MSc Computer Science (Virtual and Augmented Reality)

This module explores the theoretical and technical domains that underpin the current state of the art in Virtual Reality development. From fundamental fields of study such as Data Visualisation and Neuro Perception, through to hardware concerns, visual fidelity and real-time rendering approaches required to achieve smooth, immersive environments, you will evaluate and practically apply the latest development techniques to produce a Virtual Reality Visualisation system.

The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge of effective and academic research design at Masters level and provide guidance on the purpose and design of literature reviews; the use of theory; writing strategies; citation and ethical considerations. It provides an understanding of how the range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method data approaches can be most appropriately applied. It provides the knowledge and research skills you need to:

• establish the most effectual research design and method for the dissertation project and write a successful research proposal
• prepare for the project module and for a possible future research career

This module aims to develop your ability to plan, execute and report in-depth on a major investigation.

This module will introduce you to the Mixed Reality domains, providing both a theoretical perspective on the classification of virtuality and reality, and the associated hardware and software requirements.

Students will be exposed to the current state of the art in AR/VR development by evaluating the hardware, software and middleware requirements of a modern AR/VR solution.

Students will learn the software engineering principles and core algorithms which are used to implement Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality applications using aspects of a modern game engine.

We will focus on the architectural layers of a modern game engine and their relevance to building AR/VR Solutions in tandem with how we integrate AR/VR SDKs into a modern engine and deploy software to AR/VR supporting devices.

We will look at various architectural design strategies and provide in-depth coverage of various core modules and tiers within a game engine. This involves applying realtime programming techniques and data structures, and practically applying them to develop mixed reality applications.

This module teaches fundamental mathematical techniques such as numerical calculus, analytical geometry, linear algebra and angular concepts, with a focus on practically constructing three-dimensional virtual worlds. Industry standard Digital Content Creation tools and game engine level editing software are used, mathematical concepts of translation, rotation and scaling to 3D Meshes are applied and materials, post processing, camera and scene construction techniques are used to build immersive, believable virtual spaces for use with the shared space technologies.

This module covers a systematic approach to the analysis, modelling, design, implementation and evaluation of immersive technologies covering Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Augmented Reality (AR). You will study and practice the material via lectures and tutorials and then proceed to a problem-based approach to the design, prototyping and evaluation of an immersive experience.

This module explores the theoretical and technical domains that underpin the current state of the art in Virtual Reality development. From fundamental fields of study such as Data Visualisation and Neuro Perception, through to hardware concerns, visual fidelity and real-time rendering approaches required to achieve smooth, immersive environments, you will evaluate and practically apply the latest development techniques to produce a Virtual Reality Visualisation system.