EXTENDED REALITY - 2026/7

Module Overview

Extended reality (XR) technologies are increasingly adopted to create more immersive and interactive experience in games, training and education, healthcare and psychology research. This module will provide students with an understanding of these technologies and their practical applications to address human needs. Students will develop hands-on experience in creating XR-enhanced experiences. No extensive coding experience is required.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

WONG Alan (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 65

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Creation of virtual and augmented reality experiences.
3D modelling and visualization tools and resources.
Prototyping an XR-enhanced game experience.
Applications of XR in areas such as entertainment, healthcare, architecture, manufacturing and engineering, tourism and cultural heritage, business, research and education.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Group prototype can be alternatively assessed by an individual prototype/report.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to enrich students¿ experience in applying virtual and augmented reality technologies, in creating more immersive and interactive experience serving different psychological purposes. This will involve in-class exercises, a prototype project and the final reflection paper, which provide an opportunity for the students to utilize their first-hand experience in the critical assessment of the potential of XR technologies and the creation of new ideas in XR applications.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
¿ Coursework (XR prototype; addresses learning outcomes 1-4) An extended project to apply what has been learned in the in-class experimentation with XR technologies to generate a novel design exploring the intersection of psychology and XR. Students will work in groups for this project to encourage the learning of collaborative work dynamics.
¿ Coursework (reflection paper; addresses learning outcomes 1-3). Students are tasked to write a critical analysis of the potential of XR technologies in addressing a psychological need.

Formative assessment:
¿ Students present their prototype for peer review and feedback prior to completion.
¿ Each contact session involves practical exercises where results are shared with peers and the lecturer for feedback. In addition, workshops involve live generation and feedback on work. The student-led seminar sessions give student¿s an opportunity to prepare a formal presentation of their work and receive feedback from peers and the lecturer.

Feedback:
(see above)

Module aims

• Introduce recent XR developments relevant to the design of games and digital experiences.
• Develop the ability to design XR-enhanced gaming and digital experiences with the most current technological advancements in mind.
• Develop an understanding of appropriate use cases for different XR technologies and their current limitations.
• Develop collaboration and communication skills.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to include short lectures paired with tutorials and workshops to develop first-person and hands-on experience in the use of XR technologies. The in-class exercise and student-led seminars will facilitate students prototyping of XR enhanced game and digital experiences.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSYM178

Other information

The School of Psychology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module contributes to the development of the following capabilities: Employability: This module will help equip students with the hands-on experience to begin to appreciate and apply XR technologies in the design of game and digital experiences. Assignments can be readily used to demonstrate to potential employers what students will be able to contribute. Transferrable skills in team work will also be developed via course work. Digital Capabilities: This module will enhance and develop students¿ capabilities in the use of XR technologies in different platforms. Students will use SurreyLearn and a range of software that facilitates in-class group activities, meetings, and presentation. Resourcefulness and Resilience: Students will be exposed to and use a range of sources to apply XR technologies, which will help develop resourcefulness. Working in groups during class exercise and group work will help develop the habit and skills to learn from each other. Students will be encouraged to share their personal experiences and expertise to reflect on challenges faced by individuals in different contexts as well as ways to overcome them.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.