The University of Nicosia (UNIC) in Cyprus is launching a Masters of Science (MSc) in Metaverse degree, as educators aim to find and train the next generation of metaverse professionals.
The program is just one of a number of recently launched educational programs related to the metaverse.
Metaverse masters degree
The University of Nicosia in Cyprus aims to educate the next generation of metaverse designers and managers with its latest masters course.
The varied course includes the study of various technical competencies such as 3D modeling and design, VR/AR development, and blockchain/NFT as well as softer skills required in the industry including marketing, communication, creativity, and collaboration.
These skill sets are segmented into two complementary thematic areas; metaverse development and metaverse management. The course which runs for one calendar year is designed to give its students a leg up in the highly competitive metaverse sector.
Professor George Giaglis, the University’s executive director of UNIC’s Institute for the Future was quick to talk up the course
“We are thrilled to introduce the world’s first MSc in Metaverse, showcasing our commitment to delivering forward-thinking education that addresses the demands of rapidly evolving industries,” said Giaglis in press release on Monday.
“The metaverse represents the future of human interaction and offers tremendous potential across various sectors. Through this programme, we aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this exciting new landscape.”
UNIC has a record of developing and launching pioneering educational courses. In 2013 the university launched the world’s first academic cryptocurrency course. It followed this in 2014 with the launch of its specialized degree program: MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency.
Over the past decade, the Cypriot university has educated over 100,000 students in cryptocurrency, blockchain and Web3 courses.
Metaverse becomes increasingly important
The masters course at Cypriot university is just one of many new educational opportunities related to the metaverse.
The Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is opening registration for its Metaverse Academy camps.
These camps will train attendees on how to build and develop metaverse systems. Three courses will be available, with the most in-depth taking nine months to complete. The program will train students to develop 3D immersive experiences with the use of Meta Spark Studio. Meta is partnering with the academy to help deliver the course.
Tuwaiq has a strong track record of partnering with industry players to deliver educational courses. Its previous partnerships include Google, Amazon, IBM, Cisco, Apple, Alibaba Cloud and Oracle.
🌏 Educators in #Asia are exploring the #metaverse for instructional purposes 🎓🔍 pic.twitter.com/y0UntoFY88
— social.li (@sociallinetwork) May 14, 2023
A positive picture for metaverse education
Educational establishments are considering how best to integrate metaverse experiences into their courses.
Europe and Asia are among the regions that have been quick to exploit the metaverse and its potential. In the U.S. adoption is slower, although there are indications that the tide is turning.
South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is investing $300,000 annually in metaverse program development and has allocated a further $500,000 to create metaverse classrooms. POSTECH hopes that this significant investment will allow it to transform itself into a “metaversity,” offering educational classes in cyberspace.
In Japan more than 7,000 students are now learning using virtual reality thanks to N and S High Schools. A survey of participants demonstrated that the classes are popular with students, with a satisfaction rate of 98%.
A burgeoning sector
A MarketsandMarkets report predicts that the global Metaverse in Education market will grow from $3.9 billion in 2023 to 19.3 billion by 2028.
The business consultancy firm predicts that the greatest opportunity for growth during the period with come from the Asia Pacific market.