What will I learn on this module?
This module introduces you to the exciting immersive interaction technologies of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). VR and AR are the core of the recent flourishing Metaverse applications, and they are rapidly growing to disrupt and innovate the way we work, study, and socialise in this decade.
Through this module, you will learn about the historical and recent development of VR and AR along with an understanding of the reality-virtuality continuum that helps you navigate through the landscape of immersive interaction technologies. You will have access to the University’s state-of-the-art VR/AR hardware kits for your learning and be able to horn your skills of building creative VR/AR applications using software development toolkits (SDKs) and game engines. In the process, you will also gain the ability to evaluate VR/AR designs using a comprehensive set of criteria and critique their impacts on our society, natural environment, and business world.
VR/AR are emerging technologies that attract employers and graduate employees together from a diverse range of industries, including but not limited to software engineering, graphics programming, artistic modelling, and human-computer interaction. The VR/AR app development skills covered in this module can enhance your employability in those related fields.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent learning. The lectures will cover key VR/AR theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided app development exercises. You will work on these during workshops and hands-on sessions in Northumbria’s CIS building computer labs, which are fully equipped with the latest VR/AR equipment’s and software toolkits.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by lecturers during the timetabled sessions when you will receive feedback on your work. The University’s state-of-the-art VR/AR kits are accessible for your learning. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lectures and workshop materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the University library offers support for all students through providing electronic resources.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 – Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of VR/AR technologies
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2 – Design and implement an VR application using appropriate software and hardware kits
MLO3 – Design and implement an AR application using appropriate software and hardware kits
MLO4 – Critically evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of VR/AR techniques for a given problem
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5 – Demonstrate independent research skills in the development of VR/AR applications
How will I be assessed?
The summative assignment of this module contains two parts. Part 1 (60% of the marks) is developing an VR/AR application for a selected problem using appropriate software and hardware tools, which addresses the learning outcomes MLO1, MLO2, and MLO3. The submission of this part should be a single zip file that includes your run-able application (with installation and running instructions) and a demo video (MP4 format, no longer than 4 mins, no mark, optional) that highlights the features you have implemented. Part 2 (40% of the marks) is writing an individual report (word document, maximum 2000 words) that surveys and critically evaluates VR/AR technologies and their impacts for a selected problem. This covers the learning outcomes MLO4 and MLO5. You will receive both informative and confirmatory feedback on your assignment. During each week’s workshop session, students will work on lab exercises as formative assessments. Feedback will be given in class.
Pre-requisite(s)
NA
Co-requisite(s)
NA
Module abstract
Are you fascinated by Metaverse and the immersive technologies that power it? Come and learn on our module – Virtual and Augmented Reality. This module introduces you to the key concepts and techniques of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), covering topics of historical and recent development of VR/AR, reality-virtuality continuum, design principles for mixing reality and virtuality, 3D immersive perception and interaction techniques, and human factors in virtual environments. The module draws on recent advances of VR/AR systems and offers application development practices using state-of-the-art software and hardware kits accessible in our fabulous CIS labs. You will learn knowledge and skills that not only enable you to build an exciting VR/AR app people can interact with for the module assignment, but also can enhance your employability in both emergent and traditional fields that are increasingly transformed by VR/AR.
Course info
UCAS Code G407
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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