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Wimbledon College of Arts

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BA (Hons) Production Arts for Screen

College
WIMBLEDON
Start date
September 2019
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
W690
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Course summary

Apply to start in September 2019
This course has places available. Read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September. For a full list of UAL courses open for 2019/20 entry, visit the ‘Courses with places available' page.

BA Production Arts for Screen at Wimbledon College of Arts offers a unique combination of design and making skills for film, television and other screen based media.

More films, television programmes, animations and screen-based content are being made than ever before. Old and new technologies are working alongside each other to create digital, online and analogue content across all media. The gaming industry is growing, and virtual and augmented reality, are in their early experimental stages. In a time of huge development and investment in the industry, it is a great time to get involved.

Student work

  • Model making.
    Model making - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Student sculpting.
    Student sculpting - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Storyboards and models.
    Storyboards and models - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Students working on film project.
    Students working on film project - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Still from animation.
    Still from animation - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Storyboards and character models.
    Storyboards and character models - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Chimpanzee model.
    Chimpanzee model - BA Production Arts for Screen
  • Student working on film project.
    Filming - BA Production Arts for Screen

BA Production Arts for Screen Stories

See all stories

Course details

This course is subject to re-validation. Re-validation is a process that makes sure students get a high quality academic experience. During re-validation there maybe be some changes to course content and structure. Please contact us if you have any questions about this course.

What you can expect

After an introduction to Production Arts for Screen, you will choose between the 2 specialist disciplines of set design or technical arts.

You will work on both individual and collaborative projects within your first year and then specialise. In the second and third years you can work individually and collaboratively.

Throughout the course it will be possible to learn a broad range of skills and technical knowledge including:

  • Filming, editing and sound
  • Green screen technology
  • Introduction to digital and physical special effects
  • Introduction to new technologies - Virtual Reality (VR) and Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)
  • Lighting
  • Maquettes and model making
  • Moulding and casting
  • Prop making
  • Puppet making
  • Research and visualisation
  • Technical drawing
  • 3D animation
  • Wood and metal work

You will have access to Wimbledon's shared workshops. View the Wimbledon facilities

Set Design specialism

Students choosing set design will learn:

  • Production design - visualising the concept of a film, television or theatre production
  • Art direction - supervising and unifying a designers' vision
  • Character analysis and costume design
  • Digital 2D and 3D drawing - Computer Aided Design (CAD), Sketchup
  • Photoshop
  • Life drawing

    • Technical Arts specialism

    Students choosing technical arts will learn:

  • Automata and mechanical prop making
  • Clay modelling from life
  • Digital drawing and sculpting
  • Figurative sculpting
  • Introduction to prosthetics
  • Materials research and experimentation
  • Prop making and fabrication

Course units

    Year 1

  • Unit 1: Introduction to study in theatre and screen
  • Unit 2: Designing and making - the principles of practice
  • Unit 3: Designing and making - extending the skill set
  • Unit 4: Looking at ideas - debates in the discipline
  • Unit 5: Who are you? Establishing a specialism

    • Year 2

  • Unit 6: Collaboration and its’ connections
  • Unit 7: Practice as a laboratory
  • Unit 8: You think what? How to research and review work
  • Unit 9: Where in the world? My specialism in context
  • Unit 10: Where in the world? Extending skills

    • Year 3

  • Unit 11: Finding your voice - portfolio design, crafting research skills and career planning
  • Unit 12: Show your work - independent practice

    • Work experience and opportunities

    Work placements are a key feature during the second year of this course, providing essential links for students’ graduate careers within industry and beyond. Students may also have the opportunity to visit London television and film studios, scenic workshops, prop houses, makers and suppliers.

    Students will also have the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus scheme to study abroad for a term in the second year of your degree.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Artist and professional practice talks and workshops
  • Briefings, discussions, lectures and seminars
  • Cross course group crits
  • Field trips and off-site visits
  • Group and individual presentations and tutorials
  • Independent learning
  • Lectures and artist talks
  • Online learning
  • Peer learning and review
  • Portfolio review
  • Project planning
  • Research training
  • Student presentations
  • Studio and workshop based self directed study and research
  • Study skills
  • Technical workshops and inductions
  • Workshops on writing styles, research methodology and critical debate

    • Assessment methods

  • Blogs
  • Critical professional practice presentations
  • Exhibition of work
  • Off-site project
  • Peer evaluation
  • Portfolio
  • Presentations
  • Research journal
  • Self evaluation
  • Studio exhibition presentation
  • Technical skills
  • Written work - assignments, essays, reports, scripts and statements

