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BSc (Hons) in Augmented and Virtual Reality

Course Points
346 Points
Course Duration
4 Years
Course Level
Level 8
Course Places
40 Places
Course Start Date
September 2024

Four great reasons to consider this course

  • Graduates of the programme will have a knowledge and understanding of both the creative, developmental and programming strands needed for immersive production.
  • Graduates will be skilled in the applications used to produce immersive experiences for multiple industry domains.
  • Graduates of this program will develop a holistic view of the production pipeline, with an understanding of design needs and user experience.
  • This is the first and only augmented and virtual reality degree in Ireland

Course Summary

This programme aims to produce graduates that can design and develop for these immersive spaces. Virtual and augmented reality applications are set to transcend all industries and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Our understanding of how people can usefully navigate and interact within immersive environments will also evolve, leading to the creation of more “natural” methods of interacting and exploring immersive space

Important notice about this course

This course will run again from September 2024.

The aim of this programme is to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, build and evaluate immersive user experiences using virtual, augmented and mixed reality tools and technologies. Graduates will acquire core competencies in computing, design and animation making them suitable for employment in immersive design and development across a range of industries, which is complemented in the semester long work placement. 

Year 1

Semester 1

  • Principles for 3D Environments 
  • Introduction to Storytelling 
  • Design and Prototype 
  • Sound Design 
  • Mathematics 1 
  • Personal and Professional Development 

Semester 2

  • 3D Modelling and Animation 
  • Database Systems 1 
  • Collaborative Project 1 
  • Programming Principles for 3D Environments 
  • Intensive Project Abroad (optional) 

Year 2

Semester 1

  • Programming for Immersive Environments (year-long) 
  • 2D and 3D Character Animation 
  • Immersive Design 
  • Database Systems 2 
  • Software Testing 
  • Mathematics 2 
  • Intensive Project Abroad (optional) 

Semester 2

  • UX Design 
  • New Media Storytelling 
  • Mixed Reality Theory 
  • Collaborative Project 2 
  • Programming for Immersive Environments (year-long) 
  • 2D and 3D Character Animation 
  • Intensive Project Abroad (optional) 

Year 3

Semester 1

  • Programming Immersive Mobile Environments 
  • Algorithms and Data Structures 
  • Universal Design Project 
  • Digital Sculpting and Digital Painting 
  • Sound Design for Immersive Technologies 
  • Intensive Project Abroad (optional) 

Semester 2

  • Work Placement
  • Approved Semester Abroad 

Year 4

Semester 1

  • Research Methods Collaborative Project (year-long)
  • The Future of Work and Society
  • Developing for Collaborative Environments
  • Electives: Artificial Intelligence // Procedural Game Audio // 360 Video Editing, Compositing and Visual Effects // Procedural Content Generation Pipeline // Intensive Project Abroad (optional)

Semester 2

  • Interfacing with Immersive Environments
  • Entrepreneurship for Creatives
  • Collaborative Project (year-long)
  • Electives: Machine Learning // Game Audio Implementation // Human Factors in Design // Narrative Design

 

*All module titles are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only. The provision of electives each year is subject to numbers enrolling on each elective and available resources.

Note: The Intensive Project Abroad module (2.5 ECTS credits) is optional and does not contribute to the degree award.  

The course will be delivered on the DkIT campus over 3 years (6 semesters) and is full time. Learning will be supported using the Institute's online Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle).

  • This course is delivered in a combination of lectures, lab classes and tutorials.
  • There is a specific focus on problem-based learning and so much of the programme content is delivered in small 20-student computer labs where students can avail of greater feedback and interaction with their lecturer.
  • There are numerous support services available within the department to enable and encourage all students to realise their personal and professional potential.

The aim of this programme is to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, build and evaluate immersive user experiences using virtual, augmented and mixed reality tools and technologies. Graduates will acquire core competencies in computing, design and animation making them suitable for employment in immersive design and development across a range of industries, which is complemented in the semester long work placement.

  • Immersive Director: Designing solutions for the Visual Effects in Animation and Film.
  • Immersive Content Writer, Immersive Content Creator: Design, create and develop narrative for immersive technology platforms.
  • Interactive Programmer: Developing interactivity for immersive technology platforms.
  • 3D Digital Artist:- Modeller, Texture Artist, Rigger, Lighting Artist, Animator, Motion Graphics Artist: Creating high standard animation for immersive technology platforms, showcasing a variety of animation performance while applying the principles of animation. Import 3D assets to design levels for virtual reality or augmented reality interactive environments
  • 2D Visual and UX Designer: Designing and evaluating user experiences for immersive technology platforms.

Graduates of the programme may wish to pursue their education further and would be qualified to do so in areas such as immersive technologies design and development, game level design, animation, visual effects and motion graphics. 

Graduates with a satisfactory level of achievement may also be able to undertake a one-year, add-on degree to complete a Level 8 Honours degree. Further postgraduate opportunities are also available. (Higher Diploma/Masters/PhD). 

Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:

Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate

→ INCLUDING At least two H5 Grades
→ AND Mathematics Grade O6 or H7
→ AND English Grade O6 or H7 OR Irish Grade O6 or H7


Northern Ireland/UK Entry Requirements:

Applicants must meet the matriculation requirement of 6 different subjects which must include:

→ Mathematics at GCSE (Grade A* - C) or better
→ English (or Irish) at GCSE (Grade A* - C) or better
→ Two subjects at either:

    • ‘A Level’ (Grade A* - C)
    • AND/OR Applied A-Level (Grade A* - C)
    • AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma) (Grade Merit or Distinction).
    • AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma) (Grade Merit or Distinction)
    • OR BTEC National Level 3 Diploma (Grade min: MM)
    • OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Grade min: MM)
    • OR BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma (Grade min: MMP)

→ The remaining subjects must be different from that presented above and may be drawn from recognised subjects at:

    • GCSE (Grade A* - C)
    • AND/OR AS Level’ (Grades A - E)
    • AND/OR A-level’ (Grades A* - E)
    • AND/OR Applied ‘A-level’ (Grade A* - E)
    • AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
    • AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).

Work Placement takes place during Semester 2 of the third year of the programme. Students undertake a 15 weekplacement in industry. The academic Department in collaboration with the Careers and Employability Office assist students with securing their placement. Students can also undertake placement with a company which they have identified themselves (subject to approval). 

This programme is designed for undergraduates who wish to develop skills in design and animation and with tendencies towards developing for animation and immersive applications.  

Ronan Lynch (Programme Director)
Email: Ronan.Lynch@dkit.ie

Course ID DK822
CAO Round 1 Entry Points (2022) 346 Points
Course Type Undergraduate
Study Mode Full-Time
Level 8
Duration 4 Years
Starting Date September 2024
School School of Informatics & Creative Arts
Department Visual and Human-Centred Computing
Awarding Body Dundalk Institute of Technology
Delivery Method On Campus

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).