Prop Making & Special Effects | BA (Hons) Degree

Entry guide for more information about the range of qualifications we accept (including English Language requirements for international students).

Materials may be supplied for taught sessions. Clients and in-house productions supply budgets for materials in the collaborative projects. The exception is if you decide on a project that needs materials outside the usual basics available.

Year 1 includes:

• An introduction to the practical, academic and support systems within the college. The practical inductions focus on the wood and metal workshop, studio and plaster and resin rooms to ensure you are inducted for safe practice and are developing basic relevant skills and knowledge.  
• An introduction to broader concepts and context relevant to the arts industries, asking you to explore how they influence and shape your industry and ability.
• Developing your sculpting technique through a variety of tasks using water and oil based mediums, such as water based clay and plastaline/chavant. You will also explore mould making and casting methods in plaster, silicone, latex, foams, fibreglass to name but a few. You will also take a look at life casting of a variety of body parts. There will be workshops in finishing and decorative techniques.  
• The application of practical skill within the context of internal and external projects. Previous examples are: Replica cannons for historical societies, Star Wars and Marvel replicas for display, giant foam flowers for teaching in a Zoo, an entire Egyptian tomb escape room, a corridor of fish, furniture for musicals, hand props for devised theatre, puppets for touring shows etc.
• Important techniques used when working with others, such as effective communication, problem solving and personal planning. All of these are practised working with the second years as props assistants and clients/directors/producers on a wide range of internal projects and external commissions.  
• Individual practices and exploration of the more specialist area of model making for a wide range of potential outcomes. Key areas of focus are technical drawing, accurate cutting, relevant materials, digital production techniques such as laser cutting and relevant software. Previous projects include making models for stop motion animation and scale replicas for furniture designers.

Year 2 includes:

• An individual project that explores design, foam crafting, pattern making, mechanical processes and fabric techniques. This is usually explored through puppetry design and manufacture but has also looked at prop costume as well. 
• Working in a team made up of fellow second years and taking the lead on the design, management, communication, production and delivery/installation of props for a wide range of internal and external clients. 
• Continuation of practices with the added focus of managing a small team of first years. This will enable you to further develop your managerial skills and understanding of project management. 
• Exploration of a context relevant to propmaking and SFX and an essay showing your developing understanding of your place within a wide ranging industry. 
• Developing yourself as an industry ready practitioner. You will develop a relevant portfolio, digital footprint, business card and CV in preparation. You will explore the industry and the range of employment opportunities and engage in work placements to further develop your understanding of industry. This is all tied up at the end of the year with an exhibition that showcases your capabilities as a propmaker. 
• Making an example of work that showcases your developed abilities and knowledge. Anything is possible and staff will work with you to ensure you get the maximum from the opportunity. 

Year 3:

The focus of Year 3 is the development of the student as an individual through the practice, study and exploration of theatre skills. Collaborative theatre practice, pushing the creative potential of all theatre disciplines, is central to the philosophy of the course. Regular workshop and showcase productions enable students to develop their own skills to professional standards, preparing them for employment or postgraduate study.

See more student work on our course blog site

Personal tools (small hand tools) and safety equipment (boots, masks). Full list supplied at interview. The basic tool spend per student is approximately £50-£100 at the beginning of the course.

Students may also spend approximately £50-£200 on materials for their final projects.