Buckinghamshire New University

Degree level: Undergraduate

Animatronics Design

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

What does this TEF outcome mean?

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

Term 1 Core Modules Computer Aided Design Introduction to Programming SFX Character Design 2 3D Modelling & Simulation Pre-production Opportunity Modules 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules Term 2 Core Modules 2D Visualization Introduction to Animatronics Engineering Control and Signal Writing Animatronics Engineering System Design Professional Practice & Business Management Dissertation Term 3 Core Modules SFX Character Design 1 Chemical Studies and Technological Applications Advanced Prosthetics Production SFX Rigging & Manufacturing 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

31Jan

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:: Buckinghamshire New University

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

International applicants

For information about applying to Buckinghamshire New University as an International applicant, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/international

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 85 - 105 points

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year.

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

https://bucks.ac.uk/applying-to-bucks/general-entry-requirements

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£15000*	Year 1
International	£15000*	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Additional fee information

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Sponsorship information

Buckinghamshire New University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/financial-support-bursaries-and-scholarships