Virtual Reality, MSc

Deploying the power of immersive Virtual Reality in a multitude of industries

Key Course Details

UK
International

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2.2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 11,500

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2.2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 5,800

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2.2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 22,200

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2.2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 11,100

Course Overview

Welcoming graduates from all subject areas, this course exploits and encapsulates the knowledge you have acquired from any degree background into a VR environment that can be deployed in an exciting, interactive and immersive way for commercial, medical, research, educational or even entertainment purposes, broadening your intellectual skills from a narrower base of undergraduate knowledge into a multidisciplinary skill set.

Read our MSc Virtual Reality Guide

This programme aims to:

Provide graduates with an overview of XR technology and applications
Enable graduates to understand and apply modern VR technology in the context of social, economic and technical challenges and to take a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving
Define and develop effective computer based applications
Enable graduates to reflect on the importance and individual strengths and weaknesses in entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and to effectively utilise idea generation and problem solving techniques
Explore theoretical views on media, marketing, culture and human centred design through the project design process
Engage with organisations effectively to develop project plans
Develop graduates with a fundamental understanding of project management

Why Virtual Reality at Swansea?

Although the course is relatively new, in its first year it was the only course to receive two honorary mentions in the Swansea SALT awards, one for Best Course and one for Best Use of Technology Enhanced Learning.

All-inclusive package:

While developing VR applications, having the correct tools is crucial. This course provides an all-inclusive package of the tools required, including your own VR development laptop with VR headset and controllers. This equipment is yours to keep after the course is completed at no extra charge, so you can continue applying your new VR skills in your future career. This equipment allows students to carry out all aspects of the course, from learning the basics to developing their final dissertation project.

The provided kit includes:

VR Laptop
Oculus quest 2 with carry case and link cable (or nearest equivalent)
Backpack to transport the Laptop and VR headset
A home set up of extra monitor with external Keyboard & Mouse and a USB hub

Our state-of-the-art facilities and resources include:

Dedicated VR workstations with full body, eye and hand tracking for advance applications
Oculus Go for 360 VR
Oculus Quests for Simplified Room scale VR
VR laptops for room scale VR
VR computers for out-of-class work and relaxation

Your Virtual Reality Experience

What sort of things will you do?

Students will learn how to create virtual worlds, creating and constructing 3D interactable objects. To achieve greater ‘user immersion’ and to make the user feel they are ‘actually there’ the design of immersive soundscapes (ambient, directional, Foley, reverberation zones etc.) and realistic lighting effects is taught. Also, the creation and control of NPCs (non-player characters), including using AI techniques to control their behaviour, is covered. Controlling the VR environment using computer code (C#) is introduced at an early stage as well as industry standard project management techniques (Agile, Scrum, GIT repositories) which the student uses throughout the course. Students will progress from creating simple ‘cartoon’ worlds to constructing much more realistic and immersive VR environments.

These skills are further refined in three group projects:

(i) An Emotion Machine (designed to induce emotion in the user e.g., the user experiences a physical disability or perhaps must confront a specific phobia).
VIEW EXAMPLE: Arachnophobia VR - Group Assignment

(ii) A Training Machine (a VR application is created to train the user in a certain task e.g., basic fire safety and evacuation training).

(iii) An Information Machine (e.g., an AR or “Augmented Reality” application using a tablet computer which overlays virtual information and data on top of real machines and equipment and allows the user to interrogate and control the equipment wirelessly via the App).

Apart from the specialised VR development courses, other modules cover such themes as marketing, developing your own web presence and presentation/writing skills. This is to ensure that students are more than merely programmers.

After all this the student should be well-prepared for their main individual project, which takes place over the summertime, when they work on a VR project with an external partner. During this final project (and during all the previous assignments) the teaching staff are available to provide help and guidance - and often a free debugging service!

Virtual Reality Employment Opportunities

It is hard to think of an area of human activity or interest which would not benefit from VR in some way. Numerous industries have already adopted VR practices and as a result are all future employers in this industry. At present, there is a real shortage of VR specialists, especially individuals with additional subject expertise e.g., engineering, science, business, and arts and humanities. This is hampering industry growth. Our aim is to satisfy this shortage by producing experts who are already qualified to degree level in one discipline but who also possess the highly desirable skill of creating their own original VR applications.

