AM - Active Development Message.

::: PLEASE BE AWARE THIS SECTION OF THE SITE IS UNDER ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT! :::
...

3D Design: Model Making for the Creative Industries HND

(SCQF level 8)

Design, Creative Industries

Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

  • Applications from International Students Welcome
    •

    Overview

    This Model Making course is aimed at students who have some practical skills in crafts, art and design and who have an interest in working in the fields of model or prop making for TV, film and theatre, architecture, product design, prototypes, museums, cosplay etc.

    You'll develop skills in the design and construction of a wide variety of types of model through project-based units designed to be relevant to future employment and study routes. Projects are varied to cater for a broad range of interests and to allow as much individual creative input as possible. In addition, by the end of the course, you will be encouraged to have a strong online presence to facilitate networking within the industry.

    The dedicated course lecturers bring many years of commercial model making experience to the college and have been continually updating and developing the course over the last 10 years. You'll work on projects independently or in groups. Teaching will be through class discussion and demonstrations and one-to-one tutorials in practical and design tasks, with individual feedback, guidance and support.

    Links to relevant companies and practitioners are encouraged and industry guest speakers and visits are frequently arranged. At the end of the course, selected students have the opportunity to show their work at the annual model making trade show in London.

    Students from this course have gone on to study at degree level, gone directly into employment with some of the country’s most prestigious companies eg. Sir Norman Foster Architects or found success as freelance model makers in various niche markets.

    This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8. 

    Entry requirements

    Minimum entry requirements

    • NC Model Making or related subject; OR
    • One Higher at Grade C or above including Art, Design & Manufacture, Product Design or Graphic Communication AND National 5 English at Grade C or above; OR
    • Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

    Additional selection requirements

    • You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.
    • You’ll be asked to provide examples of both 2D and 3D art and design work, in original, photographic or portfolio form.

    ESOL entry requirements

    Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

    What you study

    Projects will cover many areas of commercial model making such as props and sets for TV, film and theatre, architectural, product, prototype, display, museum etc.

    You'll develop your model making skills using a wide variety of traditional hand-tools and specialist equipment and materials in dedicated workshops. There will also be the opportunity to use 2D and 3D software linked to laser cutting and 3D printing. The emphasis will be on design creativity, high-quality making skills, problem-solving and time management.

    After the course

    Careers

    Many graduates work as model makers all over the world, including New Zealand, Dubai and Australia.  There are also opportunities for freelancing and apprenticeships in modelmaking companies.

    Continuing Study

    • BA in Model Making/Effects/Creative – various universities (direct entry to 2nd year).
    • BA Production Arts & Design – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

     

    Teaching

    How the course is taught

    The course consists of a series of projects which you will undertake from the initial brief through to the final model. The projects are designed to develop your skills in research, investigation, concept development, sketching, drawing and presentation artwork, leading to the construction, assembly and finishing of your completed models.

    The course lecturers bring many years of commercial experience to the college and will provide guidance and support in practical and design tasks through class discussion, demonstrations and one-to-one tutorials.

    The course will be delivered using a blended learning model.

    You will learn through a mixture of face-to-face and online teaching, using the college virtual learning environment (VLE)

    Practical elements of the course will be delivered on campus in specialist rooms and workshops. You should expect to be in the college for part of the week.

    Remote (online) learning will be used for subjects that are more suited to this type of teaching.  You will need access to a computer or device for this type of learning and access to the internet*.  Resources and learning materials will all be available through the VLE although this will still be tutor-led.

    *Students with no access to a computer or wifi at home will be given alternative options to allow online studying.

    Assessment methods

    • Graded Units in first and second years.
    • Successful completion of all course credits.
    • Continuous formative assessment.
    • Individual project deadlines.

    Additional Information

    Materials

    Basic hand toolkit would be useful – fully equipped workshops available for student use. 
    Standard construction materials are supplied, however, specialist materials to be purchased by students as required.

    Dress code

    Health and Safety requirements only.

    • Mode of Study:
      Full-time
    • Start Date:
      25th Aug 2025, 2 years
    • Location:
      City Campus
    • Applications from International Students Welcome