BA Technical Arts and Special Effects at Wimbledon is a unique 'arts' course which teaches a wide range of technical skills.

We understand 'Special Effects' as the use of technology to enhance imagination, and aim to develop skilled communicators, confident collaborators and inventive problem solvers.

You will become familiar with the technologies currently used in making three-dimensional artifacts, models, sculpture, prosthetic make-up, creature-costume and puppets for film, TV, theatre, and exhibition. You can also take options in animation and computer generated imagery (CGI).

The course, which is taught through a series of integrated and self-generated projects, begins with a collaborative set design project between students from Technical Arts and Special Effects and those from Set Design for Screen.

As you progress through the course you will work with academics to devise your own programme of study tailored to your ambitions, enabling you to use your imaginative and technical potential to the full.

Key Facts

Our workshops offer access to outstanding, industry-standard facilities.

Focused periods of work experience with production companies are possible at the end of the first and second years.

Technical Arts and Special Effects has an industry focus and an ongoing relationship with Madame Tussauds and The National Film and Television School.

We also have strong links with Aardman Animations where graduates have gained both work experience and employment.


Year 1

You will be introduced to the workshops and technical staff and a variety of technical skills including, miniature model making, construction in wood and metal, moulding, casting, puppet fabrication and puppet performance.

These experiences, while giving you the opportunity to develop your presentation skills on the completion of each project, provide a foundation for you to find your own special interests and visual language.

There is a Contextual Studies programme, coordinated across the School of Theatre that runs alongside your studio practice.

Year 2

You will further develop your skills, resourcefulness and ingenuity during this year. You will study anatomy and observational drawing as a precursor to one of the core strengths of the course, sculpting from life. You will sculpt and cast a life size head or torso.

Model animation for film has been popular with several students as an opportunity for creative interpretation, special effects, creature design and modeling.

You will also prepare for your dissertation.

You will take an elective unit, selected from a broad range of options to enhance your core subject of study.

Year 3

Your final year is an opportunity to discover the kind of creative activity that motivates and excites you. Conceiving and producing highly developed work for your degree show equips you for your future career. Your final year's study is negotiated by you with the help of your tutors.

The Contextual Studies programme supports you in writing your dissertation, the subject matter of which can, if you choose, enhance and complement your practical work.


Graduates have gone on to work experience on the Harry Potter films as well as designing, fabricating and performing a series of creature costumes for the feature film 'A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.

Graduates have set up their own businesses or work freelance for major film studios.

They may also choose to work as sculptors, model-makers, designers, film animators, animatronics mechanics, prosthetic artists, prop-makers, creature-costume designers or fabricators.

Other alumni have gone on to work on the BBC's 'Dr Who', and at New Zealand's Weta Workshop, where the special effects for 'The Lord of the Rings' films were created.


Applicants to the BA (Hons) Theatre course are required to have a strong portfolio of work and be able to meet the following criteria:

• Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and 1 GCE A-level and 3 GCSEs grade C or above
  Or
• BTEC National Diploma or NVQ Level 3, and 3 GCSEs grade C or above
• The College also takes into consideration prior learning and experience, and alternative qualifications.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills. All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/international/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

Portfolio Advice

Students are encouraged to show:

• Subject awareness.
• An ability to observe and record - particularly with Life Drawing.
• Material awareness.
• Basic 3D modelling and fabrication skills.
• A range of ideas demonstrated across several projects.

Portfolio and Interview Criteria Document (PDF,122kb)

Home/EU Applicants

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system.

All Wimbledon College of Art UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our Institution Code is U65.
There is no 'Campus Code' for Wimbledon College of Art.

For further information about the UCAS application procedure, please contact them directly:

Universities & Colleges Application System (UCAS)
T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Wimbledon College of Art Admissions Team.

T: +44 (0)20 7514 9687
E: admissions@wimbledon.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the ccw international apply page for details.

or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk