BSc (Hons) Immersive Technologies
W283Studying Immersive Technologies at Winchester, you will become well-versed in industry game engines, Unity and Unreal, and 3D technologies and texture creation, giving you the power to create captivating digital experiences.
Course overview
Immersive Technologies embraces practical skills to shape you as a designer. We provide access to industry-standard design software, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of the creative industry. Your journey through our course will also introduce you to the exciting realms of virtual reality, with hands-on experience using VR headsets, 3D printing and other rapid prototyping technologies.
We understand the invaluable importance of teamwork and real-world experience in nurturing your skills. Our approach to education is to immerse you in industry-like scenarios, giving you hands-on opportunities to work on live client projects. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, we empower you to cultivate your technical expertise and teamwork abilities. Through collaboration with peers and exposure to genuine client interactions, you will learn effective communication, problem-solving, and project management dynamics, mirroring the actual industry environment.
Enjoy our Design Studio, a dynamic space designed to replicate the high-energy environment of tomorrow's tech and creative industries. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, this studio is more than just a workspace; it's a gateway to innovation and inspiration. Whether you're an aspiring developer, designer, or tech enthusiast, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tools and resources of the future, fostering your creativity and skills. With industry-standard equipment, our studio empowers you to explore, experiment, and craft your vision, providing the ultimate playground for tomorrow's immersive technology pioneers.
Throughout your journey, you will grasp various critical concepts, approaches, and debates that shape sustainable design and production in immersive technology. You will become adept at analysing, interpreting, and fulfilling specifications, enabling you to craft precise design and technical solutions.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
Apply
W283
Typical offer
104-112 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Prepare for the future with a degree focused on game design and development, augmented and virtual reality, world design and connected device development
- Dive into diverse immersive and developmental technology, mastering design and programming languages with pivotal production techniques within the dynamic games and tech industry
- In your final year, you have the option to complete a dissertation, undertake a consultancy project or work placement, or launch a start-up.
Course details
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Location:
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 828 hours
Placement: 84 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)*:
- 40% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 60% practical exams
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)*:
- 95% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 5% practical exams
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)*:
- 60% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 40% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
In this module students are introduced to the key technologies and principles of interaction design, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) design for immersive technologies and the associated industry standard immersive technology software. Students will engage with self-learning materials which will demonstrate how to use this specific software. They will undertake several exercises that allow them to develop and demonstrate their competence with the software and be able to apply this to the creation of their own website. An emphasis is placed on the practice of programming languages
required to develop their individual portfolio
Within this module, students will be able to explore three specific project briefs involving immersive technology within the areas of interactive media and portable media. These projects will consist of multi-disciplined groups to work together to form the best solution to each project brief. Students will also develop their own personal web site which links to the main DMD site. Their individual web site must show examples of their work, how ideas have been developed/taken forward and why and perform as their professional digital portfolio.
In this cutting-edge module, students will individually explore their area of interactive technologies for immersive experiences in the growing VR, Game, and 3D Environments industry. Through hands-on practice and exploration, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the core technologies and programming techniques employed in these specialized fields. Furthermore, students will investigate the intricate network structures and platforms that facilitate seamless communication and
information storage.
Whatever your plans for your future career, there are certain professional skills that you'll need in your workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing digital skills that are a prerequisite for a successful career.
You will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of your transition into higher education. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, you will develop a set of personal qualities such as self-awareness, confidence and resilience; and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, risk management, coaching and feedback. Whilst you will learn to construct an outstanding CV and professional LinkedIn profile, this module also aims to raise your digital skills competencies. The module covers the general Microsoft Office suite and specific digital skills of particular relevance to the discipline that you are studying. This module is taught as a mix of lectures, practitioner guest lectures, hands-on skills seminars and computer lab sessions.
Modules
In "Your Digital Influence: Strategic Self-Promotion" students embark on a social media campaign designed to showcase their skills and captivate a growing audience. In the first semester, students will experiment with their discipline focus, either delving deeper into their core practice or venturing into new horizons, expanding their creative repertoire. Furthermore, the individual or group-based mini projects will serve a dual purpose, contributing to your Social Media campaign posts aimed at promoting your skills in the second semester. By crafting compelling posts tailored to your specialized
fields of study, you will establish an impressive online presence, bolstering your personal brand and attracting followers to your chosen social media profile and mandatory LinkedIn profile. This individual project not only allows you to showcase your talents but also demonstrate your exceptional task management abilities to a wide-ranging audience. The ultimate goal? Garnering attention for your upcoming appearance at the annual Transmedia Exhibition.
