Building Virtual Worlds and Simulated Environments
Micro-DegreeOnline

Building Virtual Worlds and Simulated Environments

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Program Details

  • Language: English
  • Fees: €900
  • Study Mode: Full-time / Part-time
  • Registration Deadline: 31st December 2026
  • Entry requirements:
    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Basic computer literacy
    • English Level B1 (CEFR) or equivalent

Study Access

Pay for one quarter and have access to the learning materials for 6 months, with the option to extend access if needed.

Program Coordinator

Prof. Dr. Daniele Di Mitri
Prof. Dr. Daniele Di Mitri

About This Course

This module equips students with the theoretical foundations and technical skills to design and construct immersive virtual worlds, integrating the core systems of geometry, light, physics, rendering, and interaction. Emphasising a synthesis of physical realism and interactive responsiveness, the course prepares students to build visually compelling, perceptually convincing, and functionally robust virtual worlds.

Students will engage with topics including spatial modelling, coordinate transformations, lighting models, physical simulations, and real-time rendering pipelines, with practical implementation in professional XR development tools such as Unity.

The course also addresses the optimisation of performance, balancing aesthetic fidelity with technical constraints across XR platforms. Project-based work encourages students to iteratively build, test, and refine virtual environments where users can move, see, and interact fluidly.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply geometry, transformations, and spatial design to construct immersive environments.
  • Implement lighting and rendering pipelines for visual realism.
  • Simulate physics-based interactions using Unity's real-time engine.
  • Integrate responsive interaction systems and spatial audio.
  • Optimise rendering, performance, and system logic across XR platforms.
  • Create, present, and reflect on a fully integrated XR world in a final main project.

Study Programs

This course is mandatory for the following study programs.

  • M.Sc. Advanced Digital Reality

This course is offered as an elective for the following study programs.

  • MBA Digital Technologies
  • MBA Digital Transformation
  • M.Sc. Applied AI
  • M.Sc. Cybersecurity
  • M.Sc. Digital Leadership

Micro Degree

  • This course is offered as a micro degree.
  • German UDS Micro Degrees are compatible with the European MOOC Consortiums Common Micro Credentials Framework.
  • Micro Degrees will be rewarded with an equivalent of 5 ECTS.
  • Micro Degrees are offered to non-regular students and require a fee of €900.

Requirements

To prepare, we recommend refreshing your understanding of the following:

  • Programming basics (especially C# and Unity scripting),
  • 3D geometry and transformations,
  • core concepts in computer graphics, 
  • human-computer interaction.

This will help you move more confidently into the technical aspects of XR system development.

General Information

  • Teaching Format:
    • Project-based learning and technical implementation in Unity
    • Pre-recorded lectures with optional live sessions and feedback workshops
    • Hands-on weekly assignments and progressive system-building
  • Total Workload Master: 125h (40h/85h) / 5 ECTS
  • Total Workload MBA: 100h (30h/70h) / 4 ECTS
  • Total Workload Micro Degree: 125h (40h/85h) / Equivalent to 5 ECTS
  • Module coordinator: Prof. Dr. Daniele Di Mitri
  • Examinations: Unity-based weekly assignments, final XR main project, project pitch, and a reflective design report.
  • Offered: Odd quarters

Frequently Asked Questions

German UDS offers a range of cutting-edge digital programs in MBA, Master’s Programs and Micro-Degree Programs. Please refer to our University’s Study program page for further details.

Micro-Degree Programs:
- No specific requirements
Master’s Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade of 2.5 (German system) or equivalent
- English: Minimum B2
Additional requirements may apply (e.g., work experience for MBA & M.A. programs). Visit our admissions page for full details.

For our study programs you can apply as follows:

  • Micro-Degree Programs:
    Micro-Degree programs can be booked directly on our Micro-Degree page. Simply browse our available Micro-Degrees and enroll immediately without any application process.
  • MBA and Master’s Programs:
    01 Register/Login
    Begin by creating an account.
    After creating a new account, you’ll receive an email with a verification link. Click the link to verify your email address before proceeding.
    If you already have an account, simply log in to continue.
    02 Start Your Application
    After filling out the form, be sure to check your email. You will receive a message from us containing a direct link to start your application.
    Go to the “Start your Application!” and begin your application journey.
    Note: This option becomes available only after completing the registration and login.

MBA programs: €7,500 per year
Master’s programs: €7,500 per year
Micro-Degrees: €900 per program
For full details, visit the official admissions page.

Reliable high-speed internet connection
Computer (Windows or Mac) with webcam and microphone

Student life at German UDS is designed for maximum flexibility, enabling learners to study anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. Whether enrolling in a free course or a full degree program, students have full access to online course materials and complete assignments within set deadlines, making it easy to balance education with personal and professional commitments. In addition to academic flexibility, students also enjoy a vibrant virtual campus experience through COVE – our Campus of Virtual Education. COVE provides an immersive digital environment where students can hang out in virtual spaces like the cafeteria, lounge, or library. It’s a place to connect, chat, and build friendships beyond the classroom. Regular online events, social gatherings, and themed meetups offer students opportunities to network, collaborate, and be part of a supportive international community.