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Here you will find a list of model making courses, model making related courses, Art & Design Foundation courses and short courses.
Whilst we endeavour to keep all this information up to date, it is advised that you check the establishments website for current details of each course. If you come across any errors, please contact web@modelshop.co.uk
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Designated model making courses |
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Model Making related courses |
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Art & Design foundation course |
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Short courses in modelmaking |
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Society of British Theatre Designers Summer courses |
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The Arts University College at Bournemouth BA (Hons) Modelmaking for Design and Media The Course This specialist, innovative course is a European leader in the field of modelmaking. It sets out to be challenging, practical and demanding but also to provide a rich, rewarding, fun and vibrant experience. You will develop technical and aesthetic abilities, experiencing a wide variety of processes and materials in carrying out a range of challenging and interesting briefs - working both physically and digitally in three dimensions. Creative, analytical and interpretive thinking is continually encouraged throughout the course. Design methodology and critical analysis is promoted alongside visual and aesthetic judgement. You will be encouraged to develop an independent approach to learning, designing and problem solving. The course prides itself on its learning and teaching approaches and has a strong team of ex-industry professionals which is further supplemented by visiting industrial specialists. The course has strong links within the creative industries and graduates are in high demand. Importance is placed on the promotion of students, strengthened by links with former graduates and industry contacts. The course values work experience enormously and students are encouraged to carry this out with significant companies at home and abroad. Live projects and interdepartmental assignments with other courses, such as Animation, are encouraged. You will also have the opportunity of attending annual overseas trips to galleries and industrial venues in destinations such as New York, Prague and Rome. These cultural and historical insights provide an appropriate critical basis for understanding and contextualization. The role of modelmaking is rapidly changing and increasingly modelmakers are required to take responsibility for project management in broad areas of media production, architectural interpretation and exhibition design. The course reflects this change, providing graduates with the necessary skills to be able to take on the demands that contemporary industry presents. What We Look For This course aims to develop highly skilled, insightful and creative graduates and students will need to show creativity, passion and enthusiasm towards a modelmaking career. You will be able to demonstrate three-dimensional ability, observational drawing skills, curiosity and problem-solving skills, theoretical understanding and a real interest in design. Interviews and Portfolios Interviews are an opportunity for you to demonstrate to us your self-motivation and commitment to your area of study. We will be particularly interested in exploring how you have responded to a given brief from your school or college. We will expect to see written as well as contextual work, with samples of three dimensional pieces you have produced (ideally the pieces themselves or a photographic record of them).We would also like to see sketchbooks which demonstrate thinking and curiosity, and some observational drawing. If you can provide samples of work which you have produced outside of your studies this will also help reinforce your portfolio. The course units are designed to enable you to gain numerous creative, technical, digital, visual and intellectual experiences and to develop and explore your newly acquired skills with an emphasis on a hands-on approach. You will be introduced to creative making, technical processes, material manipulation, mould making, finishing techniques, digital modelling, designing, problem solving and aesthetic understanding. Practice is always underpinned by theory. Year 1: Year 2: Year 3: Resources Every student gets their own workspace, which is important for personal development and a sense of 'place'. The spirit of community here is strong - as is our active studio culture. Students will work predominantly in the studio base room environment, but will also use the well-resourced 3D workshops to produce outcomes, realisations and solutions to support their studio work. There is a computer suite located within the base studio with the aim of encouraging students to integrate digital understanding and outcomes into their processes. Developing your Skills You will enhance and develop your creative, visual, manipulative, interpretive and technical skills. Not only will you acquire these valuable talents but also other peripheral skills such as team working, communication and time management. Future Careers and Graduate Success Graduates may find themselves working on major Hollywood films or at internationally celebrated design companies and studios; they are highly sought after and enjoy ascendant careers in many different creative and commercial fields. Previous graduates have gone on to work in architecture, animation, film, product design and museums, for companies such as Foster and Partners Architects, Richard Rogers Partnership, Aardman Animation, Dyson and Hot Animation. They have worked on such films as Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Harry Potter series. Course Details Mode of Study: Full-time Course Course Leader Paul Johnson Contact Courses Office Tel: 01202 363 228 This course is affiliated to the Bournemouth Skillset Screen & Media Academy Web sites: |
