Undergraduate course
Planned new course
BSc (Hons)
Immersive Technology and Simulation Design
Design interactive experiences, virtual environments and digital spaces using industry-standard tools. Combine creativity, design thinking and technical skills to create engaging experiences for entertainment, education, simulation and more.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
Build worlds with impact
Turn creative thinking into immersive simulations, interactive experiences and virtual versions of real-world environments, combining programming, visualisation and creative design to tackle real-world problems.
Create for every audience
Design experiences that challenge, educate and inspire – from interactive experiences with digital art to healthcare, marine technology, engineering and beyond.
Learn from immersive experts
Work with game engines, creative coding and immersive technologies in specialist facilities, collaborating on industry projects with expert academics and partners.
About
-
HJoin this course from September 2027
Step into the future of technology by designing immersive digital experiences that solve real-world problems.
On this course, you'll combine creativity with technical skills to build virtual and augmented reality (XR) experiences, interactive simulations and digital twins used in industries such as healthcare, defence, robotics and marine technology. Through hands-on projects, live industry briefs and technical workshops, you'll learn to design, build and test your own immersive environments using industry-standard tools. You'll also explore programming, interaction design and emerging technologies while considering how to make your work accessible, ethical and inclusive. With access to specialist facilities, including motion capture, immersive visualisation spaces and advanced media labs, you'll graduate ready for a career in one of the world's fastest-growing technology sectors.
This course is for you if...
you’re passionate about creating immersive simulated environments
you enjoy blending creativity and technical skills to create engaging solutions to real-world problems
you're keen to explore the ethical, social and accessibility considerations of emerging technologies
you’re aiming for a career in the immersive technology and simulation sectors
Details
Year 1
Build the creative, technical and analytical skills needed to design immersive experiences and simulation environments. You'll explore design practices, programming fundamentals, user interface design, simulation applications and the principles of systems and physics that underpin interactive environments. Through practical projects and experimentation, you'll develop an understanding of how immersive technologies are used across industries including training, healthcare, defence and marine autonomy. You'll also learn how human-centred and safety-critical design influences the development of effective digital experiences.
Year 2
Expand your technical expertise through advanced programming, networked systems, physical hardware integration and deployment workflows. You'll develop professional production skills while creating increasingly complex immersive experiences and simulation solutions. Using industry-standard tools and technologies, you'll explore areas such as photogrammetry, digital environment creation, systems testing and collaborative studio practice. Projects mirror real-world industry workflows, helping you build the practical, problem-solving and teamwork skills required for careers in immersive technology, simulation and creative technology sectors.
Optional placement year
An optional paid 48-week work placement offers invaluable practical work experience. We recommend pursuing a placement, as it enhances your final year of study and improves your employability on graduation.
Final year
In your final year, you will undertake a major independent project and specialist simulation and training design work, allowing you to focus on an area that aligns with your career ambitions. Whether you are developing an immersive training solution, creating a digital twin, designing interactive systems or exploring innovative applications of XR technology, you will graduate with a substantial body of work that showcases your expertise.
Experience
Hands-on learning that prepares you for industry
You'll learn by doing through creative projects, practical workshops, live industry briefs and team-based challenges. Using the same tools and technology as professionals, you'll tackle real-world problems and build skills that employers are looking for. You'll have access to specialist facilities, including
immersive visualisation spaces ,
immersive media laboratories and motion capture technology, giving you the freedom to experiment, create prototypes and bring your ideas to life with confidence.
Learn from experts in their field
Learn from expert coders, artists, designers and creative technologists working at the cutting edge of games, VR, robotics, sound and interactive media. Our hands-on, project-based approach builds your coding and creative skills from the ground up – no experience needed. We’ll equip you for a fast-changing digital world, where creativity and critical thinking is always in demand.
Mr Musaab Garghouti
Lecturer in 3D Visualisation, Immersion and Simulation
Mr Joel Hodges
Lecturer in Game Arts & Design
Dr James Sweeting
Lecturer in Game Studies
Life in Plymouth
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Our graduates are equipped for careers across the rapidly growing immersive technology and simulation sectors, including roles such as XR Developer, Simulation Designer, Digital Twin Developer, Interactive Systems Designer, Real-Time Visualisation Specialist, Human Factors Designer and Creative Technologist. The course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study, research and entrepreneurial ventures within the wider digital innovation economy.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
N/A per year
N/A per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
N/A per credits
N/A per credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
N/A per year
N/A per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. General Studies accepted.
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DMM in any subject.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass a named Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferably Art and Design, Humanities or combined), with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction.
T level
Merit in any subject, preferable in subject areas related to this programme such as Craft and Design, Media, Broadcast and Production, Digital Software Development, Digital Data Analytics, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.
International Baccalaureate
26-30 overall to include 4 at in any subjects at Higher Level.
English accepted within Higher Level = 4+ (A1) or 5 (A2/B) Standard
Level = 5+ (A1) or 6 (A2/B)
English accepted within Higher Level = 4+ (A1) or 5 (A2/B) Standard
Level = 5+ (A1) or 6 (A2/B)
Other qualifications
Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
W287
W287
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
W287
W287
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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