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Digital Sustainability Intern - Immersive Media Asset Design Intern (VR/AR)

Details


1110631


Heriot-Watt University


25/04/2026


2 Months


14 hours per week


Not Applicable

Pay


£13.45


£1.62

Description

Role

This role is tailored for students pursuing Communication and Design or Creative Environment studies at our Scottish Borders Campus, but applicants from other academic backgrounds are able to apply if they can demonstrate suitable experience.
 
The Sustainability Unit is dedicated to delivering one of the university's key Strategic Performance Indicators. They aim to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals into learning, research, and operations, setting globally relevant targets for emissions, organisational practices, and behaviours. The Digital Sustainability Hub will be a vibrant, community-powered platform that brings sustainability stories to life through immersive technologies, from AR/VR to metaverse experiences. It will inspire people across our University and wider communities to explore, share, and shape their own sustainability journeys. It will bridge students, staff, alumni, local groups, SMEs, and global partners, empowering them to co-create practical solutions to today's sustainability challenges. Through storytelling-led experiences, green technology showcases, and accessible digital engagement, the Hub will widen participation, amplify diverse voices, and make sustainability knowledge and innovation available to all. It will foster dialogue, build carbon literacy and skills, and support collaborative initiatives, including our climate advocacy challenge. Above all, the Digital Sustainability Hub will champion an inclusive, just, and community-shaped approach to sustainability, bringing people together to accelerate a fair and prosperous future for everyone.
 
Within this environment, the VR/AR Asset Design Intern will play a key creative and technical role. They will support the visual development of the Hub by designing 3D and XR-ready assets, contributing to immersive scenes, and assisting with the production of short digital experiences or films. Their work will help shape engaging, narrative-led environments that communicate sustainability themes in accessible and compelling ways.This internship offers hands-on experience in sustainability education, immersive media production, and collaborative digital development. It provides a valuable opportunity to develop and showcase creative 3D/XR design skills while contributing to a meaningful, community-driven sustainability initiative.

Duties and responsibilities

1. AR/VR Asset & Environment Development

  • Design and prototype 3D assets, textures, and models for use in AR and VR experiences.
  • Support the development of simple VR environments, AR scenes, and metaverse-ready objects.
  • Optimise assets for performance and usability across immersive platforms.

2. Immersive Media Production

  • Create visual elements (3D objects, environmental props, spatial graphics) that enhance immersive learning experiences.
  • Contribute to the assembly of interactive AR/VR experiences using appropriate software or engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal, Lens Studio).
  • Assist with testing, refining, and iterating on immersive experiences based on user feedback.

3. Digital Design & Technical Preparation

  • Develop supporting graphics, icons, textures, and UI elements aligned with the Digital Sustainability Hub's identity.
  • Prepare assets for integration into platforms such as VR headsets, mobile AR, and the Hub's digital interface.
  • Ensure all visual outputs are accessible, inclusive, and compatible with required formats.

4. Content Editing & Integration

  • Assist with enhancing or repurposing existing digital materials (e.g., images, 3D files, basic video edits) for immersive use.
  • Set up assets for smooth deployment across platforms and devices.
  • Maintain clear file structures and documentation for collaborative workflows.

5. Reflective Contribution

  • Produce a short reflective blog or post at the end of the placement summarising key skills gained, insights, and contributions to the Digital Sustainability Hub.

6. General Project Support

  • Collaborate with the Sustainability Unit (Lindsay Wilson), the School of Textiles and Design, and the CUBE Lab (Communicative, Unreal and Build Environments) (David Cavallaro and Dr Theo Dounas) on tasks related to immersive design and digital sustainability.
  • Participate in team sessions, user testing, and reviews to help shape the Hub's development.

Please note: This list outlines the core expectations of the role but is not exhaustive, and additional tasks may be assigned as required to support the project.

Skills and experience

Experience in 3D design or immersive media, ideally with tools such as Blender, Unity, or Unreal Engine, alongside strong visual communication skills and an interest in AR/VR, game design, digital storytelling, or interactive media. Applicants should demonstrate excellent attention to detail, strong organisational and time management abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. 

The role requires good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, confidence in engaging with a range of stakeholders, and a self-motivated approach with the ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision. Curiosity, willingness to learn new tools, and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Location
Scottish Borders Campus - Galashiels

Additional information
To Apply: This role is for current Heriot-Watt Students only. Please submit a relevant CV as well as a cover letter which clearly states your degree as well as your suitability and reasons for applying for this role. For advice on CVs, cover letters and job applications, Heriot-Watt students can visit the Careers Service.

 
This role is tailored for students pursuing Communication and Design or Creative Environment studies at our Scottish Borders Campus, but applicants from other academic backgrounds are able to apply if they can demonstrate suitable experience

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