BA (Hons) Model Design and Special Effects

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Model Design and Special Effects program at the University of Hertfordshire prepares students for careers in the creative industries. It emphasizes the integration of artistic and technical skills, and provides hands-on experience in design, fabrication, and special effects. The program offers a sandwich year placement, industry collaboration opportunities, and access to advanced facilities. Graduates have pursued careers in film, television, museums, and design companies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Model Design and Special Effects program at the University of Hertfordshire is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in the creative industries, particularly in the fields of model design and special effects. The program emphasizes the integration of artistic and technical talents, preparing students for roles in film, television, museums, and other creative endeavors.

Outline:

Year 1

• Scale and Structure: Introduces design conventions, materials, fabrication, technical machines, and practical hand-making skills.
• Shape and Form: Provides experience in designing and constructing models for communication purposes, further developing workshop equipment and making techniques.
• Design and Fabrication: Builds on previous projects, incorporating ideas related to the perception of work in historical contexts and its potential applications in the creative industries.
• The Model in Mind: histories, contexts, theories (C&CS): Examines the use of models as cultural objects and their role in communication processes, exploring key ideas and theories of communication and meaning.

Year 2

• Design Process and Realisation: Enables students to develop a broader knowledge base and implement a higher level of design and making skill through the exploration of a larger sphere of materials and techniques.
• Talking Models: the theory of practice (C&CS): Further develops knowledge and understanding of the historical and contemporary uses of models in their full range of applications, allowing students to identify their own areas of critical interest.
• Turbo A: Highly focused one- or two-week projects involving concentrated periods of intensive making or learning, designed to develop students' explorative approach to materials and processes against a realistic timeframe.
• Turbo B: Similar to Turbo A, but introduces a range of more complex technical skills and materials.
• Model Design and Special Effects Contextualised Model: Students generate their own brief for a Model Design and Special Effects project with a particular emphasis on the professional context, also emphasizing appropriate professional behavior in the workplace.

Year 3

• Sandwich Year (Creative Arts): Optional placement year between levels 5 and 6, providing students with the opportunity to gain professional work experience in a commercial, public, or not-for-profit setting related to the creative and cultural industries.

Assessment:

The assessment methods used in the program include:

• Coursework assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Exams

Teaching:

The program is taught by industry experts with experience in various areas, including product design, sculpting, moulding and casting, digital processes, and more. The teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Demonstrations
• Tutorials
• Project supervision

Careers:

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a range of industries, including:

• Film and television
• Museums and exhibits
• Design companies
• Architecture

Other:

• The program offers opportunities for students to collaborate with peers and industry professionals.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a large atelier-style studio, a sculpture studio with facilities for resins and composite mould making, and a machine shop.
• The program's prime location in Hertfordshire provides students with close proximity to major film studios and design and architecture studios in London.

• UK students:
Full time: £9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
• EU students:
Full time: £15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
• International students:
Full time: £15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year