Courses
Here you will find a list of full time and short model making courses and Art & Design Foundation 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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Full time model making courses | |
Art & Design foundation courses | |
Short courses in modelmaking |
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The Arts University College at Bournemouth Course Leader: Paul Johnson 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. This course is affiliated to the Bournemouth Skillset Screen & Media Academy |
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University of Hertfordshire Scheme Tutor: Ian Mitchell BA (Hons) Special Effects (SFX)
About the course Only course of its kind in the UK – possibly the world, as nowhere else has three interrelated degrees like this working alongside each other with access to such outstanding staff and facilities. The full time staff are all leading experts in their field with extensive industry experience & all the visiting lecturers are professionals currently working in the Film & TV industry. Work experience is an integral part of the programme – you can spend up to half the second year working in industry with companies such as Artem, Asylum Models & Effects, Hothouse Models & Effects, Machine Shop Special Effects and internationally renowned companies such as Seymour Powell design consultants, the architects Foster and Partners and the Richard Rogers Partnership. Work as a team with students on Special Effects or Character Creation and Technical Effects to make ambitious projects that simulate working practices in the Film & TV industry.
Learn practical making skills as well as using cutting edge new technologies in computer aided design and manufacture. Understand how to use computer software for achieving post-production effects |
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University of Bolton Programme Leader: Simon Wiggins BSc & BDes (Hons) Special Effects Development Course overview These courses are designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing special effects industry. The focus of the BSc route is CGI, video post production and managerial studies, while the BDes route concentrates on media, physical model effects and character prosthetic production. Topics covered include character motion and dynamics, visualisation techniques, visual content creation, video effects production, special effects model making, character modelling and ‘bigature’ model making, and the business issues of digital media. Additional optional modules cover make-up, the history of visual effects, animatronics and pyrotechnics. You will gain experience in teamwork and project management through multi-year projects and will be expected to develop a portfolio of work. As a student on the BSc or BDes pathway you will have the opportunity to undertake a European study tour/conference. Supporting facilities include a purpose-built design studio with 3D scanners and rapid prototyping equipment, a digital media studio, high definition production facilities, infinity curve and dedicated special effects modelling workshops. For further information and examples of student work please visit the course showcase on the web at www.bolton.ac.uk/sfx |
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Wimbledon School of Art BA (Hons) Technical Arts & Special Effects Theatre And Screen - Technical Arts & Special Effects is a unique 'arts' course which teaches a wide range of technical skills. You will become familiar with the technologies currently used in making three-dimensional artifacts, models, sculpture, prosthetic make-up, creature-costume and puppets for film, TV, theatre, and exhibition. You can also take options in animation and computer generated imagery (CGI). The course, which is taught through a series of integrated and self-generated projects, begins with a Collaborative Set Design Project between students from Technical Arts and Special Effects and those from Set Design for Stage and Screen. As you progress through the course you will work with academics to devise your own programme of study tailored to your ambitions, enabling you to use your imaginative and technical potential to the full. Key Facts Our workshops offer access to outstanding, industry-standard facilities. Focused periods of work experience with production companies are possible at the end of the first and second years. Technical Arts and Special Effects has an industry focus and an ongoing relationship with Madame Tussauds and The National Film and Television School. We also have strong links with Aardman Animations where graduates have gained both work experience and employment. |
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City of Glasgow College Course leader: Gordon Kydd HND 3D Design: Model Making for the Creative Industries About This Course This course gives you a nationally recognised qualification in model making. You'll develop projects from research to complete prototype model, using initial concepts, sketch designs and sketch models, as well as presentation artwork to support your finished model. As part of the course students have worked with live clients in London and made industrial visits in the UK and Europe to London, Liverpool, Manchester and Barcelona and other centres. You'll learn a variety of traditional hand skills as well as the use of industry standard technology. The aim is to prepare you for employment or further study in the area of your choice.
National Certificate Model Making for TV and Film About This Course TV and film are using model making more and more. There are specific units for prop making, prosthetic production and animation effects. Model making is a growing, multi-disciplined industry with career paths leading into all areas of the creative industry. You'll study towards a nationally recognised qualification in model making. You'll develop projects from research to complete prototype model, using initial concepts, sketch designs and sketch models, as well as presentation artwork to support your finished model. We teach you a variety of traditional hand skills, as well as the use of industry standard technology. This prepares you for employment or further study in the area of your choice. Like all NC courses, this model-making course includes 12 credits - these form the SQA National Certificate Art and Design Award. However, you also study three specialist subjects to develop your skills and creativity in model making for TV and film.
