Motion Capture Director or Coordinator
  • Creative Producer (Branded or Experiential Content)
  • Virtual Production Specialist in Advertising Agencies
  • Director or Producer of Commercials and Digital Campaigns
  • Virtual Production Consultant for Brand Experiences
  • Practice-Led Researcher in Screen and Digital Arts.

Master of Virtual Production

Brochures

Postgraduate Prospectus 2025

Whakatairanga Tāura

Download (application/pdf, 3 MB)
Download

International Prospectus 2024/2025

Download (application/pdf, 6 MB)
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