Learn Unreal VR

PROGRAM OVERVIEW - WHY SHOULD I TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

• Why should I enroll in this program?

  In this program, you will learn how to build high-quality VR experiences using the leading game engine currently on the market - Unreal Engine 4. Learning how to use and take Unreal to its maximum potential can put you at significant advantage over other applicants in your industry job search. Unreal Engine 4 development tools are being used for much more than video games. The engine is used in everything from creation of car commercials, to film post-production work, to education platforms. With the skills you will learn in our Nanodegree Foundation program, you will be able to build and produce your own Unreal Engine 4 games, VR experiences, architectural visualizations, data visualizations, animated scenes and more. Whatever industry and career you pursue, you’ll be able to use Unreal Engine 4 skills to help you succeed.

• What kinds of topics will the program cover?

  This Nanodegree Foundation program will cover how to create Unreal Engine 4 VR experiences. Topics we will cover include Blueprint scripting, Unreal’s powerful node-based, visual scripting language that is the backbone for all Unreal Engine 4 projects. In addition, we will cover topics including audio and sound effect usage, plugins, animations and performance optimization. We will cover other additional topics including Oculus Audio plugin usage and VR design and interaction theory.

• How are you developing the curriculum, and who are your partners?

  Udacity developed the Learn Unreal VR curriculum in partnership with Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine 4.

• How will learning Unreal Engine 4 help my career?

  From careers in programming, art, and design - knowing Unreal Engine 4 will put you at a significant advantage when seeking career opportunities in VR. With Unreal Engine 4, you will learn to take your architectural renders to a new level of detail with ease. You will simulate a visual representation of data and interact with it in VR. You will create training simulations for VR, allowing for better and more immersive workplace training. You will create immersive and entertaining games and experiences for both traditional and VR platforms. Whatever it is you need to show or visualize, Unreal Engine 4 will take it to the next level using the powerful features that we cover in this Nanodegree Foundation program.

PREREQUISITES

• How can I tell if I am ready for this program?

  First, you need the right hardware. This program requires that you possess, or have consistent and reliable access to, an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, and a VR-Ready PC. Next, you need to be ready to learn visual scripting. While you won’t be coding using text, you will need to be comfortable thinking about data organization and structured processes. Beyond that, all you need is an interest in VR and learning Unreal Engine 4!
  Not sure if you have a VR-Ready PC? You should reference HTC Vive PC Specifications or the Oculus Rift PC Specifications. As of January 2018, Apple computers are not a recommended system for VR development. We strongly encourage you to use a Windows PC, and this program assumes you are developing using Windows. This program is not intended for mobile VR. Instead, you will be building desktop VR applications using Unreal Engine 4.
  Don’t have the correct hardware but want to learn professional VR development? We strongly encourage you to check out the VR Developer Nanodegree program. For that program, you’ll only need a fairly recent mobile phone and a computer.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• Is this program self-paced?

  No. To graduate and earn your credential, you need to complete the program within two months of your enrollment date, and there are deadlines for project submissions throughout the course. If you don’t meet these project submission deadlines, you may be removed from the program and you will not earn your Nanodegree Foundation program credential.

• How many hours a week should I expect to spend on my coursework, in order to succeed in this program?

  If you allocate five to ten hours per week, we believe that you will be able to complete the program in two months.

• What features and benefits do I access when I enroll?

  You will engage in project-based learning, benefit from expert project reviews, and enjoy access to a Udacity student community. You will also get answers to your questions by your assigned in-classroom mentor who will monitor your progress. After you successfully complete the program, you will also retain access to course material for a period of one month after you graduate.

• What do I need to do to graduate from this program?

  This Nanodegree Foundation program has two courses, and you will have 60 days to complete your required coursework for both and complete all graduation requirements. Your end date is 60 days from your official enrollment date which is the date the classroom opens. To successfully graduate from the program and earn your Nanodegree Foundation program credential you must submit all your projects prior to your end date, and all projects must meet specifications, as determined by your project reviewer. To ensure you have time to revise your projects in case any changes are necessary, it is recommended that you submit no later than ten days prior to your end date, as you will not be able to revise your project after your end date. Note: Once you graduate, you will still have content access for an additional one month but no additional time to complete projects. If you fail to complete projects in a timely manner you may be removed from the program.

• What is a "Nanodegree Foundation program," and how is this different from your existing Nanodegree programs?

  A Nanodegree Foundation program is designed to support focus on a particular area of learning. Depending on your long term goals, a Nanodegree Foundation program enables you to sample new areas of learning, enhance an existing skill set, move forward into deeper and/or more advanced academic studies, or prepare for a career move that requires a fuller understanding of certain technologies and concepts. In the case of this program, Unreal Engine 4 is a widely used tool for VR creation, and is considered a "stackable" or "additive" skill that layers in a key competitive differentiator to your existing skill set. However, as a Nanodegree Foundation program, Learn Unreal VR is not considered to be a career-ready program, and on its own, will not prepare you for a new job field. You will not receive program-specific career projects or services through your enrollment in this program. However, you are encouraged to explore resources available in our Career Resource Center.

EQUIPMENT

• Are there hardware/software requirements for the program?

  To learn Unreal Engine 4 VR through this Nanodegree Foundation program, you will need:
  

  • A VR-ready computer. Your computer should meet the HTC VR-Ready Specifications or Oculus VR-Ready Specifications.
  • An HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift with Touch Controllers
  • Unreal Engine 4.15 or higher (free software, instructions for getting this is in the course)

  
  Udacity does not supply any of the above equipment.

FEES AND ENROLLMENT

• Is there a free trial period for this program?

  There is no free trial period for this program, but there is a 7-day refund policy in place at the beginning of the course. To cancel and receive a refund within the 7-day period please go to your Nanodegree Programs option in your Settings.