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Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT) website
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. 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 £300 (£250 concessional). Email… davneat@aol.com or phone David Neat on 07989 474786 for more information |
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'Modelling, Mouldmaking and Casting' Next course: March 12th - 16th A 5-day practical course designed for sculptors, model-makers, prop/puppet-makers or anyone wishing to model and reproduce small forms. It can cater both for beginners with little prior experience or those with specific professional aims. Led by David Neat and Astrid Baerndal at: MakeBelieve Arts The next course date will appear here & on our Twitter account when announced. Participants are asked to bring at least two small objects for casting with them, one fully 3D (for 2-part mouldmaking) and the other a simpler one-sided form. It may also be possible to accommodate those who have their own modelling/casting project in mind and wish to work partly independently (we need to discuss this far enough in advance). We begin by preparing the 3D object for mouldmaking in silicone and the stages for this are followed over the first three days, culminating in making either hollow or solid castings in resin or casting plaster, according to personal choice or the nature of the form. During this time we also look at various methods of modelling using a soft clay, including the use of armatures, formers and texturing tools. Participants are guided through modelling an additional relief form in polymer clay suitable for hot-melt vinyl moulding, which takes place on the second day. The third day also deals with methods of shaping rigid foams (such as styrofoam and polyurethanes) to achieve a variety of shapes, before going on to produce 1-piece moulds for the one-sided forms. Once these are ready the course turns to the various techniques of casting using different materials; including special-effects silicones (suitable for animation puppets), plaster, latex, polyurethane and polyester resins, Sculpey and Polymorph. Particular attention is given to the range of colourants, fillers and additives for plasters and resins which extend the possibilities even further. Both simple 1-part and 3D 2-part mouldmaking, and 'skin', block or split moulds will be covered throughout the course. We will also be demonstrating alginate, metallic 'cold casting' and absorption casting using latex, clay slip or papier maché. A new addition to the course is the consideration of 'afterwork' and painting/finishing i.e. making repairs to plaster or resin casts and options for painting or patination. Throughout the course participants are assisted in photographing their work to provide a complete record of making processes and results. Guidance will at the same time be given on photographing artwork/objects for portfolio presentation. The course is full-time, Monday to Friday, starting at 10.30 and finishing at 5.30 each day. The cost per person is £400 and all practical materials (and an extensive, illustrated instructional CD) are included. Places are limited to 14 per course. 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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A 10 week course led by Billy Dickinson 12th January 2012 - 15th March 2012 Central Saint Martins This course gives an advanced understanding of Architectural Model Making. Partly based in the wood workshop at Central Saint Martins this course aims to provide you with a deeper understanding of the requirements of being a model maker. Through practical methods you will identify and explore the process of producing a model. You will identify a scheme to explore, and through a process of discussion and investigation work out a concept for a model. This will include not only the subject but also the many variables involved such as scale, purpose, materiality, level of detail and abstraction, and a feasibility study in relation to time frames and costs. Then, through practical workshop techniques, you will aim to produce the project. The core content of practical techniques will give you a solid grounding in many aspects of model construction covering a wide range of materials, processes, machine use and, where applicable, laser cutting and CAD drawing will be outlined and guidance given to achieve the desired result. This course is workshop based and, after an initial induction, you will be supported and aided in the design and the finishing of a scale model good enough for any model makers portfolio. |
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Architectural Model Making – Beginners and Advanced courses 10 week courses and 1 week intensive classes, led by Adriana Filosek Nottingham Trent University Course dates and further information
Beginners There is something very special about little buildings - something both fascinating and beautiful. Architectural models are the best way of communicating 3D ideas. Model building teaches you fine technical skills that are easily transferable to other disciplines, and helps you understand design and visualise space. This practical course will help you to understand how to scale down, read technical drawings and find solutions to some of the challenges of model making. Classic model making tips and techniques such as skillful scalpel use, correct material choice, accurate measuring and cutting, gluing, sculpting, vacuum forming and spray painting will all be included.
Advanced There is an increasing pressure on architecture professionals to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge. More and more architecture practices rely on their own model making capabilities instead of outsourcing the work. This course is designed for people who have some experience in model building including architects, engineers, teachers or design graduates, or those who have completed the Architectural Model Making for Beginners course. It is practical and in addition to the making activities you will need to be able to read technical drawings, scale down and find solutions to the challenges that model making can create. Advanced model making techniques like laser cutting, landscaping, vacuum forming, detailing, multi-coloured spray painting and time management will be taught. |
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