Software Technology Engineering - with XR speciality

Graduates of Software XR are development experts in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). There are many exciting challenges when developing XR solutions and XR can contribute to solving complex problems in the future - for example in gaming, interactive experiences or development of assistive simulations.
En kvindelig og en mandlig studerende står med hvide VR-briller på og fjernbetjeninger i et undervisningslokale. Lamper, neonlys, LED-lyskæde, fjernbetjening, remote, teknologi, digital, rød hættetrøje, gul cardigan, tv-skærm, jeans.

Type

Bachelor of Engineering

Duration

3 years, 6 months

Campus City

Viborg

Study start

August

Internship

20 weeks

How to apply

Enrolment and admission requirements

To enroll in the Software Engineering XR programme, you must fulfil the admission requirements. Applicants with foreign diplomas must apply by 15 March at 12.00 noon.

  • Admission requirements - one of the following

    • Upper secondary school leaving certificate/high school exam or
    • The International and the European Baccalaureates or
    • Danish Admission course for Engineering programmes

    Specific admission requirements

    In addition to the admission requirements, all applicants must also meet the following specific admission requirements:

    • Mathematics equivalent to a Danish A-level
    • Physics equivalent to a Danish B-level or Geoscience equivalent to a Danish A-level
    • English equivalent to a Danish B-level 

    Information about the specific admission requirements

    An A-level in Mathematics is 375 instructional hours of 60 minutes each.

    A B-level in Physics is 190 instructional hours of 60 minutes each.

    An A-level in Geoscience is 375 instructional hours of 60 minutes each.

    A B-level in English is 210 instructional hours of 60 minutes each.

    Each of the subjects above must be passed with a min. average of 2.0 on the Danish grading scale. And the instructional hours must be obtained during the last three years of Upper Secondary School.

    Non-Danish applicants must include a copy of the original exam certificate and a transcript of records plus a state-authorised translation of their transcript of records in either Danish or English.

    English proficiency certificates 

    All study programmes taught in English require a certain level in English proficiency. Go here to find English proficiency requirements and how to document these.

    Important to know about the assessment of your application

    Applications received before deadline (15 March, 12 noon) will be assessed by the means of the following criteria:

    This is why it is very important that you upload all possible relevant documentation with your application before deadline, also if you do not graduate until summer the given year.

    Verification form

    Important information: Applicants with non-Danish entry qualifications need to fill in a verification form to verify the total number of hours of instruction of the specific admission requirements for the study programme (see above). The total hours of instruction must be obtained during the final three years of upper secondary school. 

    To be accepted, the verification form must be stamped and signed by your upper secondary school.

    Download verification form. 

    Math Syllabus

    Applicants with non-Danish entry qualifications must ensure that the mathematics topics listed in the math syllabus were included in their previous studies. 

    Appeal – due to legal matters

    You can file a complaint with the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, if the complaint concerns legal matters related to your decision. The deadline for submitting a complaint is 2 weeks from the day the decision is informed.

    This means that you can complain, if you believe the decision violates applicable laws, such as the Public Administration Act, the Act on Gender Equality, and general principles of administrative law. You cannot complain about academic assessments and specific judgements.

    If you still believe the decision violates applicable laws, you must send your complaint to VIA University College at apply@via.dk, no later than 2 weeks after the decision is informed. If the case is not reopened, VIA will forward the entire case to the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science.

    Complaint Manuals Guide — English (ufm.dk)

  • Apply online through optagelse.dk. The application portal opens on 1 February every year.

    The area code for the programme is not available yet.

    International applicants

    International applicants must apply before 15 March at 12 noon.

    Find a step-by-step guide for application to VIA here:

    EU applicants

    Non-EU applicants 

    Danish applicants

    Applicants with a qualifying exam from a Danish upper secondary institution can apply through quota 2, deadline 15 March at 12 noon, or, quota 1, deadline 5 July at 12 noon. Find out how here:

    How to apply for Danish applicants 

    Available study places

    All available study places will be published on 28 July here.

  • Admission with special permission

    If you do not fulfil the entry requirements but have other professional qualifications that may be equivalent to the missing entry requirements, you can apply for admission with special permission. Read more here. 

  • Whether you need to pay tuition fee or not depends on several criteria. As a general rule, students from the EU and EEA countries study are exempt from paying tuition fees in Denmark. 

