• CUC Logo
New

Virtual Reality: Exploring the Digital Future

Discover the theory and practical applications of virtual reality to gain the skills to create immersive digital experiences.

Woman with a VR headset on

Virtual Reality: Exploring the Digital Future

  • 6 weeks

  • 1 hour per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    1 hour
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Understand how to navigate the virtual reality landscape

On this six-week course, you’ll dive deep into the world of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR).

This course is crafted to equip you with advanced skills in creating immersive digital experiences. You’ll learn to design and build with 3D modeling, rendering, and powerful engines like Unreal Engine and Unity using cutting-edge technologies and industry trends.

Delving into the foundational concepts of virtual reality, you’ll understand how to apply your knowledge across diverse fields such as animation, gaming, new media, and digital exhibitions.

Grasp the core elements of VR technology and explore this innovative tool’s opportunities and challenges in today’s digital landscape.

Learn how to design with 3D modeling and rigging

You’ll utilise your understanding of 3D modeling and rigging to create intricate characters and environments. You’ll master 3D rigging techniques to bring your virtual creations to life, ensuring they move realistically within immersive environments.

Then, you’ll explore image-based rendering and advanced visualisation techniques to enhance your projects.

Experience hands-on projects that require you to animate and interact with game elements, bringing together all the skills you’ve acquired throughout the course.

Embrace the future of extended reality

By the end of the course, you’ll understand the latest developments in XR, trade insights, and the potential of virtual environments to contribute to sectors like healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and entertainment.

You’ll have the skills to excel in the dynamic XR landscape and the confidence to create and manage virtual reality projects, ready to join the ranks of professionals shaping the digital future.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Week 1 - Overview

    • What is virtual reality?

      In this session, we will explore the definition of virtual reality, its developmental history, and the latest trends. Let’s dive into the world of virtual reality!

    • Virtualisation Techniques

      An important theme in the concept of virtual reality is the exploration of how the richness of the real world can be transformed into a digital space and make it possible for us to interact with it.

    • Comparing Leading VR Headsets

      In this chapter, we compare three of the most prominent VR headsets on the market today—Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and HTC Vive XR Elite.

  • Week 2

    Week 2 - Technology

    • Key Technologies

      As an important component of future technology, understanding the core technologies of VR is crucial for us to grasp technology development trends and explore new application possibilities.

    • VR&AIGC——application

      In the wave of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), Virtual Reality (VR) technology is undergoing unprecedented changes.

    • Quiz and feedback

      As an important component of future technology, understanding the core technologies of VR is crucial for us to grasp technology development trends and explore new application possibilities.

  • Week 3

    Week 3 - Modeling

    • Introduction to 3D Modeling

      In this class, we will explore the world of 3D modeling using Blender, a powerful and versatile software tool. Through a hands-on project, you will learn the Basic process of creating 3D objects.

    • The Magic of AI-Generated 3D Models

      This part we will explore the fascinating world of AI-generated 3D models, a cutting-edge technology that uses artificial intelligence to automatically create three-dimensional objects and environments.

    • Discussion

      Provide open-ended reflection and discussion at the end of the lesson

  • Week 4

    Week 4 - Rigging

    • Introduction to 3D Rigging

      In this course, we will learn how to rig a 3D model. Rigging is an essential step after modeling and before creating 3D animations.

    • 3D binding

      Despite the various methods of 3D binding, all binding processes share the same fundamental concepts and key steps. This article will introduce to you what you need to understand in order to complete the binding of a model.

    • Discussion

      Provide open-ended reflection and discussion at the end of the lesson

  • Week 5

    Week 5 - Animation

    • Introduction to 3D animation

      In this course, we will cover how to use 3D software for animation.

    • AI-Powered Animation Creation

      AIGC transforms 3D animation by automating tasks. LODGE merges music with animation, offering creators an efficient AI-powered tool.

    • Discussion

      Provide open-ended reflection and discussion at the end of the lesson

  • Week 6

    Week 6 - Engine

    • Basic Game Development Techniques

      We will start by learning what a game engine is and introduce some common game engines to give you a preliminary understanding of them.

    • Game Engines

      We will start by learning what a game engine is and introduce some common game engines to give you a preliminary understanding of them.

    • Discussion

      Provide open-ended reflection and discussion at the end of the lesson

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...

  • Create an interactive virtual reality piece.
  • Compare different modes of creation
  • Collaborate projects with friends
  • Design Virtual Reality Scenes
  • Explore applications for AIGC tools

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for students and professionals in digital media, gaming, animation, and related fields who seek to master the latest VR, AR, MR, and XR technologies.

Prior knowledge of 3D modeling, game engines, or interactive media is recommended but not required. It is suitable for those aiming for careers in XR development, game design, immersive content creation, and roles within the emerging Metaverse industry.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

Communication University of China

The Communication University of China (CUC) is one of the China’s key universities included in 211 Project and “985 Project Innovation Platform” under the Double First-Class Initiative, which is directly administered by the Ministry of Education. CUC was the first communication university founded in 1954 . In August 2004, it was renamed from Beijing Broadcasting Institute to Communication University of China.

Ways to learn

Buy this course

Subscribe & save

Start learning today

Choose the best way to learn for you!

$79/one-off payment

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Free

Fulfill your current learning needDevelop skills to further your careerTry this course - with limits
Access to this courseticktick

Limited to 6 weeks

Access to 1,000+ coursescrosstickcross
Learn at your own paceticktickcross
Discuss your learning in commentstickticktick
Tests to check your learningticktickcross
Certificate when you're eligiblePrinted and digitalDigital onlycross
Continue & Upgrade

Cancel for free anytime

Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Start learning today

Free

Try this course - with limits

  • Limited to 6 weeks

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 2 June 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 2 June 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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

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