Advanced Realities for Innovation and Skills Enhancement (ARISE)

Picture a world where medical students can practice intricate surgeries in fully immersive simulations, where history lessons come alive through interactive experiences, and where first responders train using hyper-realistic scenarios designed to sharpen their decision-making skills and improve public safety.

Now, imagine building the technologies to make this all possible.

Extended Reality (XR) is set to create a significant number of jobs across Europe, with projections estimating up to 860,000 direct jobs and over 1.2 million total jobs by 2025. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of XR in key sectors like aerospace, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. These technologies enable innovations such as virtual prototyping, immersive training, AR-assisted surgeries, and real-time production guidance—positioning XR as a key force in Europe’s digital and industrial transformation.

The project, Advanced Realities for Innovation and Skills Enhancement, is designed to strengthen Europe’s leadership in Extended Reality (XR) by training a new generation of experts in immersive technologies through:

• Double-degree master’s programmes in Human Computer Interaction and Design with XR specialization (120 ECTS);
• Self-standing online/blended learning modules targeting professionals and job seekers;
• Certifications and micro-credentials aligned with industry needs;
• A strong emphasis on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, including a 30 ECTS minor;
• Integration of XR into key sectors: education, culture, healthcare, tourism, and creative industries.

This program is designed and delivered by seven higher education institutions from 5 different countries, in partnership with SMEs and companies specializing in extended reality technologies. By bridging the digital skills gap in XR across Europe with its educational initiatives, ARISE prepares European professionals to elevate these technologies and, subsequently, European industries.

The ARISE online modules in Human Computer Interaction and Design are a flexible, self-paced learning experience designed by leading experts in the field. Whether you're looking to deepen your technical knowledge or explore new domains, these innovative online courses offer practical, up-to-date content tailored to your learning needs. Each module can be taken independently, with a certificate of completion awarded upon successful assessment. 

Release date: to be announced.