Faculty of Information Technology and Intelligence – National Higher Certificate – Augmented Reality Programming NQF Level 5 – 120 Credits
National Higher Certificate – Augmented Reality Programming NQF Level 5
Course annual Cost : R25 000
Monthly Payments : R2 000 (12 Months)
Once off registration Fee : R2 000
First Semester Theoretical Modules : February – July
Module 1 – Introduction to Augmented Reality (ARINT 111)
Introduction to Augmented Reality
The History of Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality Applications
Module 2 – Introduction to Augmented Reality Programming (ARPRO 111)
Augmented Reality Programming Languages
Augmented Reality Coding and Algorithms
Augmented Reality programming IDEs and SDKs
Augmented Reality Engines
Module 3 – Introduction to Augmented Reality Commerce (ARCOM 111)
Augmented Reality and Project Development
Augmented Reality Core Applications Development
Augmented Reality and Business Management
Augmented Reality and Blockchain Application
Module 4 – Virtual and Augmented Reality Hardware Development (VARHDEV 111)
Virtual and Augmented Reality Hardware
Virtual and Augmented Reality Hardware Development
Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulation Rooms and Tech
Mixed, Augmented and Virtual Reality Studio Development
Module 11– Communications and Self Development (COMSELF 111)
Learning and Reading
How to Study Effectively
Virtual and Face to Face Presentations
Time Management Tactics
Financial Management Tactics
Understanding Self Development
Ethics and Psychology
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Mid Term Exams – Theoretical Learning
Second Semester – Work Integrated Learning Modules: August – January
Module 5 – Augmented Reality Practical Programming and Business Management (ARPPBus 111)
Module 6 – Augmented Reality Applications Design and Planning (ARAPP 211)
Module 7 – Augmented Reality Application Development (ARAD 211)
Module 8 – AR Project, Business and Financial Management (ARPBF 211)
Module 9 – AR Basic Hardware Management (ARHMAN 211)
Module 10 – AR Project Completion and Commercialization (ARCOM 211)
Final Term Exams – Theoretical and Work Integrated Learning
Entry Requirements
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma or Higher Certificate entry or an equivalent foreign secondary qualification or international school-leaving certificate on an NSC level (NQF 4) confirmed by SAQA.
OR
National Certificate (Vocational) level four issued by the Council of General, Further Education, and Training.
Course Duration
This course takes a minimum of one year and maximum of 3 years.
Theoretical work is covered over a period of six months from enrollment from February until July. Practical work takes six months and begins in August until January the next year.
Students enrolling in July start theoretical work from July until December. Practical work commences in January and ends in June.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course graduates will be able to understand the mechanism and techniques of Augmented Reality Programming. Graduates will have the technical skills to build, fix and maintain Augmented Reality hardware.
Graduates will be able to Code, Programme and analyse computer and software technicalities relating to Augmented Reality IDEs, SDKs, Security and Augmented Reality applications and softwares.
Graduates will be conferred with an NQF Level 5 qualification that will enable them to pursue further NQF Level 6 and 7 in the respected field. Graduates will also have the necessary Technical skills to enter the job market while in the process of completing their Diploma or Degrees.
Career Options
Common positions include:
AR/VR content developer.
AR/VR content strategist.
AR/VR user experience designer.
Designer, animator or sound artist specializing in AR & VR.
AR/VR community manager.
AR/VR project manager.
If you’re looking to add AR, VR and MR to your skill set, here are some things to focus on:
- Developing AR and VR content ideas — The best way to start coming up with your own augmented and virtual reality concepts is to first log as much time as possible using the technology. Download some AR apps other than Pokemon Go and Snapchat to see how else the technology is being used. Try out a variety of VR headsets and motion sensors to get an idea of what they can do. Start thinking like a creative who specializes in AR or VR.
- Working with AR/VR platforms — Unity and Unreal Engine are the most popular sites for building applications in both augmented and virtual reality. These are already widely used in gaming, so there are plenty of online tutorials to help develop your skills. You can also look at dedicated platforms like Amazon Sumerian and Google ARCore.
- Creating assets — Augmented and virtual reality require high-quality, detailed assets such as 3D images and animations. Blender is a great place to start if you need 3D modeling experience. It’s open-source and supported by a strong community. Other forms of assets, such as audio for VR, are important as well.
- Software development — AR and VR roles are heavy on technology, so it helps to know how to code in Java, C or C++. Software development skills can help your resume stand out when applying for these jobs. Most AR apps run on mobile platforms, so knowledge of the Android SDK (software development kit) or iOS SDK is a big plus. It’s also good to have a working knowledge of the Agile development methodology.
Will everything in the world we live in be augmented in future?