About this course
Exploring, experimenting and creating experiences and applications in augmented, extended, mixed and virtual realities, installation, performance, and sensor-based media.
- This Immersive Media postgraduate course will explore storytelling, experience design and development with immersive and creative technology
- Taught in a city with a long history of innovation across games, film and creative technology (Immersive Economy Report, 2019)
- Dedicated lab spaces and access to a range of production facilities across the Screen School and the Liverpool School of Art and Design. Including a range of specialist VR, AR and MR development and display (headsets, spectacles, projection) technologies
- Software workshops include, Unreal, Unity, Blender, Gravity Sketch, Isadora, TouchDesigner and Adobe Creative Suite... though we are software agnostic and story first
- A Collaborative Project run in partnership with industry partners in the creative media sector, to develop real world projects
- Looking at the application of immersive content and technology across a range of sectors
"Immersive experiences require novel narrative mechanisms and new language of production... The best technology will not produce the change needed without equal excellence in content production and understanding of immersion as a narrative form."
-Creative Industries Review, 2017
In 2019, a research symposium at the Redmonds Building, home of Liverpool Screen School and the MA Immersive Media programme, explored how researchers, developers and practitioners are approaching the emerging mediums of virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality for storytelling. The day included eight panels exploring the diverse ways in which people are engaging with new technologies and speakers included creative writers, theatre makers, game developers, filmmakers, artists, creative coders and a range of disciplines to discuss the immersive storytelling experiences research symposium.
Companies included Marshmallow Laser Feast, Draw and Code, Limbik Theatre, Pilot Theatre, Boom Clap Play, Kinicho, Production Park and Charisma.ai.
"We are the last generation to know a blank space."
-Dave Lorenzini (Draw & Code), talking to students about the future of XR, 2022.
Watch the 2023 Immersive Media showreel
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Immersive Storytelling
30 credits
30 credits
Introducing students to research methodologies, and reflective practices then moving to explore key theories and exemplars of immersive storytelling and experience design, drawing upon interdisciplinary fields of research and practice across art, design, performance and creative technologies. The module explores core concepts, practices and perspectives related to narrative development of immersive experiences and presents a series of theoretical, creative and industry focused lectures, debates, workshops and seminars.
Immersive Media Lab
30 credits
30 credits
This module will allow you to explore the creative potential of specialised hardware and software in immersive technology. You will be to apply techniques for the manipulation and distribution of immersive technology content and design. This will help you to understand the creative potential of these technologies in context of a chosen area of practice.
Research and Proposal
30 credits
30 credits
This module develops students understanding of practice-based and theoretical research methods in Immersive Media, leading to the development of a conceptual and critical proposal for an Immersive Media project.
Collaborative Project
30 credits
30 credits
This module offers an opportunity for students to work collaboratively, in cross-disciplinary teams, on an industry focused project or challenge with an external organisation.
Immersive Media Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module will enable you to produce an immersive media project based on original in-depth research, for delivery on a platform and context of choice. This will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate, through the completion of an extended project, a range of skills and practices in creative invention and in planning and management. Within the module you will be required to demonstrate technical competencies in all practical aspects of production.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Full time students will have a learning commitment of approximately 35 hours a week with two full teaching days based at the Screen School and School of Art and Design's Mount Pleasant campus.
Teaching methods
You will be taught using a variety of methods, including: workshops, creative lab sessions, tutorials, seminars, visiting speakers and collaborative projects.
Applied learning
Immersive Media students will have access to dedicated lab spaces and access to a range of production facilities across the Screen School and School of Art and Design. Your final research project will enable you to innovate, develop and exhibit, a substantial immersive experience, using this range of fantastic facilities.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Liverpool Screen School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. Redmonds is shared by two Schools within the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies Liverpool Screen School and the School of Law - and Liverpool Business School, making for a rich blend of student learning experiences. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, broadcast studios, news rooms, media production suites, social spaces and a cafe. Liverpool School of Art and Design is housed in the RIBA award winning John Lennon Art and Design Building in the Mount Pleasant Campus and offers extensive studio spaces, lecture theatres and a dedicated public exhibition space. Both teaching buildings are only a short walk from LJMUs Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open seven days a week.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Hatana El-Jarn
Programme leader
It's a really exciting time to be working at the intersection of creativity, storytelling and technology. Students on this course will be inventing new ways to engage audiences in immersive experiences, learning about the emerging business models of the growing immersive content sector and coming up with new ideas for experiences and applications of immersive storytelling.
It's a really exciting time to be working at the intersection of creativity, storytelling and technology. Students on this course will be inventing new ways to engage audiences in immersive experiences, learning about the emerging business models of the growing immersive content sector and coming up with new ideas for experiences and applications of immersive storytelling.
I have been at LJMU since 2000, when I arrived to develop and then lead an MA in New Media Production. More lately I have run an MRes in Screen and Interactive Media but the bulk of my time is concerned with teaching on the, BA Media Production here at the Liverpool Screen School.Before returning to academia, I was involved in more commercial endeavors. After a period involved in theatre, BFI funded short film-making, video installation and live video performance and lighting design at, The Haienda, I set up an independent production company with offices in both Manchester and on Tin Pan Alley in London. We created documentaries and music videos for a number of recording artists; from the sublime, A guy called Gerald and the Jesus and Mary Chain, to the ridiculous, Wet Wet Wet and Bob Geldof. Additionally, I was involved in creating video and light installations, which were exhibited in a number of locations including the, ICA in London and venues in Paris, New York, Chicago, Detroit and Manchester.Currently, my interests lie in storytelling, the enquiry into new narrative structures, whether passive or interactive for new audience contexts.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
This degree is aimed at preparing graduates for creative and technical roles in games, marketing, film, design and the arts sector. Successful and motivated graduates of the programme will also receive opportunities to progress to PhD study to develop new and exciting technologies.
Professional accreditation/links
The Liverpool Screen School is a BAFTA albert Education Partner and proud to be working with albert to arm students with the sustainability knowledge they’ll need when joining the screen industries. BAFTA albert is the leading screen industry organisation for environmental sustainability.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- Hons degree 2:2 or above (from art, media, animation, digital design, computer science, performing arts, graphic design, games, UX)
- an academic reference
- applicants are required to submit a sample digital portfolio at the point of application
Applicants who demonstrate professional skills and evidence of achievement in a related area without formal qualifications may also be considered. A CV should be provided at the point of application.
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each component)
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
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See what our students are saying
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News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.