Gain hands-on experience in creating user-focused solutions that captivate and inspire. This module offers an exciting opportunity for students to work on two collaborative client projects throughout the academic year. By delving into their chosen specialist area of study, students will learn the principles of user-centric design and develop a pragmatic mindset. These projects will encompass diverse target audiences, enabling students to gain a critical understanding of end users' needs and the technical requirements of the final product. Working in multidisciplinary teams, students will focus on client satisfaction and deliver exceptional results.
In this dynamic module, students will embark on an exciting RSA research-driven project,
immersing themselves in the world of digital innovation. They will have the unique opportunity to specialize in their chosen area of study, working on one of the 8/9 carefully curated projects. Each project is carefully designed to cater to different target audiences, enabling students to develop a critical understanding of end users' needs and the technical requirements of the final product. This individual project not only allows students to enhance their expertise but also empowers them to leverage the principles of User Experience (UX) and Design Thinking for the greater good.
This module enables students to develop their understanding and competence in using diverse research methods for academic and professional purposes. Students will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical qualitative and quantitative research skills including defining and scoping a project; designing an effective and manageable research protocol; collecting data and using appropriate analysis methods. In addition, students will develop an appreciation of ethical implications of the research process to facilitate responsible research practice. Secondly this module aims to introduce students to the key stages required to complete an applied project from concept to delivery. Students will be taught how to manage a project and contribute effectively as a member of a project team, using ideas generation techniques and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to business problems. This module contributes to the students continued professional development as students will gain key insights into how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems.
Modules
In this module, you will explore the enhanced key technologies and industry-standard practices that are revolutionizing the immersive development landscape. Through engaging self-learning materials, you will be introduced to a wide array of essential middleware, tools, and APIs that form the backbone of immersive experiences. Explore how to effectively harness these powerful resources and unlock their full potential. Dive deep into practical exercises carefully designed to sharpen your proficiency with the software, enabling you to confidently apply your newfound competence to your projects and showcase your skills in your portfolio. Furthermore, this module empowers you to align your immersive development endeavors with the principles of sustainability. Gain a keen awareness of the latest opportunities and emerging markets related to sustainability innovation, resilient infrastructure, and industrial development, all interconnected with Sustainable Development Goal 9. Discover how your immersive creations can contribute to a better and more sustainable future.
Ignite your career prospects with a captivating professional portfolio that goes beyond a mere CV. In this module, you'll delve into the art of curating a standout portfolio that showcases your finest achievements and projects. This module provides an opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner of your choice and make a real impact through a client project (or several). Together with your tutors and industry professionals, you'll shape and define your own unique set of learning goals, tailored to your passions and aspirations. Discover a range of software tools for creating both online and printed portfolios. Embrace the critical mindset required to select and explain your work effectively. Further enhance your creativity through workshops and simulated scenarios, learning how to present your portfolio with confidence and finesse. Gain invaluable insights for showcasing your
work at the End of Year Exhibition, 'Transmedia Showcase.’
Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation as you dive deep into your industry. In this module,you'll unleash your creativity by undertaking a major practical project fueled by extensive research. Through a captivating case study, you'll explore and analyse key industry practices, uncovering the hidden gems that will shape your own project. As you prepare to enter the industry, you'll identify emerging trends and untapped opportunities within your chosen discipline, setting the stage for your future success. Get ready to elevate your skills and ignite your passion as you take the first steps towards a rewarding career in your chosen discipline.
- Capstone Project - Dissertation: 30 credits
- Capstone Project - Consultancy Project: 30 credits
- Capstone Project - Placement for Good: 30 credits
- Capstone Project - Start Up for Good: 30 credits
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2024 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Core texts
Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £150 for whole course.
Mandatory
Laptop
Students are expected to have their own laptop to use on this course. Indicative cost is £200-£1,000.
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates may work within industries such as game design/development, immersive app development, AR and VR/XR applications, embedded device design/development, 3D environments for virtual worlds, heritage interpretation applications, motion graphics, and user experience design in multiple design disciplines.
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own company is also within reach, with our entrepreneur modules supporting student start-ups.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Hear from our staff on what you can expect studying Immersive Technologies at Winchester
