MA/MSc in Virtual and Augmented Reality
Goldsmiths, University of London
Key Information
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 3 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 10,870 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* for home full-time. Home part-time: £5435. International full-time: £16120
Introduction
Immersive experiences, including virtual and augmented reality, are the most exciting new mediums to emerge in the 21st century.
They can transport you to a new world that feels as real as the physical one around you, creating a totally unique experience for the user. On this course, you’ll be working on a once in a lifetime challenge: shaping and pioneering a medium that’s already having a major impact on our society.
Why study MA/MSc Virtual and Augmented Reality at Goldsmiths?
- You'll have the chance to choose between two distinct pathways, depending on your interests. These are the 3D Graphics and User Experience Pathway and the Programming and Computer Science Pathway.
- You’ll be creating virtual and augmented reality that is informed by both the technology and psychology of the medium, so you can create powerful experiences that make the most of its distinctive features.
- This technology is used in a huge variety of industries including medicine, advertising, journalism and mental health therapy. When you graduate you’ll have the skills to work in these industries, as well as in more traditional gaming and film roles.
- We treat virtual reality and augmented reality as interlinking technologies – you’ll be working in both areas and the various types of Mixed Reality that combine the two. You can also learn other areas of computing that can be applied to Virtual and Augmented Reality such as data visualisation, interactive art, games technology, machine learning and AI.
- As well as being taught by leading experts in VR/AR experience, you’ll benefit from our links to an extensive network of VR companies. We regularly welcome them to campus to deliver talks.
- We offer a work placement programme that will help kick start your VR career.
- You’ll have access to a dedicated V&AR lab. The facilities will be updated each year to keep up with technology but they currently include a range of high-end head-mounted displays including Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE Pro and Windows MR, each with high-end graphics PCs. You’ll also have access to mobile VR setups (Oculus GO) and a professional motion capture suit which is synchronised with an HTC VIVE for full-body immersive experiences.
- Our general computing facilities include the HatchLab, our maker space that can be used for, among other things, fabricating custom VR input or output devices.
- We also offer an abridged online version of this course which you can try before registering for the full-time postgraduate course.
Admissions
Curriculum
What you'll study
The programme is split into two pathways - the 3D Graphics and User Experience Pathway and the Programming and Computer Science Pathway.
All students on the programme will study core modules together, and will then split into their separate pathways, studying a variety of core and optional modules that relate to their chosen specialism.
Core modules
Taken by all students:
- Introduction to Virtual Reality
- Introduction to Programming for Games
- Mixed Realities
- Advanced Topics in Virtual and Augmented Reality
For students on the 3D Graphics and User Experience Pathway:
- Introduction to Modelling and Animation
For students on the Programming and Computer Science Pathway:
- Mathematics and Graphics for Computer Games 1
Optional modules
You will then study 45 credits of optional modules. The following list is indicative and may change from year to year:
Module Title | Credits |
Advanced Modelling and Animation | 15 credits |
Advanced Programming for Games and Interactive Graphics | 15 credits |
Games Design and Games Analytics | 15 credits |
History of Computer Games, Art and Animation | 15 credits |
Tools and Middleware for Games and Special Effects | 15 credits |
AI for Games | 15 credits |
Workshops in Creative Coding 1 | 15 credits |
Workshops in Creative Coding 2 | 15 credits |
Data and Machine Learning for Artistic Practice | 15 credits |
Approaches to Play 1 | 15 credits |
Approaches to Play 2 | 15 credits |
Physical Computing 1 | 15 credits |
Data Visualisation and the Web | 15 credits |
Project
You will also complete a final project which is worth 60 credits. This project will be specific to your chosen pathway.
Career Opportunities
Careers
This programme will enable you to take on a creative or technical role in Virtual and Augmented Reality, for example, a programmer, artist or user experience designer. It would prepare you to be an indie creator, working independently or in small teams or a member of a larger “AAA” team.
The knowledge gained would also help in other roles associated with the V&AR industry such as producer or manager.
Virtual and Augmented Reality is being applied in a very wide range of domains and industries: games, film, medicine, journalism, advertising, education, engineering and many other industries. Your expertise in the medium will open up jobs in this area and many more. Our industry advisory board helps us ensure that the content you learn will stay relevant to the needs of an ever-changing workplace.
You may also consider going into an academic career. This degree will put you in a good position to apply for one of our PhD Studentships, which can lead to PhD study.
English Language Requirements
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