Virtual Reality Project wins National Simulation Award for Innovation

16 Jan 2026

The School of Applied Social Studies recently won the National Simulation Award for using Virtual Reality (VR) as a learning and teaching tool on the Apprenticeship/Masters in Social Work programme.

School staff recently travelled to Dublin to collect the award of Innovation from the National Simultation Office in Dublin for their work on the PERSPECTIVES project. 

The PERSPECTIVES VR App developed by the School gives students immersive learning experiences that push the boundaries of traditional classroom settings. This innovative approach allows students to explore complex real-world Social Work scenarios in a fully interactive and engaging environment, enhancing their understanding through firsthand experiences while remaining in a safe supervised environment and in turn equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate difficult conversations in complex, emotional settings, ultimately enhancing practice readiness and professional confidence.

Approximately 200 students have now used the initial experience and feedback has been overwhelming positive with 100% of the students agreeing that they found the experience to be being highly engaging and confirming that it helped to enhance their understanding of their lecture content.

Applied Social Studies is the first School in the Republic to apply the technology in the field, putting it at the forefront of Social Studies education.  A collaborative research project with the ASSERT centre on a 360 simulation (PERSPECTIVES 360) is now also underway as a result work. The School is excited to see the long-term benefits this innovation will bring and how it will shape the future of Social Studies education in exciting new directions.

For more on this story contact:

claire.fennell@ucc.ie