    For further information on tuition fees and to find payment plans, go to the Tuition Fees page. 

    Terms and agreements

    Terms and agreements between partners and VIA University College can be seen in the different contracts under:

  • For questions regarding admission requirements and enrolment – contact our Admissions counsellors at studieservice.info@via.dk or chat with us here. We are usually available on the chat weekdays from 12 noon - 1 PM.

Meet students and graduates

Current students and graduates share their stories of what the Software Engineering XR study programme is all about. 

Student life

The Software Technology Engineering - XR study programme is a bachelor of engineering which combines theory and practice closely.

  • During your time at the Software Technology Engineering XR study programme, you will complete courses which prepare you for a future career in engineering, while also providing you with a broad range of general engineering skills that can be employed in a wide array of industries. At the same time, you will get specialised knowledge in your chosen academic area through specific courses in software development and technology with a special focus on XR.

    Across the engineering study programmes at VIA, we focus on sustainability, digitalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship. These are central concepts that we work actively with throughout the programme and which are included in teaching, semester projects as well as internships.

    State of the art technology and equipment

    If you choose to specialise in XR technologies, you will get hands-on experience with the newest development in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). You will learn to develop XR solutions for games, interactive experiences and advanced simulations used in e.g. teaching, training or problem solving in practise.

    Education in close collaboration with industry

    The programme is carried out in collaboration with The Animation Worshop (TAW) - VIA's animation school which is among the best in the world in computer animation/CGI. Learn more about TAW here.

    Programme structure 

    The first four semesters are centred around different themes:  

    1. semester: PC games
    2. semester: Mobile applications
    3. semester: Industrial XR
    4. semester: Multiplayer network games

    5th semester is an internship and at the 6th and 7th semester you have some mandatory courses as well as electives where you get the opportunity to specialise in the field(s) you are interested in.



    The full course catalogue will be available here as soon as possible.

  • The programme consists of practice-oriented teaching with a mix of classroom lessons and project-oriented work. To the furthest extent possible, we plan the teaching, so that you learn theories through concrete assignments, tasks, cases and projects.

    During the programme, you will work on projects that are increasingly influenced by your own choices.

    Sustainability, digitalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship are central concepts at all of VIA’s engineering study programmes and are implemented in teaching, internships and projects throughout your education with us.

    Theory as well as practical classroom teaching

    Software Engineering XR consists primarily of classroom teaching. Classes are based on project work with emphasis on applied science. Your lessons vary between theory and practice. This means, that your will learn academic theories of engineering and how to transfer theories to practical tasks, projects, and cases. Project work takes place in teams.

    Each semester is concluded with a semester project in which students get to apply the knowledge they gained from all semester courses in one assignment.

    Lab work is an important part of the programme

    Software Engineering XR has an IoT lab as well as an XR-lab, making it possible to test multiple theories in practice. Exercises in the labs is an important part of the teaching at the programme.

    Company visits and collaboration

    At VIA, we educate engineers in close cooperation with businesses. Therefore, we organise company visits during your studies, at which you can meet fully trained Software Technology Engineers, who will introduce you to their workdays, tasks and the challenges they face during their workdays. This way, you will learn how different companies operate, what the day-to-day tasks are like for software engineers and what you can expect, when you finish your studies.

    In addition, you will meet guest lecturers from the industry, for example former students talking about their careers and work lives.

    At the fifth semester, you get to do an internship in an industry business, working along side their other employees and letting you practice your skills. 

    Former students as guest teachers

    You will also meet guest lecturers from the business community. For example, it can be former students who talk about their career, working life and work tasks.

    Full time studies with preparation

    Be aware that the Software Technology Engineering XR programme is full time and requires an average of 40 hours of studying per week.

  • The Animation Workshop

    As a student at the Software Engineering XR study programme, you will share an academic and social bond with your class as well as students from VIA’s animation study programmes at The Animation Workshop, as the programmes share location and also do some collaborative projects.

    The programme is located in historic military barracks, providing the perfect frame for a creative study environment.

    The Animation Workshop is VIAs internationally acclaimed animation school and home of three different bachelor's degree programmes aimed at the animation industry - Computer Graphic Arts, Character Animation and Graphic Storytelling. TAW is ranked 3rd in the world in its field, which attrachs talent from all over the world to a vibrant, creative and international study environment. Learn more about the study environment at The Animation Workshop here.

