Overview

Course Structure

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, manufacturing, problem solving and aesthetic understanding. Practice is always under-pinned by theory.

Level One provides an introduction to the basic fundamental creative, technical, visual and intellectual skills and knowledge that you will need to build a successful career as a modelmaker. This is combined with an exploration of design ideas, critical thinking visualisation skills and interpretation. Specialist demonstrations, practical studio and workshop sessions are also undertaken.

Level Two builds on the development of skills, knowledge and understanding started in Level One, and encourages students to develop as creative intelligent makers. You will explore models as devices for explaining ideas, representation and interpretation of design and further your understanding of the demands of modelmaking in architecture, advertising, media production, exhibition, communication and interactive museum design. Within this year, professional practice is introduced and work experience is encouraged and the commercial design industry explored. Team working is promoted through various projects- imitating the team ethos of the commercial world.

Level Three will see you undertaking more in-depth and complex studio projects and you will also carry out a major theoretical piece of research. You will be encouraged to carry out a ‘live’ or simulated project, working to a client-led brief from the creative industries which must succeed within the constraints and expectations of this commercial world. Your final major project is designed to promote your professional intent, direction, creativity, individuality and strength in your specialist area. You will also learn about the professional practice aspects of the profession and experience business practice. Level 3 culminates in a show in London where you have a chance to meet employers.

Life After Graduation

There are a wide range of careers option open to our graduates a few of the most common pathways are listed below:

Architecture, Film, TV, Advertising, Animation, Product Design, Prototyping, Automotive, Marine, Theatre Production, Teaching; Set design and construction; Museum, Heritage and Exhibition, Interactive design and manufacture. Some of our graduates have gone on to further study Teacher Training (PGCE) and Masters in Digital Animation and Modeling or moved directly into digital modeling for games, media, product, architecture and exhibition.

New Blades (Our London Gradate Show)

We have a graduate show in London every year specifically for industry professionals to sample the current years work. Professionals from all fields of modelmaking attend the private view and graduates are often invited to visit workshops the following day. This event has proven to be highly successful and a key part in our graduates next step into employment.