Media Design School Joins Laureate International Universities Network

BALTIMORE, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Media Design School, a leading institution of higher education in New Zealand, has joined the Laureate International Universities network.

Media Design School, located in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, was founded in 1998.  The school offers diplomas and graduate diplomas, and is widely recognized for its digital design and 3D animation programs. Media Design School also offers programs in graphic design, creative advertising, visual effects and game development.  The school is accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the provisions of the Education Act 1989.  In 2010, Media Design School was recognized by YoungGuns Awards as one of the top five creative schools in the world, and the school was also awarded the highest possible national education rating from NZQA.

"We are pleased to have this great institution join the Laureate International Universities network," said Douglas L. Becker, chairman and chief executive officer of Laureate Education. "Media Design School has an enviable international reputation for academic excellence and for producing award-winning professionals in creative industries. Students at Media Design School are now part of a global network of leading institutions in art and design which includes Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano and Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, as well as Santa Fe University of Art and Design in New Mexico and the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego, California."

"Laureate International Universities network offers Media Design School and New Zealand the opportunity to shine on a world stage in terms of digital design and high-end digital content," said Frances Valintine, chief executive officer of Media Design School. "We are in a very exciting phase of growth for Media Design School and look forward to providing our students with new opportunities to expand and grow."

Media Design School is widely recognized for its qualifications in 3D animation, visual effects and game development, and has strong ties in the international film, video game design and advertising industry. Experts from these industries, including Pixar, Dreamworks, Saatchi & Saatchi and New Zealand's acclaimed Weta Digital have visited the school to provide guest lectures, live projects, workshops, curriculum advice and external assessment. Up to 90% of Media Design School students gain employment within the industry upon graduating and many alumni are now working for some of the world's most prestigious companies.

About Laureate International Universities

The Laureate International Universities network is a trusted global leader in providing access to high-quality, innovative institutions of higher education. The Laureate International Universities network includes more than 55 accredited campus-based and online universities. Our more than 600,000 students are part of an academic community that spans 27 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Northern Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Laureate universities offer more than 130 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs in fields including architecture, art, business, culinary arts, design, education, engineering, health sciences, hospitality management, information technology, law and medicine. President William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, serves as honorary chancellor of the Laureate International Universities network, a role in which he offers advice on social responsibility, youth leadership and increasing access to higher education. For more information, visit www.laureate.net.

SOURCE Laureate Education, Inc.