Creative Technologies at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is an innovative and dynamic degree programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital and creative industries. This interdisciplinary program combines elements of digital media, interactive technologies, design, programming, and innovation to prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers in areas such as game design, multimedia production, digital arts, user experience (UX) design, and augmented reality (AR). Throughout the course, students engage with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, fostering creativity and technical proficiency simultaneously. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through practical projects, collaborative teamwork, and industry partnerships, ensuring students gain real-world experience that aligns with current market needs. AUT's Creative Technologies programme also encourages entrepreneurial thinking, enabling students to develop innovative solutions and start their own ventures within the creative sector. The programme benefits from AUT's state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated labs, multimedia studios, and production suites, providing a professional environment for experimentation and learning. Graduates of the programme are well-prepared to enter the digital economy as skilled creators, developers, and innovators who can adapt to technological changes and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand's vibrant creative industries and beyond. With a focus on both artistic expression and technical mastery, the Creative Technologies degree offers an exciting pathway for aspiring creatives and technologists eager to shape the future of digital entertainment, communication, and interactive experiences.

Structure

You will undertake 60 points of research-based taught papers and a sustained 120 point research thesis within the broad creative technologies field.

Papers
CTEC800 Research Methods (15 points)
Introduction to research methodologies and paradigms appropriate to various disciplinary and/or industry domains. Develops research skills and a practical understanding of the principles, approaches, methodologies and processes for undertaking research in the trans-disciplinary domain(s) of the creative industries. Addresses the interrelationships between research, practice and theory. Adopts critical and analytical approaches to cultural, historical, social, philosophical, business and technological aspects of a research project proposal.

Select an additional 3 papers (45 points) from:
CTEC801 Transdisciplinary Practice (15 points)
Collaborative design-led project informed by local/global issues, current staff research interests, and/or in consultation with industry partners. 
CTEC802 Entrepreneurial Strategies (15 points)
Analyses conceptual, theoretical and practical applications of entrepreneurship from a variety of disciplines, and how value can be identified, developed and managed through creative technologies.
CTEC803 Transmedia (15 points)
Analyses evolving concepts, theories, tools and practices of transmedia, understood here as the creation and circulation of narrative content across multiple media formats, networks, devices and technological platforms.
CTEC804 Serious Play (15 points)
Analyses theories and practices of interaction, simulation and play, and considers their applications across multiple fields including, but not limited to, learning, health, global and local development, communication, and social innovation. 
CTEC805 Embodiment (15 points)
Analyses philosophical notions of embodiment in relation to digital technologies, and their theoretical and practical applications across a range of different disciplines, practices and interactive media. 
CTEC806 Post-Material Practices (15 points)
Analyses material and craft implications of hybrid digital/physical material objects in relation to historical processes of making. Identifies, critiques and speculates upon new opportunities and practices for making multimodal objects, environments and systems.
CTEC807 Readings (15 points)
An extended guided readings paper in which the student analyses key theories, concepts and practices in inter- or trans-disciplinarity. Develops advanced knowledge in an area relevant to their course of study.
CTEC808 Special Topic A (15 points)
Enables students to gain expertise, in-depth knowledge and appreciation of a defined topic within an area of inter- or trans-disciplinary research and practice, including but not limited to a small scale research project.
CTEC809 Special Topic B (15 points)
Enables students to gain expertise, in-depth knowledge and appreciation of a defined topic within an area of inter- or trans-disciplinary research and practice, including but not limited to a small scale research project.

And a 120 point research thesis which may contain elements of written and practical work, depending on the topic you are studying. The thesis may be based on your own proposals or related to ongoing research projects within the university or industry. 
CTEC999 Thesis (120 points)
Candidates will undertake an independent research project within the trans-disciplinary domain of creative technologies, culminating in a thesis submission.

Entry requirements

• The Bachelor of Creative Technologies or equivalent with a B grade average or higher in papers at level 7
• The Colab Research Interest Form which will enable staff to effectively advise students about the suitability of the course for their aims

Admission to the Master of of Creative Technologies is subject to the approval of the dean (or representative).

Guidelines to entry

SPARK / Colab Master of Creative Technologies Scholarship 

Purpose and background of award

Colab, AUT is a collaborative laboratory for testing new ideas and new ways of working in an age of rapid social and technological change. Colab works closely with industry and community partners to explore creative applications of new technologies, and how they are transforming the ways in which people live, work and play. 

Spark Ventures aims to develop new technologies, applications and digital services that enhance lives and businesses. Spark Ventures believe that collaboration - working with startups and in partnership with academia - is a vital strategy for success in a dynamic, globalised digital economy. 

Further information about this collaboration is available from: http://idealog.co.nz/tech/2016/03/new-big-bang

In mid-2016, Colab and Spark Ventures will jointly offer two postgraduate scholarships to study in the Master of Creative Technologies programme at AUT. For programme information on the Master of Creative Technologies, visit www.aut.ac.nz/mct 

Applications are invited for applied research in two areas that reflect the future-focused aspirations of the partnership between Colab and Spark Ventures, the research areas for 2016/2017 are: 
- Rapid Prototyping for the Internet of Things
- Making Sense of Big Data

Entry criteria

• • It is advised at applicants apply for the programme immediately if they have not already done so as the successful applicants will be expected to commence study by mid-July 2016.
• • Applicants must meet the requirements for the Colab Master of Creative Technologies programme. Scholarships are only available to full-time students.
• • The scholarships are available on merit to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents only.
• • AUT staff are ineligible to apply.

Closing dates for applications

06/06/2016

Values

$20,000 - see full Regulations

Number of awards offered

Two

Tenure of award

• Three semesters of full time study based at the AUT City Campus.
 

Application process

Applicants must be prepared to commence study by 18 July 2016. 

Applicants will submit the AUT scholarship application form available from the link above to the Scholarships Office by the closing date. The following documents must be attached to the application form. 
• Academic transcripts and certificates for any previous tertiary study completed at a university other than AUT. 
• A brief personal statement outlining why you wish to undertake this programme of study and any career prospects you have. 
• A completed Research Interest Form (RIF) outlining the candidates approach to the specified Research Topic(s).

Selection process

• Applications will be evaluated by the Colab Postgraduate Research Management team and a representative from Spark Ventures.
• Applications will be awarded on the basis of candidates’ potential and expertise in the designated topic of study, potential to enhance Colab's research culture, and alignment with Spark Ventures strategy.
• Scholarships will be awarded as soon as possible after the closing date.

What conditions are attached to acceptance of this award?

• The scholarships are for full-time study only.
• The scholarships may not be held in conjunction with any other Colab scholarship
• Recipients must accept the Offer of Place and be fully enrolled before the scholarships is taken up.
• The scholarship is not available to AUT University Staff. 
• Students will be based in Colab at the AUT City campus

Additional information

The Scholarship is open to applicants from a range of disciplines including, but not limited to; Design, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Communications, Arts or the Humanities.

For guidelines, application forms and more information about this award contact:
Phone: +64 9 921 9837
Email: scholars@aut.ac.nz

Study abroad fees at AUT University: what you'll pay

2016 fees per semester in NZ dollars

• Tuition fee for Study Abroad: NZ$12,500 per semester
• Enrolment fee: NZ$150
• Learner services levy: NZ$320.08 per 60 points
• Placement fee (internship option only): NZ$800
• AUT Insurance Premium: NZ$294.50 per semester

Other compulsory fees (in addition to tuition fees)

• 2016 Compulsory Student Services Fee - $573.30 for 120 points or $4.77 per academic point (GST incl)
• 2016 Building Levy- $66.85 for 120 points or $0.56 per academic point (GST incl)