Model Design and Model Effects BA (Hons)

About the course

On this course you will learn how to create highly detailed models for a range of disciplines, from concept cars for the automotive industry to the scale models used by architects and ‘movie miniatures’ for films. We have strong links with leading companies in the design industry, and many major film productions have used large teams of our students and graduates to create models and props. You will learn traditional techniques in the machine shop and later in the course, use cutting-edge technologies including CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided modelling) to produce highly finished, professional-quality models.

First Year

You will gain a strong grounding in the craft practices and workshop skills used for a range of professional areas, working on everything from highly accurate architectural models to the more imaginative, inventive type of projects required by special- and character-effects designers for film and television.

Second Year

You will work on a series of one-week turbo projects, designed to give you a feel for real-life deadlines. You may also spend up to four months on a professional work placement. Our students have been actively involved in work on major blockbuster movies including most recently; Martin Scorsese’s: Hugo, Captain America: The First Avenger, Tim Burton’s stop motion film: Frankenweenie, X Men: First Class, 47 Ronin, Unknown, Ridley Scott’s new Alien prequel: Prometheus, Jack the Giant Killer, Clash of the Titans 2, World War Z, Batman 3: The Dark Knight Rises and the Sky Atlantic HD TV series Game of Thrones.

Final Year

You will write a degree essay and your final major project will be a chance to demonstrate your professional ability in your chosen specialist area. For many students it will be an opportunity to undertake a live project sponsored or hosted by a major architectural practice, museum, product or packaging consultancy or special effects company. At the end of the year, you will produce business cards, a CV, and a professional portfolio to help launch your career.

Why choose this course?

• The Model and Special Effects Programme is the only programme of it’s kind to have been awarded the Creative Skillset Tick, the industry kitemark of quality, following a rigorous assessment process by experts working in the Creative Industries. The Creative Skillset Tick is awarded to practice-based courses which best prepare students for a career in the industry.
• The Model Design and Model Effects degree is the only course of its kind in the UK - possibly the world, as nowhere else has three interrelated degrees like this working alongside each other with access to such outstanding staff and facilities.
• The full time staff are all leading experts in their field with extensive industry experience & all the visiting lecturers are professionals currently working in the Film & TV industry.
• Work experience is an integral part of the degree - you can spend up to half the second year working in industry with companies such as Artem, Asylum Models & Effects, Hothouse Models & Effects, Machine Shop Special Effects and internationally renowned companies such as Seymour Powell design consultants, the architects Foster and Partners and the Richard Rogers Partnership.
• Work as a team with students on Special Effects or Character Creation and Technical Effects to make ambitious projects that simulate working practices in the Film & TV industry.
• Learn practical making skills as well as using cutting edge new technologies in computer aided design and manufacture. Understand how to use computer software for achieving post-production effects.
• Find out for yourself and watch our video!
• View student work on Flickr

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Career prospects on the Model & Special Effects Programme are wide ranging and include opportunities in film and television, the event, theatre and entertainment industries, in exhibit and museum design, in 3D design and visualisation, in animatronics, automata and kinetic art, to name just a few. For those who choose not to remain in this field, the skills and attributes developed by the programme provide them with opportunities to move sideways into management or related areas such as advertising, art direction or set design, or to progress to postgraduate study.

Typically over 85% of our graduates had entered employment six months after graduation, and a further 10% had gone on to further study or training.

Teaching methods

You'll experience a wide variety of learning styles on this course. During your studies you'll develop your capacity for self-directed study and your interpersonal skills. We particularly emphasise 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. In your final year you will have the opportunity to practice your independent study skills by completing a major project and dissertation.

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

• standard lectures
• practical workshops
• case studies
• individual and group projects

Work Placement

We regularly provide fantastic work experience opportunities for students across the three degrees within the Model and Special Effects 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 the creative industries and have won awards for their work supporting students in this activity. Staff are frequently able to provide students with high-profile work placements.

Typically students spend up to 3 months of optional replacement study, with leading companies across the creative industries. These often include opportunities in architecture, design, film and TV.  Our students have worked on major blockbuster movies such as Captain America: The First Avenger, X Men: First Class, Wrath of the Titans, Batman 3: The Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus, Thor: The Dark World, Maleficent, World War Z, Edge of Tomorrow, Guardians of the Galaxy and Jupiter Ascending.

Professional Accreditations

Skillset Media Academy

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Additional course costs

In addition to the fees there are some compulsory course attached to this course:

Year 1
Personal tool kit – £120-£180
Materials required for projects £120-£250

Year 2
Materials required for projects - £120-£250

Year 3
Materials required for projects £300-£500

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply