Mixed Reality Research: An Introduction to Data Collection (In-person)

Key information

Start date:
13 March 2025
Attendance dates:

13 March 2025

Time commitment:
1 day
Venue:
Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Contact details:

View all sociology CPD and short courses

Overview

This one-day course is designed to introduce participants to the exciting world of mixed reality research and data collection. The course will explore the potential of using immersive technologies such as 360 videos and 3D environments on virtual reality (VR) headsets and augmented reality (AR) with Microsoft Hololens for collecting data in various research contexts.

The course will cover the basics of data collection using mixed reality technologies, including the design and implementation of mixed reality research studies, ethical considerations, and best practices for data analysis. Participants will have hands-on experience using 360 videos on VR headsets and Microsoft Hololens to collect data, and will have the opportunity to develop their own research ideas using these technologies. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of the potential and challenges of mixed reality research, and will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to begin applying immersive technologies to their own research projects.

Learning outcomes

  • To understand key terminology related to immersive technologies. 
  • To understand the fundamentals of the technologies involved in immersive media. 
  • To have a comprehensive understanding of best practices when carrying out research using immersive technologies. 
  • To have had hands on experience using current Virtual reality and Augmented Reality/Mixed Reality devices.
  • To be able to reflect on the strengths, weaknesses and appropriate application of different immersive methods
  • To understand the ethic and analytic considerations of using these methods

Course content

Mixed Reality Research: An Introduction to Data Collection

Learning and teaching methods

Presentations, discussions, guided exercises, independent group exercises 

Assessment

None.

Course leaders

Jill Timms profile image

Dr Jill Timms

Senior Lecturer in Sociology

Sean Gonzalez

PhD Student

Jill Timms has over 20 years’ experience in social research and teaching social research methods. Her research interests are in the sociology of work and organisations, sustainability as it relates to jobs and supply chains, corporate social responsibility, global activism and methodological innovation. Jill is a full time Senior Lecturer in the Sociology Department at Surrey University and Co-Director of our Short Courses Programme. 

Sean Gonzalez provides consultation services to the Business Schools Mixed Reality Lab and supports the labs classroom deployments. Sean is manager of the XR laboratory for the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Surrey, which he set up in 2022. He is also a PhD candidate at the School of Psychology. Previously, Sean had a career in social care as a Childrens Guardian, and Child Protection and Adoption team manager. 

Entry requirements

Due to the nature of the equipment being used, aspects of the course may not be suited to prospective applicants that are pregnant or have any of the following health conditions:

  • A history of photo-sensitive epileptic.
  • A current significant, uncorrected hearing or sight impairment.
  • A history of epileptic seizure.
  • A history of heart attacks.
  • A history of strokes.
  • A history of aneurysms.
  • A history of asthma attack.
  • A history of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  • A current contagious skin condition. 
  • A current impairment to balance.

If you would like any more information about this, please contact us. 

Fees and funding

UGPN student discount

£130

Students (all non-UGPN)

£138

Discounted rate for UGPN Staff £

£155

Education and charitable sector applicants

£230

Government and commercial sector applicants

What these fees include

Course materials, lunch voucher and refreshments.

How to apply

Applications will be through our online store.

Apply now

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Dr Jill Timms Senior Lecturer in Sociology
Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH