University of Hertfordshire - BA (Hons) Model Design (Special Effects)

University of Hertfordshire

BA (Hons) Model Design (Special Effects)

All three of our model design courses share the same First Year, giving you an excellent introduction to model making, prop making, sculpture and special effects. Building on this foundation, you’ll focus on developing your artistic and technical skills to produce models, animatronics and other effects. You’ll also gain hands on experience of the specialist equipment used to produce rain, fire, smoke, wind and snow, and learn about the safe use of pyrotechnics.

In 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.

In your Final Year, you’ll work on major projects and create a professional portfolio to impress employers. Throughout your studies you’ll use a mix of traditional techniques and modern technology. This course is accredited by Creative Skillset, reflecting the highest standard of teaching and facilities.

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTECIB
104-112BCC-BBC - Including formal or informal qualifications in Art or DesignMMM-DMM104-112 UCAS

Access course: Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit.

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.

Career Prospects

The course’s strong focus on creative problem-solving, mechanical design and practical workshop skills will prepare you for working in Special Effects. These versatile skills are also sought after in other areas including stage, theme parks, fine art installations and interactive displays in museums or exhibitions.

Our graduates have strong creative problem-solving, mechanical design and practical workshop skills that lead to many fascinating employment opportunities. You’ll find our graduates working in TV and films, the theatre, museums and other highly creative areas. Our graduates have gone on to employment with the likes of Chris Corbould, Neil Corbould, Anarchy Ltd, Artem, Warner Bros, Universal Creations and Zone Creations.

Course Details

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.

Year 1

Scale and structure
Shape and form
Design and fabrication
The model in mind: histories, contexts, theories (c&cs)

Year 2

Turbo projects
Design process and realisation
Special effects contextualised model
Talking models: the theory of practice (c&cs)

Optional
Professional work experience 30: screen
Professional work experience 45: screen 45 optional
Professional work experience 15: screen
Professional work experience 15 5b: screen

Year 3

Year abroad
Professional context model
Professional practice
Special effects major project proposal
Special effects major project
Critical and cultural studies: l6 enquiry / report / essay (model design)
Sandwich year (creative arts)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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