    Social life on campus

    When you are not studying, there will be plenty of other things to do at campus. You will find lots of student driven social activities, e.g. talks, workshops, game jams, clubs, Friday bars, etc. Currently, there is a student-driven game development club, where students from the Software XR programme and TAW collaborate on developping games. Club members meet weekly and are working on up to 3 different games at the time. They have even had the chance to participate in Nordic Game Jam. 

    Find more information on life in Denmark, for example on how to find housing, go to our life in Denmark section!

    Study start

    In the beginning of your first semester, you will be introduced to your study programme and the study environment at your new campus. Study start is comprised of both academic introduction to your programme as well as social activities, where you get to know your fellow students. Furthermore, you will get an introduction to your Campus and the city of Viborg.

    As a part of study start, you will meet your lecturers, student counsellors and tutors. They are all ready to answer your questions and tell you about your new study programme and help you settle in your new role as a student at VIA.

    Most of our programmes have study start in the end of August, but the final programme and dates will be announced at MyVIA, VIA’s portal for students. You will get access to the site if you are enrolled at one of our programmes.

  • Living Costs

    You should expect average monthly living costs between DKK 6500 and 7500 (roughly 875 - 1000 EUR), including accommodation. More about living costs in Denmark here!

    Financial support

    SU is a monthly grant provided to students by the Danish government. Provided that they fulfil a number of requirements, e.g. having a contract for 10-12 work hours per week, EU citizens may also be eligible for SU. More information about SU for foreign students and how to apply.

    Scholarships

    At VIA, we do not offer financial support options to tuition-paying international students from outside the EU/EEA. Learn more about tuition fees here.

  • Curricula and other documents are under development and will be posted here as soon as possible

Internship

The Software Engineering XR study programme includes a 20-week internship at the 5th semester. Here, you will get the chance to test the skills you have learnt at the programme in practice.

  • You can take your internship in a company or organisation of your choice. As software development is used in many industries and developers are generally in high demand, you are able to find internship placements in most industries depending on your interests. Here are a few examples of where students have found internships:

    • The gaming industry
    • Companies in visual communication and e-learning
    • Software development companies
    • Companies making interactive and visual products

  • In your internship, you will get a taste of what it is like to work as a software engineer. You can put your academic knowledge to the test and learn how to apply it in practise. At the same time, you can start building a professional network in the industry.

    Internship provides experience

    During your internship, you will solve assignments and tasks at equal footing with other employees. As you build your skill set, you will typically gain more and more responsibility for your own projects and assignments.

    In the internship, you get to test your engineering skills as well as skills in e.g. communication, time- and project management, innovation, teamwork and last, but not least, get an understanding of what it is like for a software engineer to be a part of a work place.

    Internship guidance

    You will be assigned an internship supervisor from VIA, who will help make sure that you get a great internship. In addition, some internship hosts pair you with an experienced colleague, who can provide professional guidance and supportduring your stay.

    Finances during your internship

    Internship hosts are not required to pay their interns, but many, especially companies in the private sector, do so anyway. The amount varies from company to company, but the intern salary recommended by the Danish Engineering Union (IDA) is 16,200 DKK/month.

    If you are not paid and you are eligible for SU, you will continue to get this during your internship.

  • You are responsible for finding an internship host yourself. However, you will get support from VIA for the process.

    We work closely with local businesses, but have contacts all over Denmark. In addition, VIA's Career Centre is also able to help you with contacts in Danish companies, as well as companies abroad if you want to take your internship in another country. They are also able to assist you with your CV and provide support in the application process.

    If you are planning to live and work in Denmark after graduation, we recommend that you take your internship here, as you will get to build your network and get relevant experience from a Danish workplace.

  • International skills

    Participating in international activities during your studies will give you the opportunity to experience and use your profession in a new culture. This way, you will build valuable experience and skills enabling you to work internationally and interculturally after graduation – skills in high demand among employers. 

    At Software Technology Engineering XR, you have the option going on exchange at one of our partner universities all over the world at your 6th semester.

    The International Counsellor at the programme is ready to help you look into your options if you want to go abroad.

Job and career

At VIA, we educate engineers in close collaboration with the industry, and through out your education you will be in contact with companies, who might become your future employer. That is what we call education close to practice.

