3D Modelmaking – an Introduction

Ages: 18+
Term: Autumn, spring
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This exciting 10-week 3D Modelmaking course offers a hands-on introduction to the creative and technical world of professional modelmaking. You’ll gain valuable insight into the processes, materials, and specialist techniques used to create detailed models, architectural structures, landscapes, and sculptural forms.

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Course information

Designed for complete beginners, as well as those with some prior experience, the course supports you in developing a broad and practical skill set. With guidance from an experienced industry professional, you’ll build confidence through structured exercises and personal projects, working in a supportive and inspiring studio environment at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).

The course explores professional modelmaking practices ranging from architectural models and dioramas to sculpting, moulding and casting. Each week, you’ll develop concept models through guided exercises, with opportunities to extend your learning into larger or more ambitious projects between sessions if you wish.

You’ll experiment with a wide range of standard and specialist materials used in contemporary modelmaking, including wood, silicones, card/paper, and polymer clays. Through demonstrations and presentations of professional examples – from sculpted figures and set pieces to architectural models and miniature landscapes – you’ll gain both creative and technical understanding.

Working in a vibrant, rewarding, and collaborative atmosphere, you’ll be encouraged to challenge yourself and produce professional-quality models while developing your own creative direction.

This course is ideal for those considering a career in modelmaking, those wishing to apply new skills to personal creative projects, or individuals looking to progress to Higher Education study in a related field.

Idea generation and concept development
Sculpting techniques
Mould making
Casting processes
Architectural modelmaking
Scale landscapes and dioramas
Hard- and soft-edged model construction
Development of personal projects

At the end of the course you'll:

Design and create their own models using demonstrated methods
Understand different areas of modelmaking through practical application
Have gained hands-on experience with a variety of commonly used modelmaking materials and techniques
Understand key approaches used in professional modelmaking practice
Have produced a body of work demonstrating your developing skills and creative direction
Possess improved artistic skills
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2026

Monday 5 October – 7 December 2026 (10 Monday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Spring term 2027

Monday 11 January – 15 March 2027 (10 Monday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

You may need to purchase additional materials depending on your personal projects – this can be tailored to personal budgets.

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes
Basic materials will be provided for this course. However, depending on the scale and ambition of your personal projects, you may wish to purchase additional specialist materials.

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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AUB Academy booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

Book your place today

Book now

3D modelmaking gallery

Student working within the Modelmaking workshop

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your 3D design skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.