What To Study: Virtual And Augmented Reality

What to study: Virtual and augmented reality

Immersive technology is blowing up everywhere, and that includes the higher education sector. 

As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) transform the way we shop, play games and even construct military strategies, universities are fielding increased demand from employers to produce graduates with the digital skills to work in this field.

With employers everywhere preferring tech-savvy workers, more unis are offering AR/VR courses at pre-university, undergraduate, and postgraduate level. 

Yet, what are the key differences between the two?

Virtual vs. augmented reality

If you’ve ever watched the 1999 movie “The Matrix,” virtual reality will spring to mind.

In the film, the virtual simulations are so lifelike that the main character couldn’t distinguish what is real and what is not.

As the digital age beckons, this is the exact same dilemma that we will soon encounter with virtual reality one day. Technology gets smarter and we get slower by depending too much on its capabilities. 

A degree in virtual reality could us to level-up our digital skills and conquer computer-generated simulation before artificial intelligence (AI) outsmarts us.

Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality adds to the reality you would ordinarily see rather than replacing it.

You will recognise AR from apps like Snapchat and Instagram. Through the use of filters, you can see the real-life environment in front of you but with a digital augmentation laid on top.

For instance, you can insert a pair of cat ears on your head or go back in time by changing the colour of your screen to black and white. With AR, there are boundless scenarios to create. With VR, there are parallel worlds to explore.

What you can learn from a virtual and augmented reality degree

Most AR/VR degrees expect you to complete a practical project at the end of the year. This project may include an individual presentation of your graphic design work or a group initiative that involves the latest AR/VR tools.