Modelmaking & Props

Bring your imagination to life with a programme designed for the dreamers, creators, and innovators of the entertainment world. Whether it’s crafting intricate miniatures, stunning props, or lifelike creatures for stop motion animation, this industry-focused programme offers the tools and mentorship to turn your passion into a thriving career.

You’ll master traditional scale modelmaking alongside cutting-edge digital techniques like 3D printing, under the guidance of experienced professionals. With contributions from leading industry partners such as the Aardman Academy, this programme is tailored to meet the demands of film, SFX, and beyond, while also adapting to your individual career aspirations.

Collaborate with peers across disciplines like Set Design, Film, and Costume, and develop a stand-out portfolio and showreel. From architectural models to puppets, this programme covers every facet of modelmaking and empowers you to carve your unique path in the fast-growing entertainment industries.

This creative-industry-focused programme typically provides 16 hours of contact time per week across the academic year. Students can typically expect to receive 10 hours of taught sessions and 6 hours of supervised open studio time, supported by specialist technicians, and have open access to studios and workshops (subject to School opening times and availability). In the final year, students typically engage in a higher proportion of supervised, independent study, reflecting the increased focus on self‑directed practice and specialist project work at this level.

Course Modules

Level 4 - Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the Processes, which modelmakers go through to produce research, concepts and final proposals. The modules are designed to introduce you to a wide range of 2D and 3D Traditional and digital techniques including perspective drawing, digital model making technical drawing, sculpting and card modelmaking which leads to the development of the employable skills associated with modelmaking such as moulding and casting, 3D printing vacuum forming and traditional workshop techniques. This is supported by Industry awareness which explores the many avenues of employment which our undergraduates progress into.

• Visual Communication
• Core Workshop Skills
• Design Process
• Creative Thinking
• Industry Awareness
• Production 1

Level 5 - Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on the foundation explored in level 4, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills pertinent to a range of creative industries. Here you will be creating moving props exploring motors and other control systems. Advanced materials such as silicones, composite Materials, plaster polymers such as Jesmonite are explored through advanced sculpting and mould making. This level includes collaboration throughout the faculty working alongside our Actors, Writers, Visual FX Artists, Technical Crew, Set Design and Costume Designers. In the second semester you will begin to explore your independent area of expertise which may also include digital techniques utilising 3D modelling, scanning and printing working with industry-standard software. During this stage, you are encouraged to seek relevant work experience or external collaborations when suitable opportunities arise.

• Action Props
• Transformative Techniques
• Creative Discussion
• Professional Practice
• Production 2

Level 6 - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as a key member of a creative team. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your skills and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepares you for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.

• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report

https://northernart.ac.uk/ba-hons-model-making-props/

In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.