Go deeper into the foundations of computer graphics and games

Hone your skills and expertise in visual effects, computer games, simulations, and modelling.

Design, implement, and evaluate solutions to complex computer graphics problems. You’ll explore photo-realistic rendering, and more deeply understand the algorithmic foundations of three-dimensional modelling. Program with state-of-the-art libraries.

Learn from experts from the School of Engineering and Computer Science with international reputations for teaching, research and publishing, and their work in the industry. You’ll benefit from collaboration with Wellington’s internationally recognised industry leaders, through guest lectures and internship opportunities.

Choose your study path

There are several ways to study postgraduate Computer Graphics with us.

Postgraduate study pathways

Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.

When you study by coursework, you’ll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.

Focus on coursework

  • Graduate Certificate in Science
  • Graduate Diploma in Science
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Science
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Coursework and research

  • Bachelor of Science with Honours

Focus on research

  • Master of Science (thesis)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Qualification support and advice

We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.

If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.

If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.

For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study postgraduate Computer Graphics at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tiwhikete Pūtaiao

Graduate Certificate in Science—GCertSc

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Study a new subject and enhance your career prospects. You can specialise in one area of science, or take courses from a range of subjects.
Duration
1 trimester (full time)
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Pūtaiao

Graduate Diploma in Science—GDipSc

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Study a new science subject and enhance your career prospects. Be as specialised or as broad as you choose.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027
Tohu Pūtaiao

Postgraduate Certificate in Science—PGCertSc

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Extend your Bachelor’s degree with advanced study in your chosen field of science.
Duration
0.5 Year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
60
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Pūtaiao

Postgraduate Diploma in Science—PGDipSc

POSTGRADUATEPOSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Extend your Bachelor’s degree with advanced study in your chosen field of science.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paetahi Pūtaiao (Honore)

Bachelor of Science with Honours—BSc(Hons)

POSTGRADUATEBACHELOR’S DEGREE WITH HONOURS
Build on your Bachelor of Science degree with one year of advanced study and research in your area of scientific interest.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework and research project · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
Tohu Paerua, Pūtaiao

Master of Science—MSc

POSTGRADUATEMASTER'S DEGREE
Complete advanced study in science and carry out independent and original research in your area of interest—by coursework and thesis, or by thesis alone.
Duration
1 Year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework, research, research project, practicum / placement, and project work
2026 – Trimester 3
Apply by
12 Nov 2026
Start study
16 Nov 2026
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Doctor of Philosophy—PhD

POSTGRADUATEDOCTORAL [PG]
Duration
3 Years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Research
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027
2027 – Trimester 3
Apply by
10 Oct 2027
Start study
15 Nov 2027

Future careers

A postgraduate qualification in Computer Graphics will give you a head start in your career.

You’ll have the skills to work as a graphics programmer or game developer, but your skills will be valued other areas open to Computer Science graduates, like software or web development.

    If you choose to do a PhD in Computer Graphics, you’ll also open doors to a career in research and development or academia.

    More career information

    Find out more about careers in computer graphics.

    The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

    Scholarships

    You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

    We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

    We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

    Scholarships for Postgraduate Computer Graphics

    • Worth: $7,000 Closing: 31 October, 2026

      This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.

    • Worth: $32,000 Closing: 1 November, 2026

      This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.

    • Worth: See additional information Closing: 15 November, 2026

      Applications are sought from those who are eligible at the time of application, or who will have become eligible by the start of Trimester 2 the following year, to enrol in a Master’s degree by thesis worth 90 points or more. Applicants undertaking a 180-point Master’s degree will not be eligible for this scholarship.

    Scholarships for international students

    We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.

    Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

    Other scholarships

    We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

    We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

    Scholarships for Engineering and Computer Science

    • Worth: $2,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 October, 2026

      This scholarship was established in 1997 from a bequest from the estate of Arnold Woodford Izard. The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a Master's by thesis degree in any faculty at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, with the exception of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. NZSM students are still eligible to apply. This scholarship is...

    • Worth: $8,000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

      The Shafi Family Scholarship was established to assist and encourage students, preferably from developing countries who are undertaking a PhD in Engineering. Its purpose is to recognise and assist in meeting their education costs. The scholarship is a contribution to tuition fees only.

    • Worth: $7,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

      The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.

    Join our postgraduate community

    The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    Postgraduate Students’ Association

    MAI ki Pōneke

    MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.

    Find out more about MAI ki Pōneke

    Research areas

    Our Engineering and Computer Science academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas. 

    Academic staff research interests

    Neil Dodgson

    Chair of Computer Graphics

    Alex Doronin

    Senior Lecturer in Computer Graphics

    Get help to manage your finances

    We can help you:

    • budget your money
    • manage your student loan or allowance
    • work out your accommodation payment schedule.

    If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.

    You may be eligible for government or community support, too.

    Two smiling people facing each other across a table

    Apply for a New Zealand study visa

    You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.

    You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.

    Discover your career pathway with Tahatū