Prop Making and Special Effects

Course Information
Step into the world of creative design and craftsmanship with our BA (Hons) Prop Making degree. This dynamic course immerses you in the art of designing and manufacturing props and special effects for theatre, TV, film, display, and entertainment industries. Whether you come from a creative or academic background, you’ll join a community united by a passion for design and making, turning imaginative ideas into tangible works of art.

You’ll master a diverse range of techniques, including wood and metalwork, sculpting, moulding and casting, decorative finishes, model making, and soft props/puppetry. Alongside traditional skills, you’ll explore cutting-edge technologies such as CAD, laser cutting, and 3D printing, equipping you to tackle innovative design challenges in the industry. Sustainability is embedded throughout the course, encouraging eco-friendly approaches to prop making.

Practical experience is at the heart of the programme. You’ll work on live projects for real clients, gaining hands-on experience in creating high-quality props for productions, exhibitions, and corporate events. Professional development is a key focus, with industry placements, portfolio building, and career support to ensure you graduate ready for employment.

Our graduates have gone on to work with leading studios, theatres, and production companies, including The National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Elstree Film Studios, English National Ballet, and Universal Creations, contributing to major films, TV series, advertisements, and West End shows.

Modules
Year One

• Introduction and Inductions

• Ideas in Context: Performance and Everyday Life

• Sculpture

• Prop Design

• Collaboration

• Model Making

Year Two

• Soft Props and Mechanics

• Sustainable Practices

• Project Management

• Ideas in Context: Theatre and Performance Ideologies

• Industry Awareness

Year Three

• Independent Make

• Professional Practice

• Dissertation

• Locating Opportunities

Key Features

• Highly practical, industry-focused training.

• Personal studio spaces to enhance creativity.

• Professional wood and metal workshops, resin and plaster rooms.

• Fully equipped CAD suite for digital design.

• Access to machine tools, laser cutting, and 3D printing facilities.

• Opportunities to work on professional projects with external clients.

• Strong industry links with organisations such as The National Theatre, Elstree Film Studios, Universal Creations, and English National Ballet.

Applicants will be asked to present a portfolio of creative work at interview. This should demonstrate a range of design, technical, and practical skills. More information can be found on the Northbrook College website.

Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This programme is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL), ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). UAL ensures the quality and standards of our curriculum, enriching your learning experience.