NSC Immersive Academy
NSC Creative, based at the National Space Centre, Leicester, UK has been creating award-winning immersive content for over 20 years and is now launching a new initiative to share it’s extensive knowledge and expertise with the next generation of immersive explorers.
The NSC Immersive Academy will be a place to explore storytelling via emerging immersive technologies across all realities. It will equip the next generation of cross disciplinary creators and makers with the skills to disrupt the future of multiple genres and industries.

Immersive Design & Development Qualification
The first part of this new programme is a BTEC Diploma Level 3 qualification for 16-18 year olds titled Immersive Design & Development. This is a joint venture between Leicester College and the National Space Centre and will take place across both campuses.
Joining this course would give you access to cutting edge technology and workflows to craft digital environments and experiences in virtual, augmented and mixed reality. Learning game engine programming, XR design, 3D modelling and projection mapping for domes. You’ll develop a wealth of experience across the full field of immersive media development. You’ll learn the skills and techniques with guidance and critiques from industry veterans and have the chance to display your work to the thousands of National Space Centre visitors.

Reality Lab
A key component of what makes the NSC Immersive Academy unique is a new Reality Lab situated at the National Space Centre. This space is kitted out with the latest XR Technology to democratise access to leading edge hardware and software to empower users to experiment and think big. Featuring the latest VR, AR and MR devices along with a 3m Stereoscopic 3D Projection Dome and green screen depth capture and mixed reality stage.

Future Thinking
This new Immersive Academy complements the National Space Centres mission to enhance the science and engineering skills pool in the UK currently spearheaded by the National Space Academy by highlighting new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) career pathways. These new programs will act as a catalyst for young people to consider design, visualization, computer science, games development, filmmaking and animation which are all specialist, high demand sectors in the UK and beyond.
Additional, future programs will be added that give local young people aged 11-16 an opportunity to get hands-on experience and work alongside NSC teams to co-create new immersive experiences. Participants will build confidence and literacy in emerging technology and collaborative, digital working practices. Creating these unique opportunities will open up new possibilities and aspirations in our local communities.

Covid-19 Notice
Please note that for the new BTEC course all safety provisions will be made inline with Government guidance at the time the course begins which may require some of the course to be delivered via distance learning.

Supported by
The creation of the NSC Immersive Academy and Reality Lab is supported by the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome, as well as the Local Growth Fund from Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, The Garfield Weston Foundation and Fidelity UK Foundation.
