TERM ONE REVIEW

The first term of the VR Masters Course lasted ten weeks and provided a deep foundation in the learning and practice of creating and designing immersive experiences. We began the term with a series of lectures on the early foundations and development of Virtual Reality, and continued to learn about the immersive medium from visiting guests as well as our assigned readings and assignments.

We soon began to experiment with asset design for Virtual Reality using Maya as well as the understanding of game engine Unity to start creating our portfolio of work. I also began to take advantage of the additional learning resources provided to students, both within and externally from the University. This included courses online on Lynda, made free to us as students as well as being able to take in other London University’s courses on Virtual Reality at UCL London.

In addition to the lectures and unit training sessions, we were provided access to events such as the Aesthetica Short Film Festival and an industry week of learning events. Also, I was able to use the Kit room and their filming equipment services, whom were all a tremendous help in completing my University projects as well as further experimenting in my learning and practice of the immersive film medium.

I was also able to collaborate with other students both inside and outside the classroom, in active discussions, presentations and feedback sessions as well as engaging with students in new areas of extended reality through sharing articles and resources I discovered in my independent learning. I was very proud to help the other students in both the production and post production of 360 film, being the most advanced in VR Filmmaking, although working with editors and artists from new artistic areas was an incredibly rewarding learning and practically beneficial experience.

One of my favourite aspects of the University has been its resources, from its 3D Printing and other print services, fantastic library, vast and up to date course equipment and most importantly my personal discovery and access to the Stanley Kubrick Archive. I have begun to learn from one of my most cherished directors, often spending time in the Archive as I hope to create a project in the following term as a collaboration unit with other UAL students and have been preparing a proposal as well as researching the archive to begin the process ahead of time.

Out tutor Ana Tudor has been a tremendous help in supporting me through any difficulties I have faced, as I do unfortunately suffer from severe anxiety and frequent panic attacks. In addition, my transition from film employment to academic full time work has been trying, but through her support i have been able to persevere.

In closing, I have truly enjoyed term one and look forward to the second term when we will be collaborating with other departments as well as learning from new tutors on new areas of extended reality as well as continuing what has been a very insightful course thus far.