Introduction to Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence

10 – 21 August 2026:  Lecture weeks (on-site at Aalto University campus)

• Daily lectures in the afternoons between 13 and 16 (Monday-Friday)
• Group project work and workshops

Alongside the lectures, students have independent work, either in groups or individually. Students can coordinate with their teammates to complete these assignments outside of teaching hours.

The total workload of the course includes both contact lectures and the estimated amount of independent work. Some of the courses also have pre- or post-assignments included in the independent working hours.

-> Find the total course workload here

After completing the course, students will be able to:

• Define and differentiate key concepts in immersive media (VR, AR, MR) and understand the role of AI in enhancing these technologies.
• Apply principles of human-centered design, storytelling, and information architecture to the design of virtual experiences.
• Utilise AI tools to aid in 3D modelling, sound design, and user behaviour analysis within a project workflow.
• Prototype and develop a basic immersive experience using industry-standard tools like Unity, integrating both VR and AI components.
• Critically evaluate immersive projects and reflect on the ethical considerations and future trends of AI in extended reality (XR). 

The course assignments are centered around a final group project:  

1. Individual assignment: Reflective Learning Journal 

   Throughout the course, students will maintain a personal reflective journal. The purpose is to document your learning journey, connect theoretical concepts with practical workshops, and develop your critical thinking about VR and AI. After each session, students write a brief entry (approx. 150-250 words) addressing some of the following: Key Learnings: What were the most important concepts, tools, or techniques you encountered? Personal Response: How did you feel during the practical activities? What was exciting, challenging, or surprising? Critical Reflection: What is one thing that could have improved the session's learning experience, and why? The journal will be submitted in its entirety at the end of the course.

2. Group assignments (Iterative VR/AI building towards the final assignment) 
   
   The core of practical work is a group project to design and prototype a VR experience. This project is developed iteratively through a series of structured milestones, allowing students in groups to incorporate feedback and refine their concept. These milestones include: i) concept vision, ii) sketches and storyboard of the concept, iii) information architecture.

   Each milestone will be presented in class for constructive feedback from the lecturer and peers, guiding students toward a successful final prototype.

3. Final group prototype

   The core assignment is to conceptualise, design, and prototype a VR experience that meaningfully integrates AI in one or more aspects of its creation or functionality. The project should demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts covered in the course, such as immersion, storytelling, and human-centered design. The final deliverable includes a live demonstration of the prototype and a short presentation during the Demo Day session.

Pre-assignments 

• Download, install, and familiarize yourself with the Unity Game Engine. 3 beginner tutorials will be provided before the course begins.   

Course workload
Contact hours, intensive course participation 30h
Individual and team work 24h
Total 54h (2 ECTS)

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.

While no prior experience in VR or AI is required, a basic familiarity with digital creation tools or a strong willingness to learn is beneficial for the course participation. 

Participants must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. However, they 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.

Alongside your CV, please include a motivation letter or video in your application. In your motivation letter or video, describe your motivation for taking this course. The recommended length for the motivation letter is 150-250 words, and 1-2 minutes for the video.

Tuition fees for Summer School courses

One course: 1270€ (incl. VAT 25,5%) 

• The course fee includes academic course sessions and assignments, an official digital Aalto University certificate and support from the Summer School team. The fee does not cover accommodation, daily meals, or transportation during the course
• Unfortunately, Aalto University Summer School does not offer scholarships for participants.

Social program fee

More information about the social program coming soon!

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

If you need a visa, we recommend applying by April 15th 2026.

• 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.