Course summary
Launch your model/prop making career with our specialist course. This unique and exciting one year full-time practical Postgraduate Diploma course aims to equip you with the skills and experience necessary to enhance your career in the field of professional model and prop making for the feature film, TV, and animation Industries. This is the only UK-based model making course located in a dedicated film studio environment. It has been designed to replicate Industry practices in model and prop making. On the course, you’ll be studying in a fully-equipped workshop/studio environment. You will create work individually and collaboratively, and spend time working with students from other specialisms, such as Directing Animation, Visual Effects, Production Design, and Cinematography to make several films and practical projects throughout the year. Our tutors are well connected in the industry and have strong relationships with leading animation, prop making, and live action companies. In previous years, our students have gained work experience at companies such as Mackinnon and Saunders, Aardman, BGI Supplies, Arch Model Studios, and Warner Brothers. Although placements are not guaranteed, we are confident that these relationships will continue into the future. Course graduates are now successfully building their careers on feature film, animation, theatre, and TV commercial projects. Course Facilities You will have access to a dedicated workshop which includes everything necessary to introduce you to the world of model and prop making. Examples of machine tools include: table saw, wall saw, bandsaw, chop saw, sanders, pillar drill, laser cutter, hand tools, 3D printing technology, lathes, and resin room for moulding and casting. You will also have access to two student bases where you will have a dedicated work area.
Modules
This is a highly creative course, comprising of challenging modules, workshops, and tutorials. During the course, you will work individually, but also spend valuable time collaborating with your fellow students creating professional models, sets, props and puppets. A selection of possible modules include: introductions to pattern and mould making, miniature set building to scale, stop frame animated puppet, and 1:1 prop making. The course also offers curriculum opportunities for interaction with other courses at the NFTS. You will also receive ongoing professional advice on creating your portfolio and CV as well as meeting industry supervisors who often make visits to the department. You will also work in teams to create puppets and props on some of our short animations. Many of these go on to win awards at festivals worldwide, such as Do Not Feed the Pigeons which won the 2022 BAFTA for Best Short Animation, giving you credits on high-quality films you can use as an invaluable calling card in the Industry.
Assessment method
Major project - The major part of the year will involve working on the NFTS Animation grad films.
Entry requirements
There is no typical candidate for this course. Your background will almost certainly be in the Arts, and you may well be a recent graduate or Industry professional looking to further specialise. You will most likely have some pre-industry experience of model making or training in your chosen field and have a basic understanding and experience of workshop equipment and machinery. You will also have a mixture of creative, technical, communicative, and problem solving skills necessary to work within a highly productive team. While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees will be confirmed Spring/Summer 2024
Students with EU settled / pre-settled status are still eligible to apply.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG