Combine creativity with programming

From cutting-edge graphic design in film, television and games, to the user interfaces that allow you to interact with your computers and devices—computer graphics takes the digital and makes it visual. Get a head start in this growing computer graphics and games industries.

This is the only programme in Australia and New Zealand that offers a qualification in computer graphics and games at undergraduate level. Our graduates create the algorithms that make computer graphics and games better to view and interact with.

We've developed this programme with input from industry players like Wētā FX, PikPok, and Square Enix (who produce Final Fantasy). You’ll benefit from these ongoing connections, with guest lectures and mentorships on group projects.

Choose your study path

You can study Computer Graphics and Games as a minor subject for the 3-year Bachelor of Science (BSc). You’ll learn about the key concepts and tools used in creating games and visual experiences. You’ll also gain the programming and engineering skills to push the frontier of visual effects, game interactions, and design.

The BSc is ideal if you want to combine a minor in Computer Graphics and Games with another subject.  Some students choose to combine Computer Graphics and Games and another subject from the School of Engineering and Computer Science, such as Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence. 

You could also combine your BSc (with Computer Graphics and Games as a minor) with another degree as a conjoint degree.

Degree 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.

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

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

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

Tohu Paetahi Pūtaiao

Bachelor of Science—BSc

UNDERGRADUATEBACHELOR'S DEGREE
Create a science degree that’s unique to you, your passions, and your career goals. Enjoy study both in and outside the classroom.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
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

Future careers

By studying Computer Graphics and Games, you’ll open the door to a range of career options open to Computer Science graduates. You could become a software developer, software engineer, UI (user interaction) designer, or game designer. 

More career information

Find out more about careers in computer graphics and games.

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.

GCSB Women in STEM Scholarship

These scholarships are open to women applicants. They're awarded on academic merit, volunteering work, and commitment to a STEM career.

Find out more about the scholarship

Other scholarships

We have first year and school-leaver 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: $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: $6,000 Closing: 15 March, 2027

    In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.

  • Worth: $4,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.

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

We also offer 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: $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: $4,000 (subject to funds available) Closing: 31 March, 2027

    The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

  • Worth: $10,000 Closing: 31 March, 2027

    The Takis Koutsos Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Takis Koutsos. Mr Koutsos was a post-WW II child immigrant to New Zealand from Greece who had a lifelong interest in Greek archaeology and history and was a close friend of VUW Emeritus Professor John Psathas, who worked as a stormwater engineer in Napier. The scholarship honours...

Postgraduate study

If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.

If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. You could continue on to study a Master’s, or a PhD if you want to do independent research.

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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.

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Wellington Global Exchange

If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.

Wellington Global Exchange
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Study Abroad and Exchange Programme

If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here. 

Study Abroad and Exchange

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū