BA (Hons) Model Design (Character and Creative Effects)

What will I study?

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.

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 (Character and Creative Effects), Model Design (Model Effects), Model Design (Special 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 explore a wide range of specialist materials and processes such as sculpting, moulding and casting that enable the creation of original characters, props and set dressings. Communication of ideas will be developed through drawing and presentation skills. You can also combine designing and making characters with animation using stop motion armatures, or with animatronics (in collaboration with students on the special effects degree).

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.

Level 4

Module

• Scale and Structure
• Shape and Form
• Design and Fabrication
• The Model in Mind: histories, contexts, theories (C&CS)

Level 5

Module

• Turbo Projects
• Design Process and Realisation
• Character and Creative Effects Contextualised Model
• Talking Models: the theory of practice (C&CS)
• Professional Work Experience 30: Screen
• Professional Work Experience 45: Screen
• Professional Work Experience 15: Screen
• Professional Work Experience 15 5B: Screen

Level 6

Module

• Year Abroad
• Professional Context Model
• Professional Practice
• Creative Effects Major Project Proposal
• Critical and Cultural Studies: L6 Enquiry / Report / Essay (Model Design)
• Character and Creative Effects Major Project
• Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)