• Lancaster University
  • Institute of Coding logo

Introduction to Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality

Discover Extended Reality (XR) and learn how the power of this technology is being harnessed in a variety of industries.

16,987 enrolled on this course

Icons - a VR headset and a person using a computer
  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Digital upgrade

    Free

Discover how Extended Reality (XR) is transforming our world

From immersive experiences to providing simulation and therapy in health, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR), collectively known as Extended Reality (XR), make it possible to go beyond the realm of what was previously thought.

On this course, you’ll explore the tools and technologies that support the features and applications of VR, AR and MR.

You’ll discover the basic concepts of creating VR, AR and MR experiences as well as the ethics involved in developing these kinds of applications. You’ll use published articles and hear from experts on how they’ve applied VR, AR and MR technology in their various fields.

Featured in the UK government’s The Skills Toolkit collection.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 6 seconds It takes a visionary to combine creativity and technology. They can transform a simple idea into something new and valuable. Creativity provides the spark, and technology makes the difference. But where will our creativity and technology take us? Will technology affect how and what we create? And will creativity help us get the best out of new technologies? This new range of courses from the Institute of Coding brings together artists, programmers, technologists, and engineers to showcase the innovations, people, and practise of creative technologies. Brought to you by UAL Creative Computing Institute and Lancaster University, a practical guide to essential creative technologies will introduce you to rapidly changing creative spaces and the skills you need to succeed in them.

Skip to 1 minute and 12 seconds Explore courses in creative AI and accessible design, chat bots and conversational interfaces, indie gaming and physical computing, virtual and augmented reality. Discover new skills and be inspired by new voices. Whether you’re looking to apply existing skills in fresh ways or step into something new, expand your understanding of where technology can take you. Join us and discover a world of essential creative technologies.

What topics will you cover?

  • The fundamentals of XR (VR, AR and MR)
  • The ethics surrounding the creation of XR applications
  • Careers/pathways in and skills in XR
  • The technologies and tools in creating XR projects

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe the basic concepts of VR, AR, and MR
  • Describe how XR is being used in industries beyond entertainment
  • Describe the potential benefits of using XR applications in the real world
  • Explore the tools and technologies used in XR
  • Identify the ethical considerations of developing XR applications
  • Identify the hallmarks of successful VR, AR and MR experiences

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in VR applications, understanding the features applied in creative dynamic VR application, or learning more about the technologies and domains of VR.

You might also be interested in the other courses in the Essential Creative Technologies collection from UAL Creative Computing Institute, Lancaster University and the Institute of Coding.

Who will you learn with?

Abe Karnik is a Lecturer in Human Computer Interaction at the Lancaster University. He is involved in creation of novel interactive systems including 3D displays, AR/VR environments and haptics.

BAFTA-winning Catherine Allen led the production of two of the BBC's first VR experiences. Now as CEO of Limina Immersive, she is best known for broadening creative VR's audience base in the UK.

Who developed the course?

Lancaster University

Lancaster University is a collegiate university, with a global reputation as a centre for research, scholarship and teaching with an emphasis on employability.

Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.

What's included?

Lancaster University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
  • Learning on FutureLearn

    Your learning, your rules

    • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
    • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
    • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

    Join a global classroom

    • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
    • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
    • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

    Map your progress

    • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
    • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
    • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

    Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

    Learner reviews

    Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.

    Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...