VIRTUAL REALITY AND SMART TECHNOLOGIES

OVERVIEW

The study programme provides extensive knowledge about Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies, their usage and role in innovation.

A vital part of the programme is the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience whilst working on live projects alongside various tech businesses, start-ups and industry professionals to solve current problems and create new solutions.

Participating in the annual AR/VR Hackathon is an integral part of the Master's study program in Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences.

More information: [email protected]


CAREER
 

Graduates can use the skills gained through studies to plan, implement and manage VR/AR projects as well as apply their knowledge to innovating new products/solutions and ensuring the advancement of VR/AR through scientific research.


 FAST FACTS

Language: English
Duration: 1.5 years (3 semesters) full time
ECTS: 90
Degree title:    PROFESSIONAL MASTER’S DEGREE IN VIRTUAL REALITY AND SMART TECHNOLOGIES
EQF: Level 7
Exchange opportunities:  Available through Erasmus+ and Nordplus.


 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technologies or Computer Science
  • Evidence of English language competence (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS).
STATE FULLY FUNDED STUDY PLACES IN 2024/2025
 10 (for EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation students)
 
TUITION FEES 2024/2025
5043 EUR per year (EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation) 
4400 EUR per year (non-EU)

Non-EU, Non-EEA applicants:  March 1 - May 31 (Scholarships that cover tuition fees are available to non-EU, non-EEA students for this program).

EU/ EEA/ Swiss Confederation applicants: March 1 - August 20 (students are eligible to apply for Latvian state-funded study placements).

All the eligible students are invited to apply for the Latvian State Scholarship. The application deadline for the academic year 2024/2025 is 1st of April, 2024.

For further information, get in touch with International Office at [email protected].

Apply through va.dreamapply.com

VR/AR project planning and implementation

VR/AR innovations and actuality in various industries, VR/AR hardware and physical structure, elements of IoT, Interactivity, scenarios composition and serious games.


VR/AR authoring

Mobile technology solutions, Programming advanced 3D graphics, 3D modeling approaches, and scripting, Development of advanced 3D interactive environments.


User experience design and implementation

UX strategy framework, Human factors and human-computer interaction, Motion graphics and environmental effects.


Recognition services and intellectual environments

Geometry processing and visualization, Augmented reality and computer vision algorithms, Introduction in machine - learning and neural networks.


VR/AR project sustainability and transformation

Innovations and project management, Research methodologies and scientific publications, Hackathon and teamwork, Simulation modeling and data 3D visualization.


Internship, Master’s thesis.

 

ECTS GUIDE

Course title

ECTS

Module "VR/AR project planning and implementation"

 

VR/AR innovations and actuality in various industries

3

VR/AR hardware and physical structure, elements of IoT

3

Interractivity, scenarios composition and serious games

3

Module "VR/AR authoring"

 

Mobile technology solutions

3

Programming advanced 3D graphics

3

3D modelling approaches and scripting

3

Developement of advanced 3D interractive environments

3

Module "User experience design and implemetation"

 

UX strategy framework

3

Human factors and human-computer interaction

3

Motion graphics and environmental effects

3

Module "Recognition services and intellectual environments"

 

Geometry processing and visualization

3

Augmented reality and computer vision algorythms

3

Introduction in machine - learning and neural networks

3

Module "VR/AR project sustainability and transformation"

 

Innovations and project managment

3

Research methodologies and scientific publications

3

Hackathon and teamwork

3

Simulation modelling and data 3D visualization

3

Internship

9

Master's thesis

30

TOTAL:

90

WHY CHOOSE MASTER'S IN VIRTUAL REALITY AND SMART TECHNOLOGIES?
 

The study programme has been developed in collaboration with leading Latvian VR/AR businesses that offer and deliver their solutions throughout the world. Guest lectures from industry professionals will be an integral part of the study process. Business representatives will share their experience and work with students on current industry challenges, giving learners the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience.

