The Digital Education Studio (DES) and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Immersive Learning Lab were awarded a grant from Bodyswaps and Meta, granting Queen Mary University of London university-wide access to the Bodyswaps immersive learning catalogue until 17 July 2025.
As part of the grant, the team has received two Meta Quest 3 headsets, and staff and students can access the platform via PC, mobile, or VR, allowing for a flexible and inclusive learning experience across disciplines.
What is Bodyswaps?
Bodyswaps is an immersive training platform that uses Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help learners develop essential soft skills in a psychologically safe and reflective environment. The platform features a rich library of thirty-nine ready-to-use simulations, as well as short exercises, quizzes, and scaffolded learning pathways.
Learners can practise real-world communication scenarios—like navigating conflict, active listening, or leadership—by stepping into different perspectives, responding to dynamic prompts, and receiving personalised feedback to build confidence and competence over time.
How can I use Bodyswaps?
Bodyswaps is adaptable to different teaching styles and delivery formats. Depending on your learning goals and logistical needs, sessions can be run as:
- Asynchronous / Remote
- Facilitated Individual Sessions (remote or in-person)
- Facilitated Group Sessions (in-person)
- Hybrid Models (a mix of asynchronous and facilitated components)
Educators are encouraged to integrate the following into their session design:
- Onboarding learners
- Pre-session survey & Learning goal setting
- VR or desktop-based immersive activities
- Group debriefs and reflective discussions
- Post-session survey feedback collection
DES and Institute of Dentistry pilot
DES is currently collaborating with the Institute of Dentistry to launch a VR live session for final-year BDS and BSc students. A cohort of ten students will take part in a trial using VR headsets to explore scenarios related to navigating difficult patient interactions.
This session is scheduled to take place in June, with findings contributing to a planned research study on dental students’ perceptions of VR as a learning tool in clinical communication.
Are you interested in running a pilot?
If you're interested in using Bodyswaps in your teaching before the pilot ends on 17 July, or would like to explore how it can support your learning objectives, please contact digitaleducationstudio@qmul.ac.uk for more information.
Stay tuned for further updates as we explore the future of immersive learning together.
By Violet Chan, Digital Education Support Officer, Digital Education Studio.