Posted on July 22, 2020

Start your VR/AR design career at VCC this September

Woman using VR headset and handsets in classroom with whiteboards

 

According to Vancouver VR/AR Association president Dan Burgar, British Columbia is already a world leader in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) development, which makes it a perfect place to cultivate new VR/AR design professionals. “We need to support the future generation of talent to create new worlds beyond our imagination,” he says.

Thanks to industry leaders like Dan and an exciting partnership with Vancouver Film School (VFS), Vancouver Community College (VCC) is pleased to help students explore these new worlds through a VR/AR Design and Development diploma program starting in September 2020.

This two-year program will harness the best assets, training, and knowledge of both VCC and VFS to launch future careers in this burgeoning field. Yes, students will learn to develop video games, but they’ll also discover the many innovative VR/AR solutions for business, engineering, education, and more. During the program, students will work with real clients while also developing their own capstone projects and professional portfolios.

“Our students will learn from industry leaders and be well-positioned for their future careers as virtual and augmented reality experts,” says David Wells, VCC Vice President, Academic and Applied Research.

The program starts with a four-month study term at VCC, where students receive an introduction to computer programming, 2D/3D design, and game engines Unity3D and Unreal Engine. Students then spend two more terms sharpening their skills at VFS, and finally participate in a hands-on industry practicum. 

Both VCC and VFS campuses are located in Downtown Vancouver, offering the convenience of access and shared resources.

“VFS and VCC have been physical neighbours in Vancouver for many years. It is particularly satisfying and exciting to pool our resources and offer students a unique, sophisticated VR/AR program,” says VFS president James Griffin.

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. 

Are you ready to create the tools of tomorrow? Learn more about the VR/AR Design and Development program, starting in September 2020.