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 the 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.

Study abroad

This course offers you the opportunity to study abroad through the University's study abroad programme. Study abroad opportunities are available worldwide and in Europe under the Erasmus+ Programme.

Work placement

Fantastic work experience opportunities are available for students across the three degrees within the Model and Special Effects programme. 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. 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.