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Animatronics Design at Buckinghamshire New University - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Buckinghamshire New University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

14Jun
Buckinghamshire New University Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Do you want a career which could take you all over the world? Gain skills and knowledge in puppetry, anatomy and mechatronics with our two year fast-track BSc Animatronics Design degree. You’ll be designing, building and creating realistic and lifelike props and objects, that bring stories to life. This course could help you get your dream job as being part of the team that work endlessly behind-the-scenes in the film, TV and performance industries to solve problems. Upon graduation you could find yourself working in key areas such as; animatronics, elements involving mechanical or electronic engineering, animation, model-making, sculpture, product design, industrial design, and manufacturing. Why study BSc (Hons) Animatronics Design 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 postproduction software. Our other specialist resources including;

  • CNC and laser cutter technology
  • highly equipped engineering & modelmaking workshops
  • 3D design studios
  • computer suites
  • electronics/ control and plastic fabrication labs
  • prosthetics lab
  • 3D printing technology.
At every step you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of technicians who will provide you with advice, technical assistance and support to realise your assignment briefs and final project. The University also has a teaching base at the iconic Pinewood Studios, which means there could be opportunities to engage with the community there. Taught by the industry The BSc (Hons) Animatronics Design 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. As part of the Art, Design and Performance School at BNU, you’ll benefit from a practiced-based course, supported by contextual studies. You’ll also have the opportunity to work collaboratively across the School with other courses, ensuring during your studies you are building a varied network, like you would in the real world. Location With 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 working studios, such as Pinewood Studio. What will I study? The BSc (Hons) Animatronics Design course enables you to focus your studies towards the design and fabrication of animatronics models using engineering technology. This taught practical-based course is industry-focused and will provide opportunities for you to engage with a broad range of skills and techniques required within animatronics production for special effects film and TV and associated creative industries. All modules are designed to develop the practical, theoretical/ critical approaches applied to individual specialism, and will facilitate the design, prototyping and production of polished functional animatronics models for inclusion to an essential portfolio of work. The course embraces new and emerging techniques and technologies, maintaining currency and diversity through well-established links and communications with the creative industry. What are my career prospects? The multidisciplinary nature of the course will prepare you for a range of career possibilities. Including:
  • Animatronics Designer
  • Prosthetics fabricator
  • SFX technician and/ or assistant
  • Props & Modelmaker
  • Structure Engineer
  • Computer Programmer
  • Control & Signal writer
  • Sculptor
  • Character Designer
  • 3D Animator
  • Pre-visualisation Artist
  • Technical Director (TD)
  • Animatronics Engineer
  • Rig-builder
  • Model maker.

Modules

Stage 1 Core Modules 2D Visualisation Computer Aided Design Introduction to Programming Chemical Studies and Technological Applications SFX Character Design 1 Introduction to Animatronics Engineering 3D Modelling & Simulation Control and Signal Writing SFX Character Design 2 Stage 2 Core Modules SFX Rigging & Manufacturing Animatronics Engineering System Design Advanced Prosthetics Production Creative and Professional Development Pre-production Professional Practice & Business Management Dissertation Final Major Project

Assessment method

Taught by industry-professionals, you’ll benefit by learning from lecturers with real sector experience and an insight into working-life. You could also benefit from access to our network of guest speakers, industry experts and successful alumni. You will be assessed in a variety of ways, from studio projects and workshop and media outcomes to group and individual case studies and written assignments.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
AN01
Institution code:
B94
Campus name:
High Wycombe Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Visit bnu.ac.uk/international to find out more about applying to BNU as an international student.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.bnu.ac.uk/study/general-entry-requirements

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Portfolio

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6We require an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element lower that 5.5) or a recognised equivalent.

If English is not your first language or if you have studied in a non-majority English-speaking country, then you will typically be required to demonstrate your English language ability (speaking, listening, reading & writing) by way of a test such as IELTS.

BNU English Language Requirements

https://www.bnu.ac.uk/study/general-entry-requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
No data
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
No data
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £11440 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11440 Year 1
Scotland £11440 Year 1
Wales £11440 Year 1
Channel Islands £11440 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £11440 Year 1
EU £21050 Year 1
International £21050 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Buckinghamshire New University tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, assessment, and core academic materials. However, additional costs may be incurred for course-related items or requirements, such as, but not limited to: - Text books and supplementary reading materials - Specialised equipment or resources required for specific courses - Field trips, placements, or external activities - Printing, photocopying, and binding - Accommodation, travel, and living expenses Additional costs will vary by course. It is your responsibility as a student to budget for any additional expenses associated with your studies. For further details on what is included in your tuition fees, please check bnu.ac.uk/fees-and-funding

Sponsorship information

There are several ways you can fund your studies, including sponsorship and student loans. You may be able to use ELCAS credits for some of our courses. We also have scholarships and bursaries to help support our students.

Animatronics Design at Buckinghamshire New University - UCAS