MA Virtual and Extended Realities

Program Overview

The MA Virtual and Extended Realities program at UWE Bristol is a one-year, full-time master's program designed to equip graduates with the skills and experience to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of immersive storytelling. The program blends practical experimentation with theoretical and critical thinking, and offers opportunities to collaborate with industry experts and create innovative XR projects. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in content development, production, and research across multiple industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

MA Virtual and Extended Realities

is a one-year, full-time, industry-led master's program designed to address the increasing demand for expertise in immersive storytelling. This program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and experience to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. It welcomes graduates from diverse backgrounds with a passion for virtual, augmented, and extended reality (XR) production and storytelling. The program offers a unique learning experience that blends practical experimentation with theoretical and critical thinking. Students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, collaborate with leading companies, and create innovative XR projects.

Outline:

Content:

• Practical Experiments in Interactivity and Immersion: This series of workshops introduces students to essential VR, AR, immersive sound, and 360° filmmaking tools and technologies.
• Virtual Reality Story Lab: Students work in small teams to develop innovative prototypes based on briefs provided by industry partners.
• Virtual Reality Collaborative Project: Students choose either to develop a creative project or research paper related to an emerging topic in XR.

Structure:

• Full-time, one-year program
• Average of 1.5 days of contact time per week
• Additional full weeks dedicated to teaching activities

Teaching:

• Blends theory and practice through workshops, lectures, and project work
• Individual and group work encouraged
• Focus on developing practical skills and critical thinking
• Access to specialist equipment and facilities
• Support from mentors and industry professionals

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for diverse careers in content development, production, and research across multiple industries, including:
• Filmmaking
• Journalism
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Entertainment
• Marketing & Communications
• Design
• Architecture & Construction
• Education & Training
• Healthcare
• Aerospace & Defense
• Travel & Retail
• Equips graduates with the skills necessary to pursue careers in both industry and academia

Other:

• The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds and welcomes diverse perspectives.
• Students collaborate with industry partners, including BBC R&D, Royal Opera House, English Institute of Sport, and Ultraleap.
• Graduates join a thriving community of postgraduates working across the School, as evidenced by the degree show portfolio.
• Students have access to specialist facilities in the UWE Bristol VR Lab, located within the Arnolfini art center.
• Students have access to a dedicated personal mentor for additional support.

Full time courseFeesAmount (£) Home Award Fee9000 Home Module Fee (15 Credit)750 International Award Fee16000 International Module Fee (15 Credit)1333 Offshore Award Fee16000 Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit)1333