Modelmaking and Creature Effects (Hons) University of Greater Manchester

Overview

The Modelmaking and Creature Effects (Hons) at University of Greater Manchester is ideal if you aspire to master the craft of creating breathtaking models and lifelike creature effects for film and television. The expert team offers a unique blend of traditional creature effects and modelmaking techniques and modern technology, including digital design, 3D printing, and animatronics.

Throughout the course, practical skills development is emphasised. You'll learn to sculpt, mould, and fabricate models and creature designs using both hands-on and digital methods. You'll gain experience in workshop environments that replicate professional industry settings.

Career Opportunities

Television shows, films, digital content, live events and theatre productions all rely on the magic of modelmaking and creature effects to enhance their storytelling. The BA (Hons) Modelmaking and Creature Effects course is ideal if you wish to combine design creativity, physical model-making skills, cutting-edge digital technology, and prototyping to create models and creature effects for any of these platforms.

This programme also develops transferable skills such as communication, project and time management, teamwork, and entrepreneurship, which are all needed for success in any profession. We aim to support you in developing these attributes alongside the imagination, flair, and curiosity that will enable you to help make the unbelievable believable.

As a graduate of the BA (Hons) Modelmaking and Creature Effects course, you’ll be in a prime position to demonstrate and combine creative skills with high levels of technical ability.

This qualification opens up a broad spectrum of career opportunities in film and television and the wider creative industries. For instance, you could find opportunities to create exhibits or displays for museums, effects-based products like prosthetics, costumes, or props, or engage in various careers that require a blend of creativity and technical proficiency.

In addition to film and television companies, other clients who employ modelmakers include engineers, designers, architects, advertising companies and museums.

You can also use this qualification as a stepping-stone into various other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or further study. Some possibilities include the following:

• Theatre and live events
• Advertising and marketing, including retail
• Animation
• Product design
• Teaching
• Manufacturing
• Games design and production
• Museums and galleries
• Medical prosthetics and manufacture
• Architectural modelmaking