Curious about studying SFX Props & Modelmaking for Film and TV - BA (Hons)at Bucks New University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Pinewood Studios
Full Time
Oct 2026
2 Year
Fast-track your way to a career in props and modelmaking. This two-year degree puts a focus on the design and fabrication of physically based film and television special effects using a range of art, engineering and science technologies.
Why study BA (Hons) SFX Props and Modelmaking at BNU?Inspiring facilities
Our industry-standard facilities are here to help you produce your most creative ideas. We will build your confidence in using the latest machines, equipment and postproduction software.Our specialist resources include;• CNC and laser cutter machines• engineering & modelmaking workshop equipped with the latest advanced tools• plastic lab• prosthetics lab• CAD software• high end cameras• photography studios equipped with industry standard blue/ green screen.• blue/green screen video studio• computer and CGI lab• adobe creative suit• Auto desk.
Taught by the industryThe BA (Hons) SFX Props and Modelmaking course is led by a dedicated and experienced course team. Benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. Many of our guest lecturers are industry-experts and alongside your lecturers, they’ll nurture your learning and professional development through lectures, workshops and demonstrations.
LocationWith London on our doorstep, you’ll be near the world’s best cultural centres, such as theatres, museums and galleries, where you can find a range of inspiration. It also means you may have the opportunity to visit outside bodies, such as prop stores, sets and set stores, material suppliers, manufacturing professionals and working studios.
What will I study?The BA(Hons) SFX Props and Modelmaking course at BNU will allow you to focus on the design and fabrication of physically based film and television special effects using a range of art, engineering and science technologies. This will include props design & fabrication, character creation, prosthetics for prop-making, engineering and functional model making.This practical course will be delivered in our specialist 3D modelmaking & engineering workshop at our High Wycombe campus.This taught practical-based course is industry-focused and will provide opportunities for students to engage with a broad range of skills and techniques required within special effects props and modelmaking production for film and TV and related creative industries. During your studies you’ll be supported by our specialist technicians and demonstrators. Using their experience and technical production and material knowledge, they’ll help you turn your ideas into fully functioning props and models. The course embraces new and emerging techniques and technologies, maintaining currency and diversity through well-established links and communications with the creative industry. Upon graduation you’ll have a portfolio and a skill set that aligns with the needs of the industry.
Career possibilitiesThroughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. Our Careers and Employability Team also help you find employment after graduation.Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a range of career possibilities. Using the skills and knowledge learnt on this course, you could find yourself performing the following roles all over the world:• Props design and fabrication• Character Designer• Animation 3D• Sculptor• Prosthetics• Modelmaking• Pre-visualisation artist• Technical Director (TD)• Creative mould-maker• Rig builder• Operator• Engineering system design• Digital artist• Film & Television production assistant
Bring your prop ideas to life in 3D using industry-standard software for film and television. You’ll learn how to turn concepts into detailed digital models, working accurately to scale and exploring how digital design can help you visualise, refine and prepare props and models for production.
Get hands-on with the core skills behind prop making for screen-based media, from researching and designing ideas to choosing materials, using tools and bringing creations to life. You’ll explore how props need to look, feel and function on screen – from getting the scale right to making sure they can stand up to the demands of production.
Turn materials into props and models built for the screen, experimenting with different ways to cut, shape, combine and finish them. You’ll explore creative ways to reuse materials and make more sustainable choices.
From rough forms to finished details, discover how sculpting brings props and models to life. You’ll develop practical skills in shaping, refining and detailing three-dimensional forms while building confidence with traditional sculpting techniques.
Bring a screen world to life by designing and making props and models that help tell its story. You’ll develop and test ideas, solve creative challenges and turn concepts into physical outcomes, while discovering how thoughtful sourcing and material choices can make the making process more sustainable.
Discover what goes into making props that look the part and work on screen. You’ll experiment with industry-standard materials, processes and finishes through practical workshops and technician-led demonstrations, learning how to choose and use the right materials to create safe, functional and convincing props.
Turn drawings and ideas into something you can see, touch and use on screen. You’ll learn how to read visual designs and translate them into 3D outcomes, developing your understanding of form, scale and proportion while solving the practical challenges that come with bringing a design to life.
Props and costume pieces don’t just need to look the part – they need to work too. You’ll experiment with materials, construction and assembly techniques to create durable, fit-for-purpose pieces, learning to tackle challenges safely and creatively.
This module introduces you to techniques for reproducing props and objects for screen-based media, exploring how existing items can be accurately replicated when originals are unavailable, fragile or unsuitable for production. You’ll learn how to translate reference objects into reproduced outcomes, considering accuracy, scale, form, materials and finish.
Explore how digital tools can transform the way props and models are designed for screen-based media. You’ll experiment with digital design processes to visualise, refine and scale your ideas, developing greater accuracy, efficiency and creative control before moving into physical production.
Put your ideas into motion and learn how to design and create moving and interactive props for screen-based media. Explore how movement and physical elements can support storytelling and production requirements whilst responding to practical and conceptual challenges.
Explore how environments, props, sets and visual design work together to create believable worlds and support storytelling. Through research, design activities and collaboration, you’ll evaluate sustainable approaches and apply world-building techniques across a range of briefs.
Develop and justify the scope of your Final Major Project (FMP) through structured research, design development and practical experimentation. Working independently with tutor guidance, you’ll propose, research, design and plan an individual prototype, demonstrating critical thinking, technical understanding and professional intent. The module provides a foundation for an achievable, research-driven project and final portfolio artefact.
Take a prop or model from first idea through to a finished, professional-standard piece. Working independently on a specialist project, you’ll bring your vision to life while creating the research, development and planning needed to support your work.
Get ready to take your skills into the world of props and modelmaking. You’ll learn how the industry works, build a professional portfolio and develop the skills you need to showcase your work. The module finishes with an interview-style presentation, giving you the chance to put your professional skills to the test.
4.4Bucks New University (BNU) is a student-focused university based in High Wycombe, with over 130 years of educational his...
