Virtual Worlds
Virtual Worlds is a future-oriented programme tailored for professionals with a strong foundation in programming and interactive technologies. This degree focuses on the full-stack development of immersive, interactive environments, preparing students to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving domain of virtual world creation.
The degree programme is part of the Master School, where you study for a Master’s degree flexibly.
Degree title
Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Engineering
Scope and duration
Tuition fees
12 000 € for non EU / EEA citizens
Read more
Type of studies
Location
Teaching language
Full-stack development of immersive, interactive environments
This programme equips students with the advanced skills and interdisciplinary knowledge required to design, develop, and deploy virtual worlds across diverse platforms. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on project work, students will master the tools and methodologies essential for crafting responsive, scalable, and user-centered virtual environments. The programme highlights include:
1. Full-Stack Immersive Development
Students will gain proficiency in both front-end and back-end technologies, with a focus on interactive interfaces, real-time systems, and immersive media. The curriculum supports development across web, mobile, XR (Extended Reality), and game engines, enabling graduates to build end-to-end virtual experiences.
2. Emerging Technologies & Tools
The programme integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Unity, Unreal Engine, WebXR, and AI-driven interaction systems. Students will work with modern frameworks and languages relevant to virtual world development, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry innovation.
3. Project-Based Learning & Portfolio Development
Learning is anchored in real-world projects that simulate professional scenarios. Students will collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to design and implement virtual worlds, culminating in a robust portfolio that demonstrates their technical and creative capabilities.
4. Industry Collaboration & Professional Practice
Strong ties with industry partners provide opportunities for guest lectures, workshops, and internships. These collaborations ensure that students gain practical insights and experience, while also developing essential teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
5. User-Centered Design & Interaction
UX/UI design principles are deeply embedded in the curriculum, emphasizing the creation of intuitive, engaging, and accessible virtual environments. Students will explore human-computer interaction, spatial design, and behavioral psychology to enhance user immersion and satisfaction.
6. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
The programme fosters analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. Students will learn to debug complex systems, optimize performance, and address challenges in virtual world scalability, interactivity, and user engagement.
This programme is ideal for individuals with a background in software development, game design, digital media, or interactive technologies who wish to specialize in the design and development of virtual worlds. Whether your interest lies in entertainment, education, simulation, or digital twins, this degree provides the tools and expertise to bring immersive experiences to life.
Study contents
The extent of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is 90 ECTS credits and planned duration 2 years.
The extent of the Master of Engineering programme is 60 ECTS credits and planned duration 1,5 years.
The studies are composed of
- advanced professional studies
- optional studies
- Master’s thesis
The advanced studies common to each Master School programme include studies in research methods and in future operating environments. The rest of the compulsory studies deepen the insight specific to each professional programme. Students may further deepen or expand their competences by choosing elective courses from their degree programme or other programmes or other universities.
The Master’s degree studies at Turku UAS Master School are flexible and can be completed while working full-time. Please note that studies include also contact lectures and teamwork on average 16 hours per 5 ECTS course.
The thesis is a central part of the studies. The thesis work starts already at the beginning of the studies and is carried out as a working life oriented development project. The thesis will not only develop the student’s knowledge and skills in a certain study field and specific topic but also gives the possibility to enhance skills in leading teams and work groups.
Is it possible to study while working?
The Master’s Degree studies at Turku UAS Master School are designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete them while working full-time. The program utilizes a blended learning approach, incorporating lectures, seminars, e-learning, teamwork, and independent work. Some elective courses are offered entirely online. There are two days of contact sessions per month, providing opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
Studying also benefits the employer in many ways, because the learning assignments and thesis can be done as a development task at the workplace.
When are studies starting?
- If you apply in the spring application periods (first and second joint application and path studies application), the studies begin in August /September.
- If you apply in the autumn application periods (autumn joint application and path studies application), the studies begin in January.
The starting dates and other information for new students will be published on the New Student’s guide.
After graduating
Graduates of the degree programme Virtual Worlds are equipped to pursue dynamic careers at the intersection of technology, design, and innovation. This programme prepares professionals to work on complex, next-generation systems where emerging technologies—such as extended reality (XR), AI, and real-time simulation—are applied to create immersive and interactive environments.
Career paths span a wide range of industries that are increasingly integrating virtual worlds and interactive systems into their operations. Graduates will possess versatile competencies in building autonomous, remote-controlled, and user-centered systems, with a strong emphasis on advanced UI/UX design, visualization, and full-stack development.
