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Bachelors

BDes (Hons) Special Effects Modelmaking for Film and Television

University of Bolton
Bolton , United Kingdom
Easy Apply
Students
Tuition Fee
USD 16,260
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
About Program
About University
Admission Requirements
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Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Visual Effects | Modeling | Sculpture
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
USD 16,260
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2023-09-25-
About Program

Program Overview

Course Details

From alien spaceships to samurai swords, and body parts to ancient statues, special and visual effects uses physical artefacts to inject reality into computer generated action, as well as provide a sense of place, time and atmosphere for actors and audiences. Our Special Effects Modelmaking for Film and Television degree is designed to train the talented artists and craftspeople this highly creative industry needs. We focus on preparing you for a career as a skilled artisan, creating visually stunning pieces that help bring on-screen productions to life.

We offer an intensely practical education in special effects modelmaking. We’ll encourage you to experiment with materials and tools, and practice contemporary and long-established modelmaking techniques. We’ll support you as you learn the principles of scale representation and how to create bigatures. We’ll lead you in an exploration of how models and props can combine with 3D computer graphics to create spectacular on-screen environments.

This highly creative industry demands transferable skills too – communication, project and time management, team-working and entrepreneurship are all needed for success in this often freelance profession. We aim to support you to develop these attributes, alongside the imagination, flair and curiosity that will enable you to help make the unbelievable, believable.

Highlights

  • You don’t have to worry about the cost of the tools and materials needed to complete your studies – we provide these for you. This means you can concentrate on learning how to use expensive industry-standard materials, like silicones and resins, rather than worrying about how you are going to pay for them!
  • Neill Gorton, multi-award winning artist/designer and founder of the world-renowned Millennium FX Company, is our Visiting Professor of Special Effects. His astonishing range of professional experience, knowledge of cutting-edge techniques and industry contacts brings enormous benefits.
  • You’ll have your own personal bench space and locker in our dedicated special effects studio, providing a secure base for your studies. You’ll also have access to our fantastic range of facilities, including our casting and moulding room, boutique film studio, 3D workshop, heavy engineering and woodworking facilities, and composites laboratories.
  • We’re committed to helping develop your employability and career network. You’ll be encouraged to attend guest lectures that enhance your learning and help you make contacts in the industry. For instance, the modelmaking masters Artem have recently shared their expertise with students on our SVFX courses.
  • Alongside your special effects modelmaking skills and knowledge, we’ll support you to develop a broader understanding of production design, including concepting, cinematography and composition. This will help you appreciate the roles, skills and expectations of other professionals working in the industry.
  • We’ll encourage you to research, analyse, design and develop modelmaking techniques so that you can take an idea from a brief or script scene and find the most time-efficient, cost-effective and visually impressive way to turn that vision into reality.

    • Key Features

  • The course is designed in collaboration with professional special effects modelmaking designers and artists. This ensures that the content is industry-relevant and includes the latest techniques, materials and innovations.
  • We’ll help and support you to develop a portfolio of work/show reel that demonstrates your skills in readiness to impress potential employers.
  • Course assignments and projects mimic industry pipelines and standards so your experience is a realistic preparation for a career in special effects modelmaking.
  • Our dedicated staff team have a wide range of professional experience, industry knowledge, technical expertise and academic credentials, offering you a variety of perspectives and broadening your horizons.
  • We offer a warm and friendly environment for your studies, with relatively small class sizes, purpose-built teaching facilities, and excellent student support and library services.
  • We prefer to keep lecture and practical classes relatively small, so that you have plenty of opportunities to us ask questions and get individual help, as well as benefit from the ideas and support offered by your classmates.
  • By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.

    • Program Outline

    A graduate of this course will be able to demonstrate and combine creative skills with high levels of technical ability and will design, create and produce 3D scale models and miniatures for use on film and television productions.

    You will develop a range of practical hand skills and transferable skills such as utilising a range of different materials, sculpting and modelling techniques, using a range of tools and computer-assisted equipment, working with accuracy and attention to detail, developing ideas and concepts with others, team work, working to deadlines and project management. You will also develop an eye for detail, the ability to understand scale, patience and the ability to focus for long periods of time.

    What can I do with this qualification?

    Most modelmakers are self-employed and work on a project-by-project basis. Freelance modelmakers can progress by building up their businesses or by becoming agents for other modelmakers.

    Modelmakers create models that bring to life the ideas of production designers, props masters or the visual special effects team. Talented modelmakers are still very much in demand, even with the rise of CGI in film and TV special effects.

    Alternative career options

    As well as film and television, other clients who employ modelmakers include engineers, designers, architects, advertising companies and museums. Other career opportunities exist within:

  • Film production
  • Aviation
  • Motor industry
  • Civil engineering
  • Manufacturing
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Animation
  • Games design and production
  • Teaching
  • Product design
  • Arts management

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    University of Bolton

    University of Bolton: A Summary

    Overview:

    The University of Bolton is a public university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various subject areas. The university prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for its students.

    Services Offered:

    The university offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

      Student Support:

      Provides assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.

      Accommodation:

      Offers on-campus and off-campus housing options.

      Sport & Wellness:

      Provides access to sports facilities and wellness programs.

      Careers & Employability:

      Offers guidance and support for career development and job searching.

      Fees & Funding:

      Provides information on tuition fees and financial aid options.

      International Student Support:

      Offers specific services and resources for international students.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    The university emphasizes a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Students can expect:

      Supportive Tutors:

      Faculty members are known for their dedication to student success and individual attention.

      Active Student Union:

      The Bolton Students' Union provides a platform for student activities, social events, and representation.

      Vibrant Campus Life:

      The university offers a range of clubs, societies, and events to enhance the student experience.

      Access to Facilities:

      Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

      Supportive Learning Environment:

      The university fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.

      Focus on Employability:

      The university emphasizes career development and prepares students for the workforce.

      Diverse Range of Programs:

      Offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.

      Affordable Tuition:

      Provides competitive tuition fees and financial aid options.

    Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

      Accountancy & Business

      Apprenticeships

      Biomedical Sciences & Medical Biology

      Creative & Digital Arts, English & Creative Writing

      Computer Science

      Dance, Musical Theatre & Performance

      Dental Sciences

      Education, Early Years and Teacher Training

      Engineering, Motorsport and Construction

      Film FX, Film & TV Production

      Games

      Health and Social Work & Community and Youth

      Law & Crime and Criminal Justice

      Medical & Paramedic Sciences

      Nursing & Midwifery

      Psychology

      Physiotherapy & Sport Rehabilitation

      Pre-University Study

    Other:

    The university also offers:

      Research Programs:

      Opportunities for students to engage in research activities.

      Summer School:

      A program for students to gain academic credit during the summer.

      Open Days:

      Events for prospective students to visit the campus and learn more about the university.

      International Student Support:

      Dedicated resources and services for international students.

      Alumni Network:

      A network of former students who can provide support and guidance.

      Business Gateway:

      A service that provides support to businesses in the local area.

      Sustainability Initiatives:

      The university is committed to environmental sustainability.

    Total programs
    532
    Admission Requirements

  • 104 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications
  • Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant creative subjects are preferred.
  • You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
  • You'll be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of appropriate work. You'll be expected to present your work and demonstrate your experience. This will usually take the form of a portfolio of recent effects-related (or project-based) work. The quality of your portfolio will be judged alongside traditional UCAS point-bearing qualifications to determine the success of your application. Special consideration is given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio.
  • If 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.

    • Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

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