BA (Hons) Virtual Reality Design

The combination of new digital tools and devices with the creative skills you will learn on this course will not only equip you to develop new content but to contribute to the creation of whole new markets and industries. From immersive gaming and interactive art to flight simulations and surgical training tools, the possibilities are endless.

• Join our community. Be part of a vibrant and creative academic community in the School of Art, Design and Architecture.

• Collaborate. Work with students from across the University from the Schools of Health, Engineering and Business.

• Lead the way. Be at the cutting edge of this exciting emerging sector of the creative economy.

• Learn from experts. Draw on support from specialised tutors with extensive industry and academic experience.

• State-of-the-art facilities. Access to the School’s Immersive Technologies Suite.

• Real-world experience. Engage with live client briefs, giving your creativity real-world impact, and learn how to build and sell your own immersive products, services and experiences.

• Year 1

• The first year allows you to experiment with a range of immersive technologies and learn the fundamentals of immersion, narrative, character and environment creation. You will undertake a series of short, quick workshops and projects that help you to develop key skills in producing compelling content for immersive media.
  

  Core modules

  • Digital Making (DAT406)

    This module introduces students to a key set of digital technologies that are core to the production of current digital artwork. This will include exposure to a wide range of software, hardware and networking components commonly used by digital artists and designers. This is a Plymouth Plus module.

  • Disruptive Design Strategies (DAT411)

    This module introduces students to practical and creative processes that encourage experimentation and foster critical thinking. Through conceptual understanding of artistic practice combined with technical production skills in a range of areas, such as 2D and 3D design, digital fabrication, and physical computing (electronics and microcontrollers), students are expected to develop physical prototypes and media outputs that demonstrate innovative thinking within a multi-disciplinary context. Induction is given to a fully-equipped maker space, digital fabrication suites, and a 360° Immersive Vision Theatre.

  • Stage 1 Placement Preparation (FAPY100)

    If you’re undertaking a company placement in your third year, this module helps you find a suitable placement, and prepares you for the placement itself.

  • Introduction to Immersive Technologies (GAD403)

    This module introduces issues and techniques involved in designing and developing immersive experiences. This module takes a user-centred approach to the production of virtual and blended reality environments (including a wide range of different styles and types of game. The key to this module is the combination and integration of sensory stimuli to produce an engaging and compelling, whilst at the same time coherent user experience.

  • Game Programming (GAD404)

    This module introduces coding for game designers, explored through the creation of a playful interactive project. Working with programming languages and game engines, students learn to use code to make their drawings and animations come to life with dynamic and interactive behaviours. Key programming concepts such as variables and conditional logic, are introduced alongside relevant game studies topics. Students will apply what they have learnt to solve problems and create engaging gameplay.

  • Character and Environment Design (GAD406)

    Students create character and environment concepts as digital paintings, and realise their designs as detailed 3D models. Drawing and painting skills are developed, exploring figure, proportion, lighting, colour and value. Students learn advanced modelling and texturing skills using state-of-the-art software platforms, rigging their characters for animation and exporting them to game engines. In addition, students develop presentation skills and showcase their work in a digital portfolio.

  • Interactive Narrative (GAD407)

    You will explore interactive storytelling and animation / sequence creation within your work via a range of traditional and digital media and formats. Storytelling, narrative pacing, creative writing and animation are features of this module. Critical reflective writing underpins practical work.

• Year 2

• The second year of the course introduces you to the numerous commercial contexts in which immersive media can add value and be deployed. It provides you with valuable enterprise and entrepreneurial skills that will be essential in your future employability. You will additionally learn how to develop your own workflow process and continue to learn more essential technical and creative skills.
  

  Core modules

  • Stage 2 Placement Preparation (FAPY200)

    Building on the Level 1 module (FAPY100), this module continues to support you with the search for your placement and preparation for the placement itself.

  • Production, Processes and Workflows (IMR501)

    This module provides an opportunity for students to develop particular workflows and working methodologies while developing engaging content that sits within the chosen digital framework.

  • Enterprise Contexts (IMR502)

    This module explores the dynamic changes sweeping through traditional industries such as health, heritage, tourism and manufacturing brought about by the impact of new immersive technologies. Group production projects will create opportunities for students to explore the practical issues of developing interdisciplinary projects.

  • Live Brief (IMR503)

    This module allows students to work individually to develop a solution to a live brief to produce an immersive experience.

  • Commercialising Immersive Experiences (IMR504)

    This module introduces students to the concepts of entrepreneurship through the practical exploration of creative enterprise. This module affords students the opportunity to develop a new product/company related to the immersive/experience economy.

• Placement year (optional)

• Use this year to get a placement in industry, work for yourself as a freelancer, or take the opportunity to develop your own business or idea for an immersive service or product. A well spent placement year will help you to broaden your range of skills and appreciate your final year in the context of real-world development.
  

  Core modules

  • Digital Art and Technology/Internet Design Placement (FAPY604)

    An extend period of professional training (at least the duration of both teaching semesters - 36 weeks) spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company (either a paid placement or unpaid internship). This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

• Final year

• Your final year allows you to develop a major piece of independent work, which will consolidate the skills you have learnt throughout the course and provide you with an excellent portfolio piece. You will also develop additional collateral for self-promotion when you are seeking employment.
  

UCAS tariff

96 - 112

From a minimum of two A levels.

GCSE
Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English.

International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.

Other
Applicants are not required to share a portfolio with us; however, doing so may allow us to guarantee you a place or consider applications that do not meet the normal academic requirements.

Optional informal interviews are available and take place on Zoom. Your Zoom interview will be arranged by our academic team. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions team by email at applications@plymouth.ac.uk or call us on +44 1752 585858.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications, please refer to our tariff glossary.