BA (Hons) Model Design (Special Effects)

Why choose this course?

• Design/make working SFX mechanisms, traditional and digital
• Benefit from fantastic links to industry and regular guest speakers
• Outstanding record at Blades Model Makers Show, London

• Combine your artistic and technical skills to produce animatronics, action props, models and special effects.
• Gain ‘hands on’ experience of special effects equipment used to produce, rain, fire, smoke, wind and snow etc. and learn about the safe use of pyrotechnics.
• Use of traditional workshop machinery and cutting-edge technologies, plus access to specialist industry standard facilities for animatronics, model making and prop making.
• Close contacts with industry, which provide outstanding work experience opportunities and collaborative projects.
• High graduate employment rates for Special Effects students. 
• The only Creative Skillset Tick accredited Model and Special Effects course in the UK.

What employers say about us

Over the last two years I have employed three graduates of the University, all of whom had completed the Model and Special effects Programme. These three graduates have not only successfully merged into my established film industry Special Effects team but also, are now actively contributing their ideas and skills to enhance and widen the scope of my team. 
Chris Corbould Special Effects MIExpE

With 3 courses covering different aspects of the Special Effects industry, (which I think is unique), they are the main supplier of graduates to our industry. More importantly these graduates are aligned with the needs of the industry and are readily employable. 
Mike Kelt, CEO Artem

Successes

The Model Design Programme is the only Special Effects course to have been accredited by Creative Skillset.

The programme has outstanding links with industry and these result in high profile work experience opportunities for our students. Our students have worked on major feature films at leading UK studios, including making action props on Guardians of the Galaxy, Jupiter Ascending, Exodus and Black Sea.

Graduates from this degree often work with leading figures such as Chris Corbould Special Effects MIExpE and a host of other companies including: Anarchy Ltd, Artem, Asylum, Darkside FX, Ferox Effects, Gerry Judah, Machine Shop, etc.

Articles about the work have featured in a variety of international publications including Wired Magazine and CNN.

Facilities

• Purpose built studio, situated above an extensive workshop containing a wide range of traditional and cutting edge technologies.
• A variety of equipment/machinery and state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facilities including: Laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC milling and routing.
• Well-equipped sculpture studio, which includes a plaster mould making area and industry standard extraction in the fiberglass/resin casting room.
• Brazing, soldering and welding facilities for most types of metal fabrication and finishing.
• Access to facilities across the School, including photographic studios and printing, and computer suites.

What will I study?

The course emphasises the importance of 3D making leading to physical artefacts created through structured research and design; well-prepared written and verbal presentations; and computer literacy.

Alongside elements of standard lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops, you also learn through case studies, individual and group projects and other student centred activities.

You will experience a wide variety of teaching styles on the programme including:

• standard lectures
• practical workshops
• case studies

• individual and group projects

The Model Design Degree Programme uniquely, has a combined first year covering model making, prop making, sculpture and special effects. Second and third year students specialise in one of three-degree pathways: Model Design (Special Effects), Model Design (Character and Creative Effects), Model Design (Model Effects). 

First Year

You will be introduced to current materials, techniques and design processes in a combined first year (all three degree disciplines) and gain a strong grounding in workshop machinery and practices, which are relevant to the whole programme.

Second Year

You will acquire an understanding of special effects design and receive a thorough grounding in the practical aspects of this. You will be able to combine your artistic and technical skills to produce animatronics, action props, models and special effects. You will also gain ‘hands on’ experience of special effects equipment used to produce, rain, fire, smoke, wind and snow etc. and learn about the safe use of pyrotechnics.

All of our second year students have the option to undertake a professional work experience module with one of our many high profile industry contacts.

Final Year

Your final year is designed to prepare you for entry to the industry as a highly employable graduate. You will make a variety of project outcomes that demonstrate your professional ability and you will also spend time producing a professional portfolio and self-promotional material designed to impress potential employers at your first interview and beyond.

 

Entry requirements

• Access course tariff: Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit.
• Portfolio: Presentation of an acceptable portfolio of artwork.
• IB requirements: 104-112 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual  Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
• IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

 

Deadlines

15 January