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.
• Follow the link to find out more about the excellent facilities we have on offer

What's the course about?

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.

Your main campus is College Lane

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you'll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

Tawajihiya with 70% or above. High School Diploma with a minimum overall average of 3.0, 2 Advanced Placement (AP) with a minimum score of 3.0

Apply via UCAS

All applications for undergraduate university degree courses are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Typically, they must submit their application to UCAS by 15 January deadline to give them the best possible chance of securing a place at their preferred university. For further details, look up the key UCAS dates so you are aware of what you have to do when.

They can choose up to 5 courses to apply for. These can be at one university or spread across different institutions. The same application is used for the 5 choices so selecting similar topics will make it easier to write a focused submission.

Completing the UCAS application

If you have questions on how to apply, you can talk to staff during a university open day visit.

The UCAS application is made online. Information required include:

1. personal details and information about support requirements.
2. background details.
3. course and university choices.
4. education and qualifications overview.
5. employment details and experience.
6. personal statement.