Staff

Visiting Staff

  • Keith Frederick - Puppet maker, costumier and puppet restorer. Recent work includes Midsummers Night Dream at the Globe Theatre. Has worked extensively at the Little Angel puppet theatre
  • Dan Martin - Special effects, effects make-up artist and co-ordinator. Work includes Batman Begins, High Rise, The Human Centipede, The Wolfman
  • David McHenry - Draughtsman. Worked on Game of Thrones, Rush and Dredd
  • Catrin Meredydd - Production Designer. Worked on Best Possible Taste, Broadchurch, IBoy, Jekyll & Hyde, Our Loved Boy, Poldark, The Fades
  • Christina Moore - Production Designer and Art Director. Worked on Game of Thrones, Just Henry, Lena,  Sense & Sensibility, Surviving Picasso
  • Aya Nakamura - Puppet maker and performer. Worked on Newzoids puppet animation for ITV. Recent puppet stage productions include Duvet Day, Hansel & Gretel, Tarrare the Freak
  • David Neat - Model maker and author of the book 'Model-making, Materials and Methods'
  • Tom Roberts - Propmaker. Worked on Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Inbetweeners, Macbeth, Peaky Blinders, Sherlock Holmes, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Tulip Fever
  • Matt Scott - Director, Scott Fleary scenery builders. Built X-Factor, The Voice and Sky Sports news
  • Roman Stefanski - Actor and Director of puppet productions for theatre, film and television. Has worked extensively at the Polka theatre, Wimbledon. Films include Leap Year and Under the Same Sun
  • Andy Symanowski - Animator and director, Aardman Animation. Worked on Shaun the Sheep and the Wallace and Gromit films
  • Livia Turco - Senior Character Modelling Sculptor at Merlin Entertainment / Madame Tussauds
  • Robert Tygner - Actor, Director and puppeteer. Worked on Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Jim Henson’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Muppets Most Wanted, Victor Frankenstein, Where the Wild Things Are
  • Fleur Whitlock - Art Director and Production Designer. Worked on Episodes, Oliver Twist, Rev, The Libertine, Wuthering Heights
  • Tom Wilkinson - Sculptor, prop and automaton maker. He is a co-founder of the public art group Arts Republic. His work was on display at the Winter Lights Festival in Canary Wharf in 2015-16
  • Darryl Worbey - Puppetry and SFX Designer. 30 years’ experience in film, television and theatre. Credits include Star Wars - Rogue One, Yonderland for Sky TV, Muppets Most Wanted, Disney, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Basil Brush Show

How to apply

Opportunities for all

We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • 2 A Levels at grade C or above
  • Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our English language requirements)

    • Portfolio advice

    Portfolios should show the following:

    • A range of visual recording, such as drawing, life drawing and photography
    • Experimentation, which demonstrates idea generation and development
    • Visual work that uses form, structure, texture and space
    • Design development showing how problems are solved
    • Any previous experience of theatre work
    • Include your sketchbooks and notebooks

    Please remember:

    • The quality of the work is more important than the quantity
    • Where possible, large or 3D work should be photographed and scanned
    • To organise your work by project, with supporting work presented alongside final outcomes

    Selection criteria

    We look for:

    • An interest, commitment and motivation for studying the subject
    • An ability to work imaginatively and creatively in 2D and 3D visual media, materials and processes
    • Potential for creative problem solving
    • An ability to create and develop new ideas
    • A desire to learn and an ability to investigate and develop ideas independently
    • Ability to communicate your ideas visually, verbally and in writing
    • Visual awareness and an understanding of the creative process
    • Ability to self-direct and evaluate your own work
    • Cultural and historical awareness of production design, design for screen, technical arts
    • Motivation for working in the related industries
    • A desire to succeed

Making your application

This course has places available for 2019/20 entry. Applications for 2020/21 entry will open in Autumn 2019.

You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W690

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

This course will give consideration to:

  • Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
  • Deferred entry application

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.

Interview selection event

You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event. Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.

The event will also give you a chance to meet current students, take a tour of the college and see the facilities.

More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.

Selection for Home/EU applicants happens in a variety of different ways:

  • In person at Wimbledon College of Arts
  • By phone or Skype

If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.

Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

This course has places available for 2019/20 entry. Applications for 2020/21 entry will open in Autumn 2019.

