Creative technologies and interactive and immersive media are transforming how we experience and engage with culture. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) are being used across a wide range of industries, including games and location-based entertainment (LBE); theatre, concerts and live events; museums and heritage; marketing, advertising and tourism; architecture and design; education and training; simulation and healthcare.
This MA will enable you to translate your learning and experience in the creative arts (for example, design, writing, theatre, film or music production) into the creation of engaging, immersive content and the design of innovative interactive experiences. We will equip you with the technical skills and knowledge to succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing sector. Throughout the programme, you will learn from world-leading academics and pioneering thought-leaders, and work closely with creative industry partners. This MA equips you with:
You will be introduced to the fundamental technologies underpinning immersive art, media, and games, the diverse applications and experiences they enable, and the wide range of opportunities in the sector. You will get to experience and discuss inspiring examples, cover theories of immersion, histories of immersive and interactive media, and emerging technologies and approaches. This will enable you to position your practice in the field and reflect critically on how the sector is developing.
Virtual/augmented reality and location-based entertainment (LBE) require new forms of storytelling: you will develop your understanding of experience design, interactive narratives, and how to structure compelling XR experiences. You will develop skills in creative direction, game engines like Unity, 3D modelling software for designing virtual environments, 360-degree filmmaking and spatial audio, motion capture and projection mapping. You will learn how to design interactions to involve your audience and give players/users agency in how an immersive experience or game unfolds.
To complete your studies, a 60-credit research or practical project can be chosen. This unit will provide you with first-hand experience in planning, delivering, and presenting a substantial piece of original immersive and creative work in an academic, civic, cultural, and/or commercial environment.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Immersive Arts (Virtual and Augmented Reality).
You will typically need a strong second-class honours degree (55% or higher) or an international equivalent in any discipline.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications.
If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.