BA Modelmaking and Creature Effects
University of Greater Manchester
About this course
BA (Hons) Modelmaking and Creature Effects, a photography degree centred on practical production techniques for film, television and performance. Core topics include Ethics & Professional Practice and Design & Creative Practice. The course includes a major project in the final year and is designed in collaboration with professional special effects artists. The curriculum progresses from foundational practical techniques to advanced production work. Early study builds technical competencies through compulsory modules such as Workshop Skills, Sculptural Design Practice, Film and Television Contexts, and Digital Processes. Subsequent stages expand into applied techniques via Movement, Mechanisms and Structures, Digital Manufacture, Production Design, and Storytelling Through Design. Later study emphasises career preparation through modules like Professional Practice, Industry Project, and Research into Practice. Students conclude their studies by executing a self-directed Major Project alongside modules including Film + FX Production Project and Professional Identity.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant creative/design subjects are preferred. You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. You'll be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of appropriate work. We'll expect you to present your work and demonstrate your experience. This will usually take the form of a portfolio of recent effects-related (or project-based) work. The quality of your portfolio will be judged alongside traditional UCAS point-bearing qualifications to determine the success of your application. Special consideration is given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
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What students say
Based on about 51 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 90 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 82%
- Gained a higher qualification: 1%
- Left higher education: 17%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 79%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 3%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 84%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 8%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Workshop Skills
- Sculptural Design Practice
- Film and Television Contexts
- Digital Processes
- Movement, Mechanisms and Structures
- Film + FX Production Project
- FX Industries Exploration
- Construction for Performance
- Digital Manufacture
- Production Design
- Storytelling Through Design
- Professional Identity
- Innovation Skillset
- Industry Project
- Research into Practice
- Major Project
- Professional Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Modelmaking and Creature Effects at University of Greater Manchester earn?
The median salary is £18,000 after 3 years, £21,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £15,000 and £26,500. The £21,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Modelmaking and Creature Effects at University of Greater Manchester?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Modelmaking and Creature Effects at University of Greater Manchester?
The average entrant had 98 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Modelmaking and Creature Effects at University of Greater Manchester?
82% of students continued into their second year, and 17% left higher education.