Potential Graduate Destinations

Some students have gained employment immediately after the course. All of the others have chosen to start up their own companies.
Industries that are already adopting VR practices (and as a result are future employers of VR specialists) include:

Manufacturing industries
Healthcare / NHS
Data analytics
Game design
Arts heritage
Psychology
Health & Safety
Training
Journalism
Retail
Tourism
Real estate
Architecture
Learning & Development
Recruitment
Education
Sports – including, Sports Research and Sports Entertainment
Art & Design
Events & Conferencing
Charities
Military
Space agencies
Law enforcement

VR Lab Virtual Tour

Festo Cyber Physical Factory Virtual Tour

Modules

Key practical modules will deliver a broad introduction to VR software and manipulation and creation of assets (3D shapes, sounds and special effects, interactable objects etc.). Other modules will deal with media, cultural and creative industries combined with personal and professional development and customer/client interaction.

In addition to being taught by the College of Engineering, the School of Management will also be providing a business/marketing perspective to the course to ensure that students are aware of the commercial nature of the VR domain. And the College of Arts & Humanities will also be providing a focus on the societal and creative aspects of the VR environment. Internal contributors may expand as the programme develops.

[ Anatomy App developed for Swansea students studying anatomy ]

[ Team exercise: An Escape-the-Room App developed by students ]

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Development of Virtual Reality Environments 1	September-January	30	EG-M126
Case Study in state-of-the-art Virtual Reality	September-January	15	EG-M131
The Digital Revolution (VR)	September-January	15	MSDM00
Development of Virtual Reality Environments 2	January-June	30	EG-M130
Digital Marketing	January-June	15	MN-M587
Mobile Technology Practice (VR)	January-June	15	MSMM03

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
MSc Dissertation - Virtual Reality	June-September	60	EG-D13

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Development of Virtual Reality Environments 1	September-January	30	EG-M126
Digital Marketing	January-June	15	MN-M587
Mobile Technology Practice (VR)	January-June	15	MSMM03

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Case Study in state-of-the-art Virtual Reality	September-January	15	EG-M131
The Digital Revolution (VR)	September-January	15	MSDM00
Development of Virtual Reality Environments 2	January-June	30	EG-M130
MSc Dissertation - Virtual Reality	June-September	60	EG-D13

Entry Requirements

Students must attain a 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) in an undergraduate degree. Any degree subject will be considered.

We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world and look for evidence of previous study that is equivalent to the entry requirements stated above. The Postgraduate Admissions Office are happy to advise you on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to the course you would like to study. Please email postgraduate.admissions@swansea.ac.uk for further information.

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 5.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found at:
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements

How You're Taught

Basic knowledge of creating VR applications will be achieved during practical sessions. Students will work individually and as part of small and changing multidisciplinary teams, pooling their different skills to generate VR simulations.

For each student the final outcome of the programme will be an individual project, inspired by and negotiated with external partners, resulting in a usable VR application. Such a project will equip students with the skills to successfully produce a VR application within the constraints of time, resources, and managed expectations.

The programme philosophy focusses on active learning in multi-disciplinary teams. The programme intends to take graduates from any discipline/background and give them the fundamental principles needed to produce work in a 2D/3D environment. Various mechanisms will be used to engage students including traditional classroom teaching, online learning, interactive workshops, seminars and hands-on practical sessions.

30 credits of modules will be delivered on Singleton Campus which will require travel between Campuses.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

Dr Pete Dorrington
Paul Davies
Dr Leighton Evans
Dr Rhys Jones
Dr Chris Pak
Ted Thomas
Non Williams
Dr Natalie Wint
Dr Patricia Xavier

We'd love to chat to you about studying MSc Virtual Reality, so if you have any questions, please contact Dr Pete Dorrington: p.j.dorrington@swansea.ac.uk

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2022	£ 10,950	£ 21,150
September 2023	£ 11,500	£ 22,200

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2022	£ 5,500	£ 10,600
September 2023	£ 5,800	£ 11,100

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.