Faculty of Information Technology and Intelligence – National Higher Certificate – Virtual Reality Programming NQF Level 5 – 120 Credits
National Higher Certificate – Virtual Reality Programming NQF Level 5
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Applications of virtual reality can include entertainment (i.e. video games) and educational purposes (i.e. medical or military training). Other, distinct types of VR style technology include augmented reality and mixed reality.
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 Virtual Reality (VRINT 111)
Introduction to Virtual Reality
Understanding Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality Applications
Module 2 – Introduction to Virtual Reality Coding (VRCOD 111)
Virtual Reality Coding Languages
Virtual Reality Coding and Algorithms
Virtial Reality Platforms and SDKs
IDEs and Gaming Engines
Module 3 – Introduction to Virtual Reality Commerce (VRCOM 111)
Virtual Reality Project Development
Virtual Reality Core Applications Development
Vurtual Reality and Business Management
Virtual Reality and Blockchain Application
Module 4 – Virtual Reality Hardware Development (VRHDEV 111)
Virtual Reality Hardware
Virtual Reality Hardware Development
Virtual 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
Module 5 – Virtual Reality Practical Programming and Business Management (VRPPBus 211)
Module 6 – Virtual Reality Application Design and Planning (VRADP 211)
Module 7 – VR Applications Coding Bootcamp (VRCB 211)
Module 8 – VR Project, Business and Financial Management (VRBFM 211)
Module 9 – VR Hardware Assembling and Maintenance (VRHRD 211)
Module 10 – VR Project completion, Commercialization and Software Maintenance (VRCOM 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. learning is covered over a period of six months from enrollment from January until June. Practical work takes six months and begins in August until January the following 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 Virtual Reality Programming. Graduates will have the technical skills to build, fix and maintain Virtual Reality hardware from VR glasses to hand controllers among other devices.
Graduates will be able to code, programme and analyse computer and software technicalities relating to Virtual Reality IDEs, SDKs and Virtual 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
VR Game Engineer
Skilled at designing, projecting, and viewing complex creative visuals in 3D, VR Game Engineers are experts in modelling tools. They create interactive content such as games, apps, videos, among many other things. They also test out prototypes of models in 3D before releasing the final product in the market.
2. Mixed Reality Artist
A mixed reality artist creates and designs technology that makes the interface between humans and computers far more interactive. They are responsible for nearly all aspects of 3D design and virtual reality. They are experts in optimising hardware and software usage to create the actual VAR experience.
3. Content Lead (Oculus)
Often termed as the holy grail of Virtual Reality, Oculus Rift is Facebook’s brainchild. Being a content expert with Oculus means you develop a premium and television portfolio for all entertainment media. Lucrative, isn’t it?
4. Rigger
A rigger creates a replica of a real-life environment by creating the right setups for spontaneous virtual and augmented reality games and movies. They automate animation tasks, set up replicating rigs, capture and replicate facial and body motions in graphics, and improve the overall efficiency of a VR app or content.
5. VR Sound Effects Specialist
As the name suggests, these professionals create original audio appropriate for particular Virtual Reality apps and games. They are experts at imitating a real-time surrounding and adding on to the visual feel of the interface. It is a highly coveted job which requires an in-depth field knowledge and creativity.
6. Software Developers
Unity is an amazing development engine which supports multi-platform deployment and development of both 2-D and 3-D games, videos and interactive content. Unity developers create foundation for VAR content and are often skilled in customizing core game engine system and 3D graphics, SDX, DirectX and OpenGL.
Real life Virtual Reality learning simulations make learning easy and fast.
Wealthy Spear Education Institute of Technology