Virtual & Augmented Reality - BSc (Hons) Degree

Foundation Year (Year 0):

This programme can incorporate a Foundation Year, which is intended for students wishing to enrol onto the three-year honours degree, who fall into one of the following categories: 

1. Students who have not achieved the required A-Level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme. 

2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time. 

Further information about the Foundation Year can be found by clicking here.

Degree

The degree programme is comprised of a number of compulsory modules, with a choice of two options in the final year to develop your specific interests and expertise.

Students also have the option to complete a year-long placement in industry between Years 2 and 3.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Year 1:

Compulsory modules:

• Application Development 
• Architectures and Operating Systems
• Computational Thinking
• HCI and UX in Virtual Environments
• Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies
• Principles of Programming
  

Year 2:

Compulsory modules: 

• Introduction to Level Design and Games Asset Development
• Multimedia and Interaction
• Navigating Virtual Worlds
• Real-Time Computer Graphics
• Real-World Interaction with AI
• Research and Professional Skills 

Year 3:

Compulsory modules:

• Dissertation Project (40 credits)
• Creating Virtual Worlds using the GPU
• Spatial Audio Development 

Optional modules:

• Advanced Mechanics
• Computational Intelligence
• Gamification and Developing for Non-Game Contexts
• Industrial Work Experience (Placement)
  
• Mobile Game Development
• Multi-Player Game Development
• Parallel and Distributed Systems
  
• Visual Simulation
  

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, such as technical labs and individual and group projects. This is further enhanced by real world case studies and guest talks from industry experts, and supported by Teams and Moodle, our virtual learning environments.

Due to the nature of the programme, online and campus-based practical workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time - in additional to the timetabled delivery - so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment.

Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues. Students are also supported by Student Coaches; the Student Coach role is for current 2nd, 3rd year and Master’s students who provide peer support in Modules.

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.

Graduates will find a wide variety of career opportunities within the computer, IT and telecoms sector, as well as the majority of the other industrial sectors (both public and private), including the digital/creative industries, financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, engineering and management consultancy. 

Real world experience is obtained as part of your study through optional sandwich year placements and industrial internships. Over the past few years, our computing/IT students have been successful in obtaining placements in nationally competitive schemes with Microsoft, HP, General Electric and the Met Office.

On successful completion of this degree programme, there are also further taught postgraduate study options across computing and information systems here at Cardiff Met, as well as research and PhD programmes.

Foundation route:
Applicants will preferably have a minimum of five GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics* at grade C or above (grade 4 or above for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) and 32 UCAS Tariff Points from at least 1 A level (or equivalent). 

Degree:
Five GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics* at grade C or above (grade 4 or above for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) , plus 96 points from at least two A levels (or equivalent).

Typical offers may include:

• 96 points from at least 2 A levels to include grades CC; Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as the third subject

• RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma/Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma MMM

• 96 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers to include 2 x H2 grades. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4

• 96 points from at least two Scottish Advanced Highers to include grades DD

• 96 points from the Access to Higher Education Diploma     

*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy. 

If you are studying combinations of the above, or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search for entry requirements. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking here. 

Candidates who do not possess normal minimum entry qualification are interviewed and considered individually on the basis of their prior learning or working background. For applicants who are only undertaking 2 A levels or equivalent, this will be considered along with the rest of the academic profile and we may issue a graded offer in lieu of an offer using the UCAS Tariff. 

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website. 

Selection Procedure:
Selection is usually on the basis of a completed UCAS application and where relevant an interview. 

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at www.ucas.com. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer into year 2 & 3
If you are interested in transferring credit from another institution to study at Cardiff met for a course which accepts entry for year 2 and/or 3, you can find further information on this and information on how to apply on the RPL page. Please contact Admissions for any queries that you have on RPL. 

Mature students
A mature applicant is anyone over the ago of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk. 

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Glenn Jenkins.
Email: gljenkins@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)29 2041 7160