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: edmunds.jansons@va.lv
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).
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 international@va.lv.
Apply through Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies - Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (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 |
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, Microsoft, MagicLeap, 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.
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
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 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
MASTER'S IN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ADMINISTRATION
Mg.sc.comp. Edmunds Jansons
Head of study programme “Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies”
e-mail: edmunds.jansons@va.lv
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: arnis.cirulis@va.lv
Mg.sc.comp. Lauris Taube
Virtual reality and mobile technologies laboratory assistant
e-mail: lauris.taube@va.lv
Dr.sc.ing. Linda Lancere
Researcher
e-mail: linda.lancere@va.lv
Mg.sc.comp. Zintis Erics
Research assistant in the Virtual Reality Technology and Visualization sub-direction
e-mail: zintis.erics@va.lv
Mg.sc.comp.Toms Amsons
Visiting research assistant in the field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization
e-mail: toms.amsons@va.lv
Mg.sc.comp. Laura Ozoliņa
Visiting research assistant in the field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization
e-mail: laura.ozolina@va.lv
Mg.sc.comp. Dāvis Ābols
Visiting research assistant in the field of Virtual Reality Technologies and Visualization
e-mail: davis.abols@va.lv