The latest VR/AR technologies and software will be available throughout the course. The university’s Virtual reality and augmented reality laboratory boasts 20 sets of equipment that consist of high performance computers and VR/AR tools from such manufacturers as Meta, Daqri, ODG, MicrosoftMagicLeap, Neuron, Samsung, Vive, Oculus, MSI, Google, Vuzix, etc.

Programme utilises innovative study methods and has been developed by merging experience and insight from similar programmes around the globe, which prepare high level specialists for working in such industries as medicine and healthcare, logistics, architecture, urban planning, tourism, history, marketing, art, entertainment, etc.


EDUCATION THAT RESPONDS TO INDUSTRY DEMAND
 

The level of turbulence in the information space is growing rapidly. Security has become a broad and complex concept and being competent in matters related to media literacy, strategic communication, technologies and cyber security is important to us as individuals as well as representatives of states and organisations. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences' study offer addresses this demand, offering education that prepares specialists with skills in:

✔️Media & Information Literacy

✔️Strategic Communication & Governance

✔️Virtual Reality & Smart Technologies

✔️Cybersecurity Engineering

 

TUITION FEES
 

The tuition fee is outlined in the individual agreement between the student and the university. The student receives the agreement together with the admission letter. Accepted students must pay the tuition fee in advance for the full academic year.

Citizenship Per year EUR

Full programme cost EUR

Tuition Fees for  the citizens of the EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation 2022/2023 3668*

5502* for 3 semesters

Tuition Fees for other Citizens 2022/2023 4200*

6300* for 3 semesters

*This is the full tuition fee. If you want to find out your possible tuition discount, go to the tuition calculator.


 

APPLICATION FEES 2022/2023
 

Application fee (non-refundable) must be paid before the application is submitted (confirmation of payment must be included in the application):

Citizenship

Application fee amount EUR

Estonia, Lithuania, Georgia and Moldova 50

EU, EEA countries, Swiss Confederation, USA, Australia, Azerbaijan, Japan, Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, Macedonia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

100

International applicants from other countries

250

Applicants from Ukraine are exempt from Application fee

Application fee must be paid to the following bank account:

The bank: Valsts Kase
Address: Smilsu iela 1, Riga LV-1050 Latvia
Bank code: TRELLV22
Bank account number: LV38TREL9150130000000
Bank payments should be marked: “Study registration fee: your name”


 OTHER COSTS

To have and overview of the costs involved in studying in Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, please see the indicative list of costs:

Costs per month EUR
Rent of room in student hostel

105 eur double room

160 eur  single room

Local transportation costs 25
Food, other personal costs (minimum) 200
Total of other costs (average) ~350

The cost of living in Valmiera can seem rather inexpensive for students from some other countries. 

MASTER'S IN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ADMINISTRATION

Graduates can use the skills gained through studies to plan, implement and manage VR/AR projects as well as apply their knowledge to innovating new products/solutions and ensuring the advancement of VR/AR through scientific research.

MASTER'S IN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ADMINISTRATION

Mg.sc.comp. Edmunds Jansons

Head of study programme “Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies”

e-mail: [email protected]


Dr.sc.ing. Arnis Cīrulis

Leading researcher in the sub-field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization and Head of the Virtual Reality Technology Laboratory (ViA VR-Lab)

e-mail: [email protected]


Mg.sc.comp. Lauris Taube

Virtual reality and mobile technologies laboratory assistant

e-mail: [email protected]


Dr.sc.ing. Linda Lancere

Researcher

e-mail: [email protected]


Mg.sc.comp. Zintis Erics

Research assistant in the Virtual Reality Technology and Visualization sub-direction

e-mail: [email protected]


Mg.sc.comp.Toms Amsons

Visiting research assistant in the field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization

e-mail: [email protected]


Mg.sc.comp. Laura Ozoliņa

Visiting research assistant in the field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization

e-mail: [email protected]


Mg.sc.comp. Dāvis Ābols

Visiting research assistant in the field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization

e-mail: [email protected]

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Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences

Cēsu street 4, Tērbatas street 10, Valmiera, LV-4201, Latvija

Company reg. Nr. LV90001342592

CONTACTS | COMPANY DETAILS