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University of Hertfordshire Contacts Scheme Tutor: Ian Mitchell Examples of coursework The Model and Special Effects programme holds within it three degree awards, each award seeking to address a specific but not isolated area of the creative media industries: BA (Hons) Special Effects (SFX) - the design and creation of mechanical effects requiring animatronic and puppeteered mechanisms as well as physical effects, which involve atmospherics or pyrotechnics. The programme aims to produce practitioners with excellent creative, conceptual and technical expertise suitable for employment in the creative media industries. It does this by providing an opportunity to combine design creativity with the craft skills required by the wide spectrum of SFX practices, ranging from the highly accurate engineering approach of the product modeller, to the imaginative and inventive solutions of visual effects designers in advertising, film and TV. The programme is built upon a world-class reputation for producing professional model designers for all areas of the media industry and has achieved this through cultivating extensive links with leading companies in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia. Work placements are a major feature of the programme with the majority of students undertaking a substantial period of work experience, up to a maximum 3 months, during their second year. Students on the three degree pathways work alongside each other in one large studio space. This arrangement supports the first year of study in which all students study a common set of level 1 modules centred on three main approaches to model, special effects and character design, as follows; design as representation, as communication and as interpretation. This enables students to experience a broad range of areas within the discipline and recognise their individual needs and strengths, providing a platform for their specialist study in the second year.In addition to acquiring a comprehensive range of traditional drawing and making skills students are provided with opportunities to develop highly technical and state of the art skills, in both 2D and 3D computer software, enabling students to output their work to 3D printing, CNC machining and laser cutting machines. Practice-based studies are partnered by Critical and Cultural Studies modules which explore the cultural and professional context surrounding the students' work, including, for example, contemporary film, architecture and product design. This helps students to make informed choices about their work, its position in the world of professional practice and its future direction. During the second year of study, students take specialist modules tailored to their chosen degree subject: During their third year, the student chooses to specialize in an aspect of their chosen discipline for their Major degree module. This, together with their other level 3 coursework and the Portfolio Project, enables the student to construct a portfolio demonstrating a breadth of application as well as the particular focus of their interest within their chosen field of study. As graduates they will have an understanding of their chosen discipline, be informed about the realities of the professional world and will be professionally adaptable. Graduates are thereby equipped to compete on a national and international level for the positions that will provide their desired career. In conclusion, the programme produces graduates capable of working professionally in the fields of special effects, model design, character creation and technical effects. Career prospects are wide ranging and include opportunities in film and television, the event, theatre and entertainment industries, in exhibit and museum design, fine art installations, animatronics and automata, to name just a few. For those who choose not to remain in this field, the skills and attributes developed by the programme provide them with opportunities to move sideways into management or to progress to postgraduate study e.g. more advanced computer modelling applications or related areas such as advertising, art direction or set design. |
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Tel: 01634 830022 BA (Hons) Degree in Modelmaking Contact: Course Duration: 3 years full-time Location: Rochester UCAS Course Code Course Details: Modelmaking plays a vital role in architecture, product development and the media by providing an essential visual link between the designer and production. In the first year you will be introduced to the materials and processes used within the modelmaking industry and receive tuition on Architecture, Product Development and Special Effects, the main industry specialisms. Field trips during the first year include a visit to a European city, which will place your studies in a wider cultural context. In the final year the experience and knowledge gained in the first two years are applied to specialist projects of your choice. Your main studies are enhanced with design, culture and theory units, with digital modelmaking a key element at all stages of the course. You will learn 2D digital drawing and image skills, which leads to 3D digital models and animation. You will discover how traditional techniques interact with digital technology and the importance of new methods of manufacture using computer data. Project commissions come from Norman Foster and Partners, RHWL architects and local concerns, such as Adam Rouilly and SEEDA. Recent successes have included graduate work exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Maidstone TV Studios and the Thames Gateway Unit, Docklands, hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister's office. Where could it lead? Many graduates progress to a professional career working in-house with a design practice or with modelmaking companies with expertise in the areas of architecture, film and TV special effects, stills advertising or creating museum exhibits. Alternatively you can study for a Masters degree or take a postgraduate course in teaching.Recent graduates are working for Norman Foster and Partners, the Natural History Museum, working on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film or set building for TV productions. Entry Requirements
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Sunderland University UCAS code: W260 / E260 BA Modelmaking and Design Introduction to the Programme On this degree, you will study :
