Virtual and Augmented Reality MA

We will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to create digital experiences. Explore your ideas and achieve innovative outcomes.

You will learn everything you need to know about virtual and augmented reality design. Study developments in design thinking to establish a core design approach. Investigate how virtual and augmented realities are transforming the ways we learn and communicate. Embrace immersive technologies to enhance your creative practice. Using wearable and handheld devices, you will craft digital experiences for a range of industries. Apply your creative talent and skills to marketing, education, television, gaming and more.

On this course you will collaborate with York Business School, exploring consumer behaviour and strategic branding to inform your project work. You will also work with industry partners and key practitioners to build a professional network.

This degree is part of a suite of courses. Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at the other masters degrees we offer:

Graphic Design MA

Product Design MSc

Interior Design MA

How you will study

This course will take 1 year to complete and must be studied full time. You will study:

• 5 compulsory modules
• A Major Design Project

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

Teaching will consist of a mixture of group seminars and individual tutorials. This includes sessions with staff from across the university.

We recognise your status as a graduate student, and place a significant emphasis on independent learning. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your role in managing your own learning and its outcomes. Our Academic Support team can help with written English, study, research and technology skills if needed.

We keep our group sizes small so we can get to know your creative personality and support your aspirations. We deliver your modules through:

• Workshops
• Visiting speakers
• Field visits
• Work related learning
• Seminar discussions
• Supervised projects

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

There are no formal examinations on this course. You will be assessed through live events and coursework, which will include:

• Portfolio work
• Creating artefacts
• Presentation of visual works
• Research reports
• Case studies

You will receive continuous informal feedback on works in progress through a combination of showings, discussions and written proposals.

Qualifications

International Students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Interview and portfolio

Entry onto this postgraduate course is subject to attending an interview.

At interview you will need to demonstrate examples of your own practice.

You will also be asked to complete a portfolio. This portfolio should show examples of previous and current media production practice.

We are happy to arrange interviews via Skype for overseas students.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2023 - 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £7,000 for full time study

This cost applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2023 - 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £13,000 for full time study. 

This cost applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Virtual and Augmented Reality take you?

This degree could lead you to a career directly related to Virtual and Augmented Reality, such as a AR and VR content writer. It could also take you in a completely different direction, using the many transferrable skills you will develop. These include problem solving, developing arguments, analysing and evaluating information, collaboration, independent working, communication and more.

This will give you an advantage in careers such as:

• User experience design
• Content production
• Software engineering
• Marketing
• Games design

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £7,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2020)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.