There are 3 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Wimbledon College of Arts:

If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W690

You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

This course will give consideration to:

  • Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
  • Deferred entry application

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Immigration history check

Whether you’re applying online via UCAS, through a UAL representative or by direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you don’t complete the check we won’t be able to proceed with your application.

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.

Interview selection event

You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event. Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.

More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.

Selection for international applicants happens in a variety of different ways:

  • By phone or Skype
  • In your country, if your application was made through one of our official representatives
  • In person at our international office based at Chelsea College of Arts

If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

  • If you applied through UCAS you will receive the final outcome of of your application through UCAS track
  • If you applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal

Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Study Abroad

Through the Study Abroad programme international students can apply to join an undergraduate course.

For information on how to apply visit the Study Abroad section.


Fees & Funding

Home / EU fee

£9,250 (2019/20).

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.

International fee

£19,930 (2019/20).

Additional costs

In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.

Scholarships and awards

Use our search tool to find out more about the scholarships and awards available to students.

BAFTA UK scholarship programme

The scholarship programme is open to British citizens in need of financial assistance. Wimbledon's BA Production Arts for Screen is one of the eligible courses. Find out about the benefits and how to apply to the BAFTA UK scholarship programme.

Scholarship search

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Careers and alumni

This course prepares you for progression into a range of careers such as:

Art departments for film and television, animation, art direction, draughts person, education and teaching, event design, exhibitions and curating, model making and sculpting, postgraduate study, production design, prop making, production buying, scenic art and construction, set dressing, special effects and technical drawing.

Alumni

  • Joe Beagley - Head of Masks and Puppets for Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, London
  • Paul Cripps - Production Designer and Art Director on Atlantis, Bones, Borrowers, Hex, Merlin, Skins, Sugar Rush and The Missing
  • Eun Jung Ha - Senior Character Modeller at Merlin Entertainment / Madame Tussauds
  • Patrick Harris - Art Director / Assistant Art Director on Guardians of the Galaxy, Kingsman and Wonderwoman
  • Sean Hogan and Ben Gerlis - Production design studio Stripe Land
  • Steven Granger - Art Department Assistant, draughtsman, standby Art Director on Marcella, Paddington and The Mercy
  • Sarah Greenwood - Production Designer on Anna Karenina, Atonement, Beauty & the Beast, Hanna and Sherlock Holmes
  • Will Houghton-Connell - Concept artist, storyboard artist and draughtsman for Stuart Craig on Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars Episode 7
  • Christian Huband - Art Director on Dark Shadows, Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter, The Invention of Hugh Cabret and Supervising Art Director on Justice League
  • Solrun Jonsdottir - Production Designer on Enemy of England
  • Steven Lawrence - Art Director on Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Jungle Book, Paddington and The Dark Knight
  • Cher Leigh - Creature creator for Solo and forthcoming Disney film
  • Thomas Lowthian - Assistant Art Director on And Then There Were None (BBC1 Agatha Christie) and Designer on Mars mini series
  • Viviana Motta - Art Department Assistant for Victoria & Abdul
  • Olivia Muggleton - Draughtswoman on Star Wars: Rogue One and Force Awakens
  • Dan Ojari - Award-winning animator selected for Sundance Film Festival. Ojari also worked on BAFTA award-winning short animation The Eagleman Stag with Michael Please. They now run their own company Parabella
  • Max Patte - Sculptor for Weta Workshop. Worked on Harry Potter V, Justice League of America and Prince Caspian
  • Alistair Pauly - Amour maker on Game of Thrones, The Kid Who Would Be King and Outlaw King
  • Will Pearce - Formerly Head of Masks and Puppets for Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, London
  • Jack Perry, Sara Stanton, Mia James - Director, Production Designer, Art Director on A Girl Goes For Dinner
  • Michael Please - BAFTA award-winner for short film The Eagleman Stag
  • Vicky Ralph - Art Department Coordinator for Paddington 2 and for Stuart Craig at Leavesden studios on Fantastic Beasts 1 and 2
  • Owen Robertson - Art Department Assistant on Justice League
  • Betty Sims-Hilditch - Art Department Assistant at Pinewood studios on Chesil Beach
  • Mark Tildesley - Production Designer on The Constant Gardener, 28 Days Later and Designer for the London 2012 Opening Ceremony

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.

View college guides

Contact

  • Telephone: +44 (0)20 7514 9641

Address

  • Wimbledon College of Arts
  • Merton Hall Road
  • London
  • SW19 3QA

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