What is VR?
Virtual Reality (VR) is any simulated 3D environment that people can interact with, usually with a head-mounted display, like VR goggles, and some kind of input tracking. Augmented Reality (AR) is a type of VR, where objects in the real world are enhanced by computer generated information. Think Pokémon Go and IKEA Place.
VR tech isn’t necessarily new, but it is going through a rapid phase of adoption and growth. Originally, VR and AR were picked up by the gaming industry, but companies are exploring new uses all the time: remote surgeries, workplace collaboration, interior design simulation, combat training, PTSD treatment, virtual travel. The possibilities are pretty much endless.
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s leading VR & AR training providers. We’re equipping designers, programmers, engineers and product managers with the skills they need to enter the virtual workplace.
Why work in VR & AR?
VR and AR software engineers are some of the hottest tech jobs going around. According to Hired, demand for VR experience surged 1,400% in 2019, with VR engineers even overtaking Blockchain engineers, particularly when it comes to enterprise solutions. Learning VR and AR is one of the best ways to future-proof your CV. There are plenty of innovative start-up opportunities, too: although Microsoft and Facebook dominate the VR and AR markets, they still account for just 2% of all VR professionals.
Here are some careers that draw on VR and AR technology:
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- UX Design
- 3D Artist
- Product Manager
- Game Designer
5 reasons to learn VR & AR
It’s booming
While consumer VR applications are taking some time to hit mainstream, enterprise VR solutions are fueling massive industry growth. The global VR market is expected to hit $120 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 42%. If there was ever a time to learn VR, it’s now.
It pays well
As specialists in an up-and-coming field, VR and AR careers tend to pay very well. Software Engineers in Australia can expect to earn $93,000 per annum, with Senior Engineers taking home about $127,000. User Experience Designers also benchmark around $102,000.
It opens doors
If you’ve ever dreamed of working for a tech giant like Google, Apple, Facebook or Samsung, learning VR and AR is a great way to go. These skills can open doors for international travel, and you can work in almost any industry: from gaming and healthcare to fashion and manufacturing.
It’s flexible
Many of the skills you learn as a VR software developer or engineer can easily translate into Augmented Reality (AR), and vice versa. AR apps like Pokémon Go and IKEA Place are becoming more common, especially in B2C industries. There’s plenty of scope for different applications.
It’s creative
The boundaries of VR and AR are expanding all the time, and nobody really knows the limits of this new tech. That gives VR engineers and developers plenty of room for experimentation. With VR and AR, you can solve common user problems and revolutionise entire industries.
VR & AR careers
Starting a career in VR and AR does require some technical knowledge. You’ll need to become familiar with programming languages like C or C++, 3D modelling and design software, as well as basic User Experience Design (UX) and mobile app development (over 90% of all VR headsets sold worldwide are phone-based). The good news is that these skills can be learned by anybody, from any professional background, and RMIT Online offers qualifications in all of them.
Here are just a few VR-related careers you might consider:
- Software Developer | $69,000
- Software Engineer | $93,000
- UX Design | $102,000
- 3D Artist | $81,000
- Product Manager | $119,000
- Game Designer | $82,000
How to learn VR & AR for beginners
RMIT Online’s curriculum is purpose-built for online study, and you don’t need any special skills to get started. Each unit combines interactive webinars, 1-on-1 tutorials, group work and practical tasks. We built these courses alongside some of the best VR and AR software engineers and developers in Australia.
Here’s an idea of what you’ll need.
- Commitment. Our VR and AR courses are flexible, fast, and designed to fit around your schedule. You’ll need to study for a few hours every day to stay on track.
- Notes. Taking notes during your online lectures is a great way to flag any potential problems.
- Collaboration. While learning VR and AR, you’ll be working with industry mentors and an online peer network. Nobody studies alone.
- Knowledge. VR tech and best-practice are changing all the time. RMIT Online will keep you up-to-date.
- Resources. We’ll provide plenty of VR and AR resources, software and learning materials during the course. These will be handy throughout your virtual career.
Learn about VR & AR
Ready to learn VR and AR? This is the best place to start. Read as much as you can. Ask questions. Contact one of our RMIT Online course counsellors. You can find all our VR news and coverage below.
VR & AR blogs
Want to read more about VR & AR, and stay up to date with the latest news from RMIT Online? Check out our latest VR & AR blogs and news below
What will be the big VR trends for 2020?
AR vs VR: What’s the difference?
VR & AR news
RMIT Online launches the world’s first university short course in VR and AR using Amazon Sumerian
RMIT Online VR & AR courses
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s top VR and AR training providers. We offer a range of VR courses, depending on your career goals and experience. You can learn VR and AR online, at your own pace, with plenty of support from expert mentors.
Topics and courses similar to VR & AR
VR and AR overlap with dozens of different fields, and there are plenty of ways to broaden your CV. If you’d like to learn User Experience Design, VR Strategy or Agile Delivery, check out RMIT Online’s related courses below.