and you will develop creative skills, aesthetic judgment and an understanding of model making in a cultural context. This programme examines all aspects of creative model making utilising traditional, craft-based, machine and hand skills as well as up-to-date computer-based visualisation and virtual model making techniques. A variety of specialist modules allow students to explore their own creativity whilst learning the fundamental processes and skills necessary to become a professional in this wide-ranging industry through the production of representative, interpretive and inventive models. Main Staff who contribute to this programme Sean Robinson (Programme Leader) Entry Requirements In the design industry, your portfolio speaks as loud as your qualifications. We are looking for creative potential, and so we interview applicants to view your portfolio of work. Your portfolio should show examples of your drawing skills (including life drawing if possible), as well as examples of how you have creatively solved design problems or design briefs in past projects. These may be live projects if you are entering from the world of work, or past college projects. We are more interested in how you approach a problem and solve it, than professionally finished designs at this stage. In some circumstances you may be considered for direct entry to level two of the programme, depending on your experience and portfolio, Procedures also exist for the accreditation of prior learning. Standard University entry requirements apply, although our approach to entry is based mainly around your portfolio. Applications are through UCAS. Main Contacts ADMISSIONS TUTOR E-mail PROGRAMME LEADER E-mail |
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Rycotewood College telephone 01844 212501 Course code: B15 / B16 HND Design (Modelmaking) Course Resume The course aims to produce multi-skilled model makers capable of working with a broad range of materials and processes within the industry. The skills developed will enable the students to articulate both existing and national thoughts into a dimensional state of being. Introduction/Subject Area The course covers the vocational, theorectical and practical areas of study necessary to prepare students for employment in the industry. This includes product model making, architectural modelmaking, animatronics, special effects, professional practice, CAD, contextual studies and visual studies. Course Content The course enables you to use a wide variety of materials and processes. The projects aim to reflect the continuous commitment need to achieve professional standards. A wide variety of materials and processes are employed including: latex, foaming latex, expanding polystyrene, jelflex, resin, dental alginate, vacuum forming, plus a wide variety of hard materials such as wood and metal. The course is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, demonstrations, critiques, workshop practice, self directed study and tutorials. Students' contextual awareness is developed through the study of theory, business and the history of design. Technical drawing, visual studies, CAD and information technology units enables students to develop the communication skills necessary for employment within the design industry. At the end of the first year students are encouraged to participate in work experience activity. Assessment The course is continuously assessed through a range of projects, assessments and presentations. Progression/Career Opportunities On completion of the course many students progress to employment, self employment or further study at degree level. Entry Requirements Any of the following qualifications: 2 A levels application through UCAS |
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Wimbledon School of Art BA (Hons) Technical Arts & Special Effects Introduction to the course The course introduces the major technical areas of fabrication for theatre, film and television: model making, prop making, modelling in clay, mould making and casting using fibreglass, silicon, vynamould and plaster, scene painting, scenic construction, metal and wood work. A core discipline of modelling from life has developed and many students choose to develop their visual perception and technical skills through careful study of the human form, working in clay in many different scales and testing several methods of mould making and casting during the course. The course aims to facilitate each student’s creative and intellectual development in an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement between students and staff. A committed student centred approach to teaching and learning ensures that the students’ self motivation and sense of personal responsibility for their work is promoted as well as their understanding of, and sensitivity to, the design work of others through collaborative activities. Course structure During the first and second years, through a series of personal projects and collaborations, often with professional designers/companies, students are able to deepen and clarify their particular ambitions. Work experience can be offered where this would be a useful learning experience for the student. Recognising and valuing the evolving needs of both its students and professional practice, the course responds enthusiastically to the diverse forms of expression, which continually emerge and which are often outside the traditional territories of theatre, film or television. The course actively encourages the investigation and use of new technologies and the School’s Learning Resources Centre facilities are well equipped to meet what is a growing demand. All Technical Arts students are encouraged to develop personal websites and their portfolios on CD by the time they graduate. Further Opportunities: Visits are arranged to theatres, film and television studios during the course to strengthen students’ awareness and appreciation of professional realities and opportunities. The course encourages students to form and follow up work opportunities within all fields of current professional practices in related media. These connections often continue after the course, leading to professional employment and the formation of new associations and companies. There are strong links with existing institutions and companies, both in England and abroad. Many graduates from the course are now pursuing successful careers as special effects technicians in the film industry. Application requirements Typical Entry Requirements: Candidates will normally have satisfactorily completed a Foundation Course or equivalent. In certain circumstances AVCE and BTEC ND qualifications maybe considered. A Typical Portfolio Should Contain: Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive portfolio of work; this should contain drawings and sketchbooks and a variety of personal work as well as evidence of Foundation study projects or their equivalent, where applicable. In addition, a special project may be set by the school to be presented at interview. |
