Media Release: VCC and VFS announce joint VR/AR design program
VANCOUVER – Vancouver Community College (VCC) and Vancouver Film School (VFS) are proud to announce they have partnered to create a cross-institutional joint diploma program in VR/AR Design and Development.
Training future specialists in the burgeoning field of virtual and augmented reality, this two-year diploma program will harness the best assets and industry training knowledge of both institutions to elevate the quality of student projects and launch future careers. The program focuses on VR/AR solutions for a cross-section of industry and enterprise, allowing students to work on client-based projects while also developing their own capstone VR/AR projects and graduating portfolios.
The program starts with a four-month study term at VCC, where students receive an introduction to computer programming, game engines, and 3D design. Students then spend two more terms honing their skills at VFS, followed by a hands-on industry practicum. Graduating students will receive a two-year diploma from VCC and an advanced production diploma from VFS. International students will also be eligible to apply for post-graduation work permits. Both campuses are located in downtown Vancouver, offering the convenience of access and shared resources.
“VCC is very excited to partner with VFS on a new AR/VR dual diploma program,” says David Wells, VCC Vice President, Academic and Applied Research. “The unique collaboration between our schools will provide a dynamic learning experience for our students where they will learn from industry leaders and be well-positioned for their future careers as virtual and augmented reality experts.”
“VFS and VCC have been physical neighbours in Vancouver for many years, and separately have been important contributors to post-secondary education and to industry,” says VFS president James Griffin. “It is particularly satisfying and exciting to pool our resources and offer students a unique, sophisticated VR/AR program focused squarely on the future.”
“B.C.’s VR/AR ecosystem is leading the industry on a global scale,” says Dan Burgar, co-president of the Vancouver VR/AR Association. “In order for us to keep shaping the future of spatial computing, we need to support the future generation of talent to create new worlds beyond our imagination. It's refreshing to see two institutions working together to build this bright future.”
About Vancouver Community College
Located in the heart of the city, Vancouver Community College (VCC) offers academic, cultural, and social environments that inspire relevant, real-world training. VCC is proud to inspire a new generation of students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce. VCC's connections to industry ensure that students have direct access to employers, and partnerships across the post-secondary sector assist students to reach their goals at any stage of their career journey.
About Vancouver Film School
In 1987, VFS revolutionized entertainment arts education with the introduction of the world’s first one-year intensive film production diploma program. Today, VFS is Canada’s premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution, offering acclaimed and award-winning one-year diploma programs in 3D animation, film, TV, programming, video game, motion and interactive design. For the past 30 years, VFS has been devoted to delivering the highest quality education, and developing the next generation of leaders in the entertainment and creative media industries.
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Media can contact:
Jen Hill
Communications Manager
Vancouver Community College
T: 604.828.0974
E: jehill@vcc.ca
Evan Biswanger
Creative Director and Head of Marketing
Vancouver Film School
E: ebiswanger@vfs.com
Scott Steiger
Director, International Admissions and Business Development
Vancouver Film School
E: ssteiger@vfs.com