About BA (Honours) in Model Making, Design and Digital Effects

What is Model Making, Design and Digital Effects?

The practice of model making requires a unique combination of conceptual, technical and creative competencies. The programme concentrates on these
skills by focusing on the key areas of computing, design and drawing/sculpting. Particular emphasis is placed on 3D modelling and animation, as well as
character and production design.

This programme is designed to give you a broad education in specialised 3D studies and to encourage artistic awareness and digital creativity. As a practitioner, you must be able to combine intuitive creative thinking with strong design skills and become familiar with a complex, and continually evolving technical vocabulary. You will also acquire an understanding of professional practice,
and will be encouraged to develop skills in areas such as project management, professional presentation, budgeting and communication.

Aims and Objectives

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Careers exist within the creative and cultural industries. These include film, television and theatre production as well as model making for museums, interpretative centres and architectural and industrial design practices.

You may also choose to pursue postgraduate studies.

What subjects will I study?

Indicative subjects: Street Theatre Studies, Architectural and Prototype Modelling, Stop Motion Animation, Prop making, Digital Support Studies, Model making Theory and Practice, Communication & Critical Thinking, Digital Compositing, Project management & Business skills, Industry-related Project, & Professional Practice

What are the Entry Requirements?

• Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent) with a minimum of Grade C3 in
  two Higher (or Common) level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects,
  to include English. Foundation level Maths (D3) is acceptable
• A portfolio of relevant work
• You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
• Applicants with FETAC awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. FETAC
  Links for this programme are:

AACDX: Art, Craft, Design

AAXXX: Art

ACADX: Computer Aided Design

ACXXX : Creative Craft

ADESX: Design

AGDXX: Graphic Design

EMMPX: Multimedia Production

EMPXX : Media Production

What should my Portfolio include?

• Drawings (observational and life to include different media) and 3D sketch work. Drawing and observation skills are as important as 3D construction skills. You should demonstrate a creative imagination and an ability to develop concepts in 2D and 3D (3D work should be submitted as photographs)
• Colour work - painting, collage, etc
• Project work dealing with concept and ideas
• Photographs of 3D model work (to include different materials)
• Photographic work (optional) or support work of personal interest
• Creative sketch books/notebooks or diary indicating interest in discipline
• Computer based artwork
• Technical drawings

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

Approx. €155 (year 1), €350 (years 2 and 3), €800 - €1200 (year 4 project).
A digital project can be cheaper.

Purchase of hard drives (recommended): €120 - €250

Non-compulsory trip: €300 - €500.