Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Modelmaking and Creature Effects with foundation year

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton

Course summary

In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.

Dive into the imaginative world of BA (Hons) Modelmaking and Creature Effects with foundation year at the University of Greater Manchester. This exciting programme combines artistry, design and innovation, providing a comprehensive education underpinned by hands-on experience, digital technology mastery, and guidance from industry experts.

Our BA (Hons) Modelmaking and Creature Effects with foundation year course is ideal if you aspire to master the craft of creating breathtaking models and lifelike creature effects for film and television. Our expert team offers a unique blend of traditional creature effects and modelmaking techniques and modern technology, including digital design, 3D printing, and animatronics.

The foundation year allows you to discover and strengthen research, design, practical and communication skills that are essential for success as you study Modelmaking and Creature Effects. You'll explore an array of core techniques relating to the creative arts industries, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and finishing techniques, investigating both traditional and digital technologies. The foundation year also aims to build your confidence in academic skills such as literature searching, academic referencing and written and oral communication techniques.

Throughout the course, we emphasise practical skills development. You'll learn to sculpt, mould, and fabricate models and creature designs using both hands-on and digital methods. You'll gain experience in workshop environments that replicate professional industry settings.

Our engaging tutors will also support you in building critical skills in design, animation, and digital fabrication, and guide you as you undertake contextual studies of film and television. Regular interaction with seasoned professionals and industry legends nurtures creativity and helps build an invaluable professional network.

Our priority is to ensure you are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the special effects industry. As part of this commitment, we'll encourage you to develop lifelong learning skills so you can take ownership of your professional development for the future and maximise your potential for success.

By studying for your degree at the University of Greater Manchester, you can develop high-level practical skills and essential knowledge of modelmaking and creature effects techniques and practices, all while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus. You'll also benefit from our close proximity to two of the most vibrant cities in England: Manchester and Liverpool.

Modules

Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.

Assessment method

Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W731
Institution code:
B44
Campus name:
University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 points

Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Creative subjects are strongly preferred.

You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English.

You'll be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of appropriate work. Your portfolio should demonstrate your skills in a range of relevant creative media and styles.

The quality of the portfolio/interview is the primary basis on which applicants are selected; therefore, special consideration will be given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio. Relevant work or voluntary experience will also be considered. In these cases, we may ask applicants to undertake additional assessments to determine their suitability for the course.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Portfolio

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent).

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details. https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements/

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
EU£17500*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
International£17500*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Like this page