MA Virtual Reality

As virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies become more affordable and accessible, many industries are becoming aware of the benefits of immersive narratives. As such, there is a growing need for professional story developers who can harness and explore the extraordinary potential of VR. 

MA Virtual Reality is for creative graduates and existing filmmakers who want to enter the radical world of virtual and augmented media production for immersive storytelling in entertainment, journalism, education, marketing and advocacy. It is for independent thinkers, who thrive in experimental, hands-on learning environments.

Due to the evolving nature of this field, we welcome practitioners from both technical and creative backgrounds. This includes filmmakers, theatre designers, sound designers, game designers, animators, software developers, studio/media artists, writers, and journalists.

Why study this course?

A fusion of critical and professional approaches, this course will enable you to explore the dynamic creative and commercial forces shaping virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality (MR).

Combine professional, critical and cultural approaches as you explore the complex forces shaping emerging forms of storytelling. Gain in-depth understanding of the industry's organisation of distribution, exhibition and production, from regional, national and international perspectives.

Develop real-world skills in immersive experience design - including 360° filmmaking - and learn how to design VR/AR on a variety of platforms, from app-enabled mobile devices to head-mounted displays, and augmented reality headsets. Hone your ability to build project teams, direct, produce, and provide a strong creative vision for a variety of projects.

Why UWE Bristol?

MA Virtual Reality is based at the Bristol VR Lab, a distinctive co-venture between UWE Bristol, the University of Bristol, Watershed, and Opposable VR. 

This studio lab for VR research and development supports a dynamic ecosystem of talent, training, facilities and research. Fully immersed in this creative testbed, you will benefit from top level partnerships with organisations such as Bristol Games Hub and We The Curious, the city's innovative science centre with its data dome and IMAX cinema.  

Our multidisciplinary MA will helpyou join the ranks of a new generation of storytellers and become aleading content creator in this exciting field.