SFX Props & Modelmaking for Film and TV

Fast-track your way to a career in props and modelmaking. This two-year degree puts a focus on the design and fabrication of physically based film and television special effects using a range of art, engineering and science technologies.

Why study BA (Hons) SFX Props and Modelmaking at BNU?
Inspiring facilities

Our industry-standard facilities are here to help you produce your most creative ideas. We will build your confidence in using the latest machines, equipment and postproduction software.

Our specialist resources include;

• CNC and laser cutter machines
• engineering & modelmaking workshop equipped with the latest advanced tools
• plastic lab
• prosthetics lab
• CAD software
• high end cameras
• photography studios equipped with industry standard blue/ green screen.
• blue/green screen video studio
• computer and CGI lab
• adobe creative suit
• Auto desk.

Taught by the industry
The BA (Hons) SFX Props and Modelmaking course is led by a dedicated and experienced course team. Benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. Many of our guest lecturers are industry-experts and alongside your lecturers, they’ll nurture your learning and professional development through lectures, workshops and demonstrations.

Location
With London on our doorstep, you’ll be near the world’s best cultural centres, such as theatres, museums and galleries, where you can find a range of inspiration. It also means you may have the opportunity to visit outside bodies, such as prop stores, sets and set stores, material suppliers, manufacturing professionals and working studios.

What will I study?
The BA(Hons) SFX Props and Modelmaking course at BNU will allow you to focus on the design and fabrication of physically based film and television special effects using a range of art, engineering and science technologies. This will include props design & fabrication, character creation, prosthetics for prop-making, engineering and functional model making.

This practical course will be delivered in our specialist 3D modelmaking & engineering workshop at our High Wycombe campus.

This taught practical-based course is industry-focused and will provide opportunities for students to engage with a broad range of skills and techniques required within special effects props and modelmaking production for film and TV and related creative industries. During your studies you’ll be supported by our specialist technicians and demonstrators. Using their experience and technical production and material knowledge, they’ll help you turn your ideas into fully functioning props and models.

The course embraces new and emerging techniques and technologies, maintaining currency and diversity through well-established links and communications with the creative industry. Upon graduation you’ll have a portfolio and a skill set that aligns with the needs of the industry.

Career possibilities
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. Our Careers and Employability Team also help you find employment after graduation.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a range of career possibilities. Using the skills and knowledge learnt on this course, you could find yourself performing the following roles all over the world:
• Props design and fabrication
• Character Designer
• Animation 3D
• Sculptor
• Prosthetics
• Modelmaking
• Pre-visualisation artist
• Technical Director (TD)
• Creative mould-maker
• Rig builder
• Operator
• Engineering system design
• Digital artist
• Film & Television production assistant

Course Modules

Stage one
Core Modules
2D Visualisation
Computer Aided Design
Design Theory
Chemical Studies and Technological Applications
SFX Character Design 1
SFX Props and Model Production 1
3D Modelling & Simulation
SFX Props and Model Production 2
SFX Character Design 2

Stage two
Core Modules
SFX Rigging & Manufacturing
Special Effects Film Study
Advanced Prosthetics Production
Creative and Professional Development
Pre-production
Professional Practice & Business Management
Dissertation
Final Major Project

On this special effects course you’ll benefit by learning from lecturers with real sector experience and an insight into working-life. You could also benefit from access to our network of guest speakers, industry experts and successful alumni.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways, from studio projects, workshop and masterclasses to media outcomes, written assignments and group and individual case studies.