BSc in Augmented and Virtual Reality
Three 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 of this program will develop a holistic view of the production pipeline, with an understanding of design needs and user experience. Graduates will gain experience with a diverse range of discipline related topics including, but not limited to, software development methodologies, UI/UX design, procedural content generation, and interactive storytelling.
- 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
Note: The Intensive Project Abroad module (2.5 ECTS credits) is optional and does not contribute to the degree award.
* All module titles are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only.
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 one H5 Grade, OR Minimum Points Score of 200
→ AND Mathematics Grade F2, 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 5 different subjects which must include:
→ Mathematics at GCSE (Grade A* - C or better)
→ English (or Irish) at GCSE (Grade A* - C or better)
→ One subject at:
- 'A Level’ (Grade A* - E or better)
- OR Applied A-Level (Grade A* - E)
- OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
- 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).
→ The remaining subjects must be different from those listed 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 | DK722 |
CAO Round 1 Entry Points (2022) | 199 Points |
Course Type | Undergraduate |
Study Mode | Full-Time |
Level | 7 |
Duration | 3 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 |