Character Creation and Technical Effects BA Hons
School of Creative Arts
Institution Code H36
UCAS Code
W452
Course Code CCSFX
Start date
September
More about the course
You will study on a programme that combines designing and making unusual characters that require animation, either animatronic or puppeted (often in collaboration with students on the Special Effects degree) alongside the creation of technical effects for film and TV.
You will develop your drawing and presentation skills to help communicate your ideas whilst at the same time exploring a range of materials and fabrication processes. These will include sculpting in clay, foam and polystyrene, moulding and casting and the application of appropriate finishes as diverse as fabric/fur and foam latex/paint. You will create special costumes and soft props designed for dramatic events and will be able to make a range of body padding, extensions and frameworks for 'larger than life' characters. As well as studying sculpting and casting of realistic and imagined forms you will have the opportunity to apply a variety of hair, wigs, make up and prosthetics which are needed for all aspects of character creation.
Throughout the programme you will develop your awareness of the issues and concerns, which relate to the industry. These issues will inform and develop your creative awareness and underpin your design processes, ultimately helping to define your professional practice.
Work placement
We regularly provide fantastic opportunities for students on our highly acclaimed work experience programme; students can choose to take a range of modules as a replacement for all or part of one semester in their second year of study. The staff team have excellent contacts in industry and students are supported by a work experience tutor that assists them in placing students on high-profile placements. Typically students spend 3 months with leading companies like Artem, Asylum Models & Effects, Hothouse Models & Effects, Machine Shop Special Effects, Madame Tussauds and Tussauds Studios.
Our students have worked on major blockbusters such as Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire and Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. Their skills are highly valued in the wider entertainment industry of exhibit, interactive exhibitions, theatre, theme parks and spectacle.
Careers
A strong focus on sculpture and practical skills linked with creative ability will equip you to work in advertising, TV and film. It will also enable you to seek employment in other areas of the entertainment industries including automotive and fine art installations, theatre, theme parks and interactive museum exhibits.
The Model and Special Effects Programme has an outstanding record of graduate employment. Typically 85% of graduates are working in an area related to their study six months after graduation. Of the remaining 15%: 10% usually go on the postgraduate study with only 5% or less remaining unemployed.
Teaching methods
Teaching across the programme consists largely of project-based work supported by appropriate 'skills' based workshops. Students tackle a wide variety of briefs ranging in complexity and time scales. Some projects will take up to two months to complete whilst others will be completed within a matter of days.
There is a common first year for all three degrees in the programme, which provides an opportunity to develop a range of skills and gain a wide variety of learning experiences. Some of the projects are team based and help you get to know people from the other two degrees, whilst other projects are worked on individually.
In addition to work experience away from the university, students often have the chance to work on live projects for clients on campus, which provides an opportunity to complete work to professional standards and real deadlines.
Tutorials and seminars include one-on-one, small group, medium sized groups for workshops and large groups for lectures.
Course structure
Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.