Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality - Master's Programme

Recent advances in computer graphics, sensors and screen technology give us unprecedented possibilities to completely immerse humans in virtual environments or augment real environments. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) constitute a completely new computing paradigm finding its way into applications for industry, health care, education, entertainment etc. This master's programme aims at educating qualified professionals who can design, implement and evaluate VR and AR applications while also considering the ethical, cultural, and social implications of such technology.

Programme structure

The master's programme offers a truly holistic approach to VR and AR technology in a world-class, multi-disciplinary research and learning environment.  Courses in e.g. computer graphics, image analysis, interaction design, VR and AR are blended into a unified learning experience that covers the whole range from enabling technologies to the final user experience of VR/AR applications. At the core of the master's programme is the assumption that VR/AR technology is best learned when students fuse theoretical knowledge and technical skills with design thinking. This specifically means that active experimentation is a fundamental pillar of the master's programme, which means laboratory work and project assignments in Lund University's top tier laboratories. Examples of concrete content in the master's programme include:

• Computer graphics and its implications for VR/AR applications
• Image analysis and its applications in VR/AR tracking
• 3D interaction in VR/AR applications
• User-centred design methodology for VR/AR development

The demand for engineers specialised in VR/AR technology is increasing rapidly. For this reason, local and global companies are strongly committed to contributing to the master's programme in various ways. Most importantly, this means huge opportunities to make project assignments and master thesis for companies, solving real world problems by applying VR/AR technology in a creative and innovative manner. 

Programme modules/courses

The programme is carefully tailored and only contains mandatory courses.

Semester 1

• Image analysis  (7.5 credits)
• Computer graphics (7.5 credits)
• Interaction design (7.5 credits)
• High performance computer graphics (7.5 credits)

Semester 2

• Virtual Reality in theory and practice (7.5 credits)
• Computer vision (7.5 credits)
• Theoretical perspectives in interaction design (7.5 credits)
• Universal design, theory and project (7.5 credits)

Semester 3

• Usability testing (7.5 credits)
• Augmented reality interaction (7.5 credits)
• Extended reality, continuation course (7.5 credits)
• Project course (7.5 credits)

Semester 4

Master degree project (30 credits)

Further course information is found here: https://www.lth.se/english/vrar/

Career prospects

Students graduating from the Master’s programme in Virtual reality and Augmented reality will be extremely attractive for industry in the near future. For example, job market company Hired reported a 1400% demand growth for VR/AR engineers in 2019. As the VR/AR research field is growing quickly, there are excellent opportunities for an academic career as well. The  number of doctoral student positions is increasing all over the world and the master's programme provides qualifications for research studies at PhD level.