Introduction to Virtual Reality

3hr sessions on-site for a typical day would roughly include:

• 45 min: lecture / a guest lecture / a tutorial with Q & A.
• 30 min: discussion session regarding news, theories, and experiences related to VR and AR.
• 45 min: group work designing and prototyping while assistance is provided.
• 15-20min: presenting the work done in groups
   

During this course, students learn:

• Fundamental theories about VR and AR as mediums, along with their affordances and constraints.
• Rapidly prototype VR experiences such as games and frequently test and iterate it in layers.
• Design experiences considering human behaviors, interactions, and emotions while thoroughly understanding the medium.

Plenty of readings (such as works of Mel Slater) and tutorials will be provided for the students after the sessions. The focus will be on building rapid conceptual prototypes and capturing the essence of the idea behind the designs that students wish to execute.

2 ECTS = 54 h, divided between contact teaching and independent studying.

The course is graded as pass/fail. 

Please note that the undergraduate courses offered by Aalto University Summer School can not be included in Aalto degree studies. 

You must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. However, you do not have to be a degree student at a university to participate in our courses. 

Additionally, all summer school course students must be 18 years or older, as it is the legal age in Finland.

This course does not require previous experience in the topic.

In your motivation letter, you can tell about your

• Background and specialization
• Experience engaging with VR (if any)
• Aspects of VR that interest you
• Favourite/memorable VR/AR experience (or an installation or a game)

The recommended length for the motivation letter is 150-250 words.

If you need a visa, we recommend that you apply by April 15th 2024

• This is to ensure that we have enough time to process your application and that you have time to make the tuition fee payment, book a visa appointment and wait for the application to be processed.
• You can apply and be accepted to the courses after April 15th. In that case, we recommend that you pay at your earliest convenience so that we can deliver your invitation letter to you promptly.
• According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the processing time for a visa application is 15 days. However, the processing time may be longer if a more detailed application examination is required.

Tuition fees for undergraduate courses

• One course: 590€ (incl. VAT 24%) 
• Two courses: 990€ (incl. VAT 24%) 
• Additional courses 400€ per course

There is no special partnership discount on undergraduate courses.

The tuition fee does not apply to Aalto University degree students. However, undergraduate courses offered by Aalto University Summer School can not be included in Aalto degree studies. 

Unfortunately, Aalto University Summer School does not offer scholarships for participants.

Programme fee

The social program and its pricing will be published before the application period starts.

Please note that the course fees do not cover accommodation, daily meals, or transportation during the course.

Learn about the Aalto University Summer School cancellation terms. You will receive the full terms before making the payment and confirming the course participation.