Interactive and Immersive Technology

The BSc (Hons) Interactive and Immersive Technology degree addresses the need for digital technologists who can design, develop and create content for experiences, simulations and solutions using cutting-edge technology. The re-emergence of, and advances in, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR), initially driven through its application to interactive entertainment, now sees other industry sectors seeking new opportunities to harness these immersive technologies for digital innovation. Immersive technologies provide novel interfaces between people and systems and include the use of haptics, sound, telepresence, voice and gesture-based interfaces, and are a potentially rich source for alternative solutions for industry.

The knowledge and skills gained on the course, both transferable and technology-specific, can be applied within different industry sectors and various contexts, such as the visitor economy, advanced manufacturing, construction, interactive entertainment, education, or science, as applicable to the problem or opportunity presented.

There is an emphasis on innovation within the course and you will be encouraged to be creative in your approach to ideation and problem solving. The course will enable you to discover your specific area of interest and build the knowledge and skills relevant to your intended industry sector, thereby enhancing employability.

The course has a common first year that allows you to explore Creation Engines as a core technology within the programme; Interaction and User Experience design for design knowledge of user-centred experiences; Coding, Prototyping and Internet of Things as a vehicle to explore the fundamental principles of computing while also introducing coding, microprocessors and IoT devices; Mobile and Smart Device Experiences to build understanding of web, database, and mobile development; 3D Concept and Modelling to explore asset creation for 3D graphics-based experiences; and Projects, Workflow and Testing as a vehicle to understand team projects, Agile principles and industry workflow.

Level 4:

Coding, Prototyping and Internet of Things

Creation Engines and Scripting

Interaction and User Experience Design

Projects, Testing and Performance

Immersive Experiences

3D Concept and Modelling
In the second year (level 5) you can choose to follow a suggested pathway:

Development covers high-level programming within the context of a creation engine; and development with technology for smart systems. Content Creation extends 3D modelling knowledge to explore animation and its application within real-time solutions and experiences; and surfaces and lighting to enhance visuals and explore realism and stylised rendering.

Design, Interaction and E-sports considers world and level design, and the concept of playability, not simply within games but also for simulations and interactive walkthroughs. The path also allows you to explore the E-sports industry, particularly the technology used within it, which can be used for a variety of purposes outside of that sector.

Level 5:

Multiuser Experiences

Research Skills and Industry Engagement

High-Level Programming for Experiences

Surfaces and Lighting

World Design and Playability

Smart Systems Development

3D Animation

E-sports Industry and Virtual Production Technology

The final year has a Final Project, and a Reality, Immersion and Innovation module that explores the subject of innovation alongside reality technologies. You will produce a solution using reality technology either as an individual or as a team and will be encouraged to explore the possibility of launching a venture.

You will study further modules within your specific pathway.

Development focuses on the design and development of tools and APIs, and the use of datasets for information visualisation within a 3D environment.

Content Creation explores Environment Design, and 3D Real-Time Visualisation, providing the opportunity to acquire skills in producing external and internal environments; these could equally be used for interactive entertainment or for architectural visualisation in combination with the Internet of Things.

Design, Interaction and E-sports explores the theory and application of game design principles and narrative approaches, considering storytelling within the context of game and non-game experiences.

Level 6:

Final Project

Reality, Immersion and Innovation

Middleware, Tools and APIs

Games Design Theories, Storytelling and Narrative

Environment Design and Creation

Data Visualisation and AI

Real Time Rendering and Visualisation

E-Sports Events, Performance and Coaching

A range of assessment methodologies are utilised and designed to enable you to explore your chosen discipline and interests, to support your career aspirations and professional networks.

Assessment methods include both formative and summative submissions. The formative assessments focus on practical application and development, in the main, providing opportunities to refine and develop content to incorporate into the summative assessments.

Summative assessments include the creation of 3D environments and assets, mobile apps, interactive experiences, computer games, and IoT devices in addition to academic presentations, written assessment, portfolios and exhibitions to present your ideas and demonstrate understanding of concepts and application.