Software/VR Development

AtticusFinch86

Hi All,

Just looking for some advice re: a couple of courses I'm interested in and some advice regarding their linkage to potential VR development

To cut a long story short, I'm a recently qualified accountant and I'm thoroughly bored with the career already. I'll keep it as my 9-5 because the hours and pay are decent but I have little interest in the field and certainly don't want to be taking it home with me after 5pm.

I'm looking to start sinking some time into something I can get passionate about. I've a VR Headset at home and I've been extremely impressed with the technology and definitely see it becoming extremely popular in the not so distant future. I'd love to start investing some time in VR development but I've no software/coding experience to date

On that note, I've been looking for a course to enroll in in the hope it would build my understanding of the fundamentals of software/web development (which I presume would have many transferable principles which would benefit any VR development I would be interested in in the future) and I found a number of ICT conversion courses on Springboard.ie, in particular I'm interested in the H Dip in Software Development offered by DCU.

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/6068

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/6269

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/6265


Could someone tell me whether this would be worth my while? Would such a course give me a good understanding in Software Development and, if so, would it be useful in VR Development?

My main aim is to find something I can enjoy after work. I'd love to have a little earner on the side or some project I can tinker with when I get home, be it a mobile app, software app or VR application.

I've also seen an "Internet of Things course" (linked above) being offered on the same website. Has anyone undertaken this? Is it a high quality course?

Any advice is appreciated.

srsly78

Graphics development is pretty heavy stuff, need to learn the basics first. Also it can be quite mathematical. If you are interested then sure go for it, but know this is probably years of learning that can lead to a new career rather than just a side hobby.

Dr Bob

I'll post more later when I get a chance but:
A lot of the heavy lifting for VR is done by using Unity3d or Unreal engine btw (which tend to be neglected by regular CS courses and usually get lumped with Game Dev courses)

Talisman

Rather than dive into a college course why not dip your toe in the water first? Take a look at the courses offered on Coursera, completing one of the specialisations they offer will give you a feel for what's involved and might dispel any romanticised notions you have about the field. It's also likely to stand to you in your application for a college course if you will have demonstrated an aptitude for subject.

14ned

VR is non-trivial to get into, but it's also wider than just the graphics e.g. don't forget that the audio you hear is also spatialised, and 3D audio engineers are as rare as hen's teeth i.e. valuable niche, more so than with graphics. I once worked a contract for 3D audio using headphones i.e. with headphones on, you'd hear audio spatialised a full 360 degrees around you, not only can you see, but also hear the world around you. In the end, you'll probably need to invest many thousands of hours to become worth hiring to somebody. Good luck!