Prof. Kirsten Cater
Associate Dean and Professor of Human Computer Interaction
Faculty of Engineering, University of Bristol
Dr Paul Clarke
Senior Lecturer in Performance Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Bristol
Graduates are increasingly expected to have a diverse range of skills and expertise as they enter the fast-paced world of employment. Training in immersive skills is helping prepare them to transition into this environment.
Demand for expertise with immersive technologies has accelerated as companies seek to offer engaging and interactive experiences using virtual or augmented reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industry demand
This has led the University of Bristol to introduce courses that ensure graduates are equipped with immersive skills to meet this growing demand. Careers applying this technology include numerous and diverse industries, from games and entertainment; theatre and live events; museums and heritage; marketing and tourism; architecture and design; through to simulation and healthcare.
Professor Kirsten Cater, Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering, says: “With our recent suite of programmes, we are exploiting our cutting-edge research strengths to equip graduates with critical skills needed to meet this demand.
“The breadth of our research across art and science allows us to create interdisciplinary degree programmes where we can utilise different expertise and strengths.”
Being able to work in interdisciplinary ways is
a fantastic skill to have, allowing graduates to
adapt, be resilient and apply their knowledge
to the fast-pace of technological change
in the world they are going into.
Immersive technologies
Dr Paul Clarke, Senior Lecturer in Performance Studies, is working with creative industries partners to increase opportunities for students with skills in interactive media and immersive storytelling.
“Creative industries have pivoted their practices to use immersive technologies to engage and expand their audiences leading to a significant skills gap,” he says.
New courses – underpinned by the university’s expertise and academic excellence – include an MA in Immersive Arts and a MSc in Immersive Technologies.
The courses offer students practical skills and hi-tech commercial facilities to enter this growing market and feature flexible learning opportunities for people re-skilling mid-career. The students learn from world leading academics, pioneering thought-leaders, and work with industry partners through the £46 million MyWorld creative hub.