  • With a degree in software engineering from VIA, you will carry a large backpack of skills. You will possess broad engineering, personal, and business skills, as well as specialised competences in the IT, software, and tech sectors. You will be able to work with software development, programming, computer technology, innovation, quality, and strategy.

    Broad foundation with XR speciality

    The XR specialisation adds an extra dimension to this profile. You will gain specialised knowledge of extended reality, interactive media, 3D environments, simulation, graphics, and immersive digital solutions. At the same time, you will remain a software engineer with a broad technical foundation, which means that you are not limited to XR-specific jobs. You will also be able to solve general software engineering tasks such as developing applications, backend systems, user interfaces, digital platforms, and software solutions for different industries.

    Candidates in demand

    A lot of industries are looking for engineers, which is why you, as a software engineer, are a sought-after commodity in the job market. At VIA, we educate engineers in close collaboration with industry. For you, this means that you will be oriented towards your future employer during your entire education and will be ready to meet the challenges in the industry head-on.

  • As a software engineer, you will have many job opportunities – ranging from large international corporations to smaller, specialised companies. Software development plays a central role in almost every industry, which means you can combine your technical skills with many different fields.

    With a specialisation in XR, you can find work in software companies developing applications, in game development companies developing games or XR applications, and in companies working with simulation, visualisation, training systems, assistive technologies, digital twins, or interactive 3D solutions.

    At the same time, your degree also qualifies you for broader software engineering roles. You can work with general software development, web and mobile applications, backend systems, databases, cloud solutions, digital platforms, software architecture, testing, and system development. This gives you a flexible profile where you can pursue XR-focused jobs, traditional software engineering jobs, or roles that combine both.

    Examples of job titles:

    • Extended Reality Developer
    • Game Developer
    • Design/Graphics Engineer
    • Software Developer
    • Frontend Developer
    • Backend Developer
    • Full-stack Developer
    • Simulation Software Developer

    As a software engineer, you will learn to design and develop the software that powers complex systems and digital products. With an XR specialisation, you will also be able to create immersive and interactive digital experiences — while still being able to apply your software engineering skills across industries, depending on where your interests lie.

    Entrepreneurship

    You will not be limited to existing companies, when it is times to find a job. Several VIA graduates have chosen to start their own companies. With your own business, you can choose to work with precisely the areas you think are most exciting.

    VIA offers counselling for budding entrepreneurs through our Student Incubators.

  • A typical salary for graduates is 40,800 dkr/month.

    With 10 years of experience a typical salary is 54,600 dkr/month.

    Source: Uddannelseszoom

  • With a Diploma of Engineering in Software Technology, you have the opportunity to continue your studies and obtain an engineering master's degree by completing a two-year top-up/graduate programme.

    VIA has a collaboration with Aarhus University providing access to several master’s degree programmes upon successful completion of three elective courses:

    • IT-AL1 – Applied Linear Algebra or ME-ALA 1 – Advanced Linear Algebra
    • IT-CAL 1 – Calculus
    • IT-SMP1 – Stochastic Modelling and Processes

    By passing these courses, you meet the admission requirements for the following master’s degree programmes at Aarhus University: Computer Engineering, Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

    Please note that while you may fulfil the admission requirements, VIA University College cannot guarantee admission to any of the above mentioned programmes.

  • The Career Centres at VIA's Campus Horsens and Aarhus C are available to students at all VIA's locations and offer a range of career services to students. You can book a counselling session for advice on how to write a great CV or cover letter, updating your LinkedIn profile or how to look for jobs and internships in Denmark. 

    The Career Center regularly organises events and workshops where you can meet company representatives face-to-face in order to find a job, internship, project work or a full-time job related to your field of study.

    More about Career Center

Contact

  • For questions regarding admission requirements and enrolment – contact our admissions counsellors at studieservice.info@via.dk or chat with us here. We are usually available on the chat weekdays from 12 noon - 1 PM.

  • For questions regarding the Software Technology Engineering XR study programme and academic content, please contact:

    Richard Brooks
    Associate Professor
    RIB@via.dk
    T: +45 87 55 44 18

  • VIA Software Technology Engineering with XR speciality
    The Animation Workshop
    Kasernevej 5
    DK - 8800 Viborg

    T: +45 87 55 00 25
    E: viborg@via.dk

    Opening hours

    Phones are open:
    Monday - Thursday 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
    Friday 7:30 am – 2:30 pm

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