Potential Roles Include:
XR Developer / Immersive Experience Designer
Simulation Engineer / Virtual Environment Architect
Interactive Systems Developer
Digital Twin Specialist
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Designer
Visualization and Interaction Specialist
Autonomous Systems Developer
Graduates can find employment in both established and emerging sectors, including:
Intelligent Transportation & Mobility Solutions
Maritime & Naval Technologies
Mining & Industrial Automation
Defense & Security Systems
Medical Simulation & Surgical Technologies
E-Commerce & Retail Innovation
Finance & Data Visualization
Healthcare & Telemedicine
Education & Training Platforms
The technology industry remains a key employer, continuously seeking talent capable of leveraging the latest advancements in virtual and interactive technologies. Whether contributing to immersive training simulations, designing virtual marketplaces, or developing autonomous control systems, graduates will be well-positioned to lead innovation in digital transformation.
Applications and eligibility
Joint application
Joint application means that you can apply to up to six study programmes with one application form. These six options may include degree programmes from one or several different higher education institutions in Finland.
Checklist before you apply
1
Check the eligibility criteria: please take a close look the information on eligibility on Studyinfo.fi (section: target group, links below)
- Prior education: You can apply if you have a suitable Bachelor’s degree or another higher education degree. Degree requirements are programme-specific.
- Work experience: Entry requirement to the Master’s degree programme is a minimum of two years’ relevant work experience gained after a suitable higher education degree completed in Finland or abroad or a Finnish post-secondary or higher vocational level diploma.
2
Check the student selection methods: see the information on admission procedure and student selection methods.
3
Take a look at the tuition fees and scholarships: the higher education institutions in Finland collect tuition fees from students outside the EU/EEA area.
Please note also: applicants from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies.
4
Check the schedules: make sure to apply and upload attachments on time.
Instructions for joint application: admission criteria and schedules
Open UAS Path studies
In path studies, you complete the first-year studies of this Bachelor’s degree with an Open UAS study right. After successful completion, you will be eligible to apply to become a degree student through separate applications.
More information about path studies and a study fee
Instructions for path studies: selection methods and schedules
Application periods
You can apply to this degree programme in Joint application or start your studies by applying to Open UAS’ Path studies
Application periods:
The deadline for application is at 3 pm (Finnish time) on the last day of the application period.
Application forms at Studyinfo
Applications are submitted through the online application portal studyinfo.fi.
Joint application
Joint application
Path studies
Master of Business Administration, Virtual Worlds (The link will be opened closer to the application period)
Path studies
Master of Engineering, Virtual Worlds (The link will be opened closer to the application period)
How many students are selected in this degree programme?
You can find the number of study places in the joint application process and the path studies application in Studyinfo in the education information.
What is UAS Master’s degree?
The UAS Master‘s degree is intended for professionals already in working life who have an applicable bachelor’s degree or other higher education degree and at least two years of work experience after graduation. A master’s degree is typically completed in 1.5–2 years alongside work. The UAS master’s degree is on the same level as a university master’s degree.
How does studying in path studies differ from degree studies?
In the joint application process, applicants apply to study for a degree. If you apply to Open UAS path studies and are selected, your studies will begin with an Open University of Applied Sciences study right.
Open UAS path studies are an alternative route to a degree. A path study right is granted for one academic year. Path studies consist of first-year studies in a Master’s degree program, about 30 ECTS credits. Studies are completed alongside degree students. This means the mode of studying and e.g. attendance requirements are the same as for degree students.
Path studies are subject to an Open UAS study fee. There is also a difference in the benefits of a path student compared to degree students. Read more about path studies.
You cannot complete a degree as a path student. After completing the required amount of ECTS credits, you can apply for a degree study right via Open UAS separate application. Have a look at our website on separate applications for more details on eligibility criteria and the amount of credits required: Open UAS separate application to Master’s degree studies.
When applying to path studies, the required previous degree is the same as when applying for the program in question in the joint application. However, the work experience required will only be checked when you apply for a degree study right through Open UAS separate application.
Apart from online study programmes, path studies require attendance in Turku, Finland. Please note that as path studies do not lead to a degree, Finnish immigration services are not likely to grant a residence permit for path studies.
Contact
Questions related to admissions: Admission Services
Questions related to path studies: Open UAS
We co-operate with agencies specialized in international student recruitment. Our Educational Partners and Agents
Questions related to studies:
Study a Master’s degree and create the future
This Master’s degree programme is part of Turku UAS Master School and its School of Professional Excellence. The Master School programmes are aimed at experts and leaders who have already become qualified in working life and want to deepen their competences as well as develop their own field of expertise and the working life. Master School offers flexible study opportunities in a multi-professional environment.
Turku as a Student City
Turku, located in the region of Southwest Finland, is one of Finland’s biggest cities. The versatile livelihood structure, top class selection of education, culture, and services, as well as the beautiful archipelago, form a magnetic combination in Turku.
