Higher Certificate in Virtual Reality Studies

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Virtual Reality Studios qualification uses an experiential approach to assessment design and delivery, which combines the application of technical skills, design processes and critical reflection and transferable skills development. Learners will learn the technical workflows associated with common augmented and virtual reality platforms, including as scripting and asset pipeline, apply design and project management processes and engage in the development of scholarly skills.

There is a development of practical skills in the process of addressing several real-world and experimental assessment briefs that ask learners to make a range of focused, immersive interactive experiences which iteratively build their skills and knowledge in this field. There is an emphasis on approaching the assessment tasks from the perspective of paraprofessional role expectations commensurate with the outcomes of this programme.

A set of core learning outcomes dealing with project management, interdisciplinary practice, contemporary workflows, essential marketing and business acumen, and scholarly processes develop skills and knowledge for problem-solving and decision making within group-based and independent projects in creative media.

Learners reflect upon their experiences in a structured way, designed to encourage useful critical reflection and analysis skills. Key areas of content covered by the program include:

• Augmented Reality (AR) technology use;
• Virtual Reality (VR) technology use;
• Mixed Reality (MR) technology use;
• Haptic technologies;
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI);
• Rapid prototyping;
• Scripting;
• Creative problem solving;
• Critical reflection;
• Working under supervision in a paraprofessional role;
• Introductory design and critical reflection processes;
• Technical pipelines and workflow;
• Introductory project management.

Software design and development kits have been selected based on benchmarking of industry trends and market share of existing platforms. The curriculum follows software agnostic where possible, and instead, focus on standard and transferable aspects of the AR and VR sector.

The final project in the qualification will result in a creative framework and prototype developed under structured supervision and guidance. This qualification requires the application of skills acquired in all modules. Assessment includes a large portion of practical and project work, under the supervision of the Gaming Faculty.

Rationale

Augmented and virtual reality technologies are now achieving widespread use and application in a range of fields. This rapid and broad uptake attributed to the relatively low cost, high quality and ease of accessibility of augmented and virtual reality technologies. As such, the career outlook for the application of these technologies is positive, and the true potential of these technologies is only just starting is realised. Due to this, roles in professional settings are varied and developing.

The Higher Certificate in Virtual Reality Studies is an entry-level, skills-focused programme. The programme develops learners' skills and knowledge in applying consumer-level VR and AR hardware and software to produce immersive interactive experiences. Instead of focusing primarily on a particular industry, the Higher Certificate in Virtual Reality Studies programme focuses on the core technical and design consideration of working with these technologies. By doing so, the outcomes of the program apply to a wide range of paraprofessional industry roles and applications in areas such as health, tourism, medical, military and entertainment.

Learners of the Higher Certificate in Virtual Reality Studies will be able to pursue entry-level careers or paraprofessional roles in/as:

• Augmented Reality Application Designer/Developer;
• Virtual Reality Application Designer/Developer;
• Interaction Designer;
• Creative Media Project Teams.

Learners will also be prepared to apply for further studies in creative/multimedia design and production, such as an Advanced Certificate, Diploma or qualification in VR/AR, multimedia or game design.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). As such, the institution will recognise skills, knowledge and experience achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning following its RPL policy. Prospective learners who do not meet entry requirements may also apply for RPL to gain access into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF, Level 4.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Managing Software Projects, 15 Credits.
• Virtual Reality Technologies, 20 Credits.
• Augmented Reality Technologies, 15 Credits.
• Scholarly Perspectives in AR and VR, 10 Credits.
• Contemporary Industrial Practices, 10 Credits.
• Mixed Reality Hardware, 20 Credits.
• Computer-Mediated Reality Major Project, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate informed knowledge of methodologies and approaches related to the management of software projects and contributing as a team member.
2. Demonstrate informed and basic applied knowledge of virtual reality technologies and augmented reality technologies.
3. Demonstrate the ability to conduct an essential inquiry to identify, assess and use the information to support basic technical writing and arguments.
4. Demonstrate informed understanding and application of necessary scripting skills to utilise a range of hardware interfaces for augmented, virtual, and mixed reality applications.
5. Demonstrate an informed understanding of consumer demand and business practices relevant to virtual reality product markets.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply foundational project management skills as a member of a software project team.
• Apply collaborative and technical writing skills to support a creative media project.
• Apply appropriate digital workflow process to manage digital assets.
• Apply critical reflection process to improve professional practice.
• Apply essential appropriate rapid prototyping, and agile methodologies to deliver games projects on time and within project constraints.
• Demonstrate the ability to work and collaborate effectively in a project team environment.
• Implement essential programmatic solutions to predefined game behaviours and interactions in an appropriate middleware package.
• Demonstrate the ability to use, configure and implement game assets and features to support pre-established game development goals.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify effective practices in a client-driven creative media project as a paraprofessional.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply necessary scripting skills and knowledge to create interactivity in virtual spaces.
• Apply necessary interactivity design skills and knowledge and processes relevant to virtual reality applications.
• Consider end-user perceptions to compare and contrast the design element of interactivity in virtual space.
• Demonstrate a basic applied understanding of scale, movement, size and proportion in virtual space.
• Demonstrate basic interactive prototypes appropriate for consumer-level virtual reality hardware.
• Identify user interface requirements and preferences relevant to virtual reality applications.
• Apply necessary scripting skills and knowledge to create interactivity in augmented reality.
• Apply necessary interactivity design skills and knowledge relevant to augmented reality applications.
• Create basic interactive prototypes using consumer-level augmented reality mobile hardware.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify relevant and authoritative information sources and selected to support basic technical writing.
• Apply foundational analytical skills in the documentation of a creative project.
• Construct and critically analyse arguments.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct primary analyses to describe the historical context and application of augmented and virtual reality.
• Demonstrate the ability to write using the appropriate tone, spelling, grammar and appropriately cited references.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply the necessary interactivity design skills and knowledge relevant to interfaces between virtual and physical interaction.
• Compare and contrast design active and passive haptic feedback in virtual and physical space.
• Demonstrate a basic applied understanding of single-board microcontrollers for custom hardware interfaces.
• Create a basic interactive prototype using consumer-level augmented and virtual reality hardware.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate an informed understanding of business strategies of major and independent companies and the ability to evaluate their influence on the market.
• Demonstrate an informed understanding of market needs and market validation techniques.
• Identify and compare distribution platforms, their associated audiences and influence on production.
• Analyse and describe successful activities of independent marketing and promotional activities.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

Learners complete a series of assessments throughout the year. Formative assessments are marked, and feedback is given to learners to direct and support learning, the achievement of outcomes, and prepare learners for examinations. Formative assessments may include projects, case studies, essays, simulations, experiments, assignments, online activities, interactions, and presentations. An examination serves as the summative assessment, which evaluates the achievement of outcomes of the larger body of knowledge in the programme, under normal exam conditions.

Summative assessment

Summative assessments may include final examinations, portfolios of evidence and research reports. The completion of experiential learning is an integral part of the learning programme and as such, contributes to the assessment of learning outcomes contained in the qualification.