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Glasgow Metropolitain College Course leader: Eddie Carr 0141 566 6222, Ext. 4188 National Certificate in Modelmaking Design Course Profile Modelmaking involves the production of a three dimensional model from a range of sources including photographs, sketches and artifacts. It provides an essential visual link between the designer and manufacturer in industries such as television, film, architectural engineering, design and advertising. The course is delivered in a modern studio with the use of a newly created, dedicated workshop. Subjects studied include: Architectural, Exhibition, Interior and Product Modelmaking; Spatial Design; Product Design; Computer Aided Design; Drawing Skills; Display Prop Construction; Technical Illustration; Two Dimensional Design. Progression Opportunities Study Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Modelmaking or Higher National Diploma in other design related courses. Entry Requirements There are no formal entry qualifications, although it would be advantageous to be interested in Art, Graphic Communication and/or Craft and Design. Applications are welcome from mature students. Most college courses include some reading, writing and basic number work. Support may be available for students experiencing difficulties in this area. For further information, please contact the course tutor. Duration One year. Location North Hanover Street Campus. |
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Glasgow Metropolitain College Course leader: Eddie Carr 0141 566 6222, Ext. 4188 MODELMAKING: 3D DESIGN HNC/D Course Profile HNC/D Modelmaking develops and builds upon the technical and theoretical aspects of modelmaking covered on the NC, allowing the student to develop the skills and techniques required by the professional modelmaker. The course is delivered in a modern studio with the use of a newly created, dedicated workshop. Subjects studied include: Year 1: Computer Aided Design; Materials & Process; Practical Communications; Drawing Techniques; Modelmaking-Interior Design; Simulated Practice Project to Realisation; 3D Construction Skills. Year 2: Modelmaking-Restoration Project; Drawing Freehand; Prop-making techniques; Prop-making Project; Modelmaking-Architectural technical practices; Modelmaking- Heritage/Museum; Small Business Operation; Prototypes, Project-Simulated Commission. Progression Opportunities Careers Employment in modelmaking firm; self employment. Study Degree level studies. Entry Requirements (a) A National Certificate or similar qualification. Duration Two years (with the option to exit after one year with a Higher National Certificate). Location North Hanover Street Campus. |
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Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT) Duration: 3 years (full time) BA in Model Making and Design for Film and Television This programme is designed to provide a broad education in specialised 3D studies and to encourage development of artistic awareness, and equip the student with the creative and technical knowledge required for a successful career in the entertainment, media, cultural and allied industries. Through lectures and project work, students achieve the required standard, acquire the relevant experience and assemble a portfolio of work to approach employers in the business. The programme is 80% practical and 20% academic. Indicative subjects on the programme will include the following: Architectural model making skills, figure drawing and modelling in clay and plasticine, mechanical and engineering studies, computer modelling and special effects, and academic studies that cover areas such as the history of film, special effects and theatre. Graduates from the course will be capable of working in a variety of different Modelmaking areas such as TV/Video and film industry, theatre, museums, interpretative centres and architectural and design practices. |
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A 5-day intensive course led by David Neat. July 26-30, 2010, Deptford, SE London It is assumed that those interested will already have the basics, but want to extend their repertoire of techniques and understanding of different materials. It is aimed at practitioners in a variety of disciplines. David Neat is a professional modelmaker with 23 years experience in theatre, film, 3D design, architecture and exhibitions. He is a Motley graduate, a practicing sculptor, and Associate Lecturer at Wimbledon College of Art, also Visiting Lecturer at Rose Bruford College, Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. His new book 'Model-making: Materials and Methods', an instructional guidebook through the materials and processes of modelmaking, was published in 2008. His emphasis in these workshops is on accessible techniques of building, modelling, surfacing and finishing which are largely common to all the above disciplines, and relevant both to designers and makers. Each session will offer a wealth of information, supported by specially prepared examples and clarified through demonstrations and practical exercises. Areas covered include: -
Many materials are covered, while both traditional and new techniques are explored. Another emphasis is the reliance on simple tools rather than complicated or expensive machinery. All materials for the practical exercises are included within the price. Participants must however bring their own essential equipment (such as scale-rule, scalpel, cutting mat and soldering iron). A complete list will be forwarded prior to the begin. Each individual will also bring with them their own varied knowledge and talent, making this a valuable opportunity to discuss and compare personal experience. Whether you are a theatre designer wishing to make better, more convincing models; a stop-motion puppet animator searching for the right environment, or an interior designer aiming for the right presentation - this course will help you on the way. The cost for the course per person will be £220. Email… davneat@aol.com or phone David Neat on 07989 474786 for more information |
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'Modelling, Mouldmaking and Casting' 16th - 20th August 2010, Deptford SE8 The course is designed for sculptors, model-makers, prop/puppet-makers, jewellery-makers or anyone wishing to model and reproduce small forms. The programme can accommodate either those with little prior experience or those with a hobby interest, through to those with experience of making or who have specific professional requirements. It is an ideal introduction for anyone thinking of model/prop-making, animation or special effects as a profession and also for sculptors wishing to learn the basics of various casting techniques. The course begins by looking at various methods of form-making using a soft clay. The principal material we will be working with is the polymer clay Super Sculpey (a standard design industry material) but other clays are considered. Specific exercises throughout the course can be chosen from a number of options to cater for individual needs but methods will include, for example: making armatures, support blocks and templates to assist modelling; impression forming using special tools; modelling heads and hands for figures or puppets (optional); methods of surface texturing while soft; carving or machining once hardened. The second day deals with methods of shaping rigid foams (such as styrofoam and polyurethanes) to achieve a variety of standard shapes and utilising 'found' forms to assemble a temporary prototype for casting. Once various prototypes have been completed using these methods the course turns to the different means of making moulds from them and casting in different materials. Options include: mouldmaking using silicone rubbers, Gelflex/Vinamold, Alginate, plaster and latex; casting in polyurethane or polyester resin, glass fibre lamination, casting plaster and latex; using fillers or additions to resin; press-casting in polymer clay and Polymorph; casting in low-melt metals and metallic 'cold casting'. Throughout the course work will be photographed to provide participants with a complete record of making processes and results. Guidance will at the same time be given on photographing artwork/objects for portfolio presentation. By the end of the course participants will have learned how to make and have their own finished examples of: prototype models in baked Sculpey ranging from shallow relief to full 3D; prototype shapes in carved/sanded foam; 1-part flat moulds in silicone rubber, Gelflex, latex, plaster; 2-part 3D moulds in silicone with plaster or fibreglass support; castings in polyurethane resin, polyester resin, casting plaster, press-moulded Sculpey and Polymorph, latex etc. Although a full programme of exercises is planned, it may be possible to accommodate those who already have their own modelling/casting project in mind and wish to work independently. Suggestions for additions to the programme are also welcome. The course is full-time over 5 days (Monday-Friday) starting at 10.30 and finishing at 5.30 each day. The cost per person is £400 and all practical materials are included in this price (though this may differ for independent work). A maximum of 14 people can be accommodated. David Neat has more than 25 years experience as a sculptor, model-maker and specialist tutor/lecturer at many of the leading art/design colleges. His other short courses in model-making are much in demand. He is author of the book Model-making: Materials and Methods, published in 2008 and fast becoming a teaching standard. Astrid Baerndal has 18 years experience as a visual artist (mixed media), designer and photographer, has been a visiting lecturer at Universität Lüneburg, Germany and course leader in her own studio. As photographer she has specialised in photographing small objects and models, and is photographer for the book Model-making: Materials and Methods Contact davneat@aol.com for further information. |
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Society of British Theatre Designers Summer Short Courses 2010 The SBTD are offering a number of courses over the Summer. They are located at Rose Bruford College in SE London, and are also open to non-SBTD members. If you are interested in any of the courses, email admin@theatredesign.org.uk putting “SBTD SHORT COURSES” in the subject line. |
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| Course | Description/Level | Duration |
| 3DS Max | Beginner Level You will learn how to effectively use 3DS Max to create CG visuals of your designs. • Intro • Modelling • Textures • Lighting • Rendering |
4 Days
05.07.10 10 – 4 pm |
| Photography & Photoshop | Focusing on all aspects of portfolio |
3 days
tbc
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| Painted Illusion | Painted Illusion, using Trompe l’oeil and perspective. This short course is a chance to re-visit this often witty traditional craft exploring past examples and creating new and original ones. | Early September 3 days |
| Auto CAD | This brief intensive course is aimed at beginners and is designed to take away the fear of AutoCAD and serve as a platform from which to begin computer aided 2d drafting.
The first two days would suit all busy theatre professionals – designers, production managers, project managers and stage managers; those who do not necessarily feel the need to draw in AutoCAD but have to use or work with AutoCAD drawings drawn by others. |
2 days 31st August 1st September OR 7th September 8th September |
| Auto Cad | The following two days will introduce further drawing and modification techniques with drawing exercises, enabling the new AutoCAD user to produce finished original 2d drawings. | 2 days 2nd September 3rd September OR 9th September 10th September |
| Website Day | A day of seminars and clinics about setting up and maintaining your own website. | 1 day tbc |
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Further information: www.theatredesign.org.uk
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