3D Digital Technologies for 15 - 17 Year Olds
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£525
- Start Date(s): 4 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
On this course you’ll learn about model-making and how new digital technologies are being used to enhance physical prototyping and visual presentation techniques.
You’ll develop your skills in traditional drawing and model making, whilst applying a variety of digital technologies including photography, CAD, laser-cutting, 3D printing and VR.
It's ideal for anyone interested in further studies in architecture, product design or visual arts.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential Award and is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and memories. It will be fun and gently challenging, allowing you to follow your passion and discover talents you never knew you had.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
You must also attend the social events that are planned on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you must plan and attend your own social activities with other participants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
'I have learnt a lot about different machines and techniques for model making e.g. vacuum forming.'
'From doing this course I have found an enjoyment for 3D design and valuable experience and information regarding future study.'
'Gained confidence and experience in digital and practical skills technical, time management and analytical skills.'
What you’ll study
The course will introduce you to traditional and new techniques commonly needed for the evolving world of model-making and prototyping.
You’ll learn how to develop and present design ideas in both 2D and 3D.
The course is delivered via a combination of hands-on demonstrations and project-based making exercises, and theoretical introductions to emerging digital processes and techniques.
During the course you will:
- complete drawing and visualisation exercises
- use simple modelmaking hand tools and materials to express design ideas
- learn about the vast array of styles and functions of models
- learn basic 2D and 3D CAD modelling skills using AutoCAD and TinkerCAD
- turn your CAD designs into physical models or parts with 3D printers and laser cutters
- combine CAD created parts with hand made models or work exclusively with CAD.
- be introduced to photogrammetry – creating 3D CAD images from still photographs
- see how virtual reality is helping designers in the industry create designs.
You’ll be able to take your creations back and forth between analogue and digital so at to continually make improvements.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the new skills in the craft of model-making, and experience in complementary digital technologies.
You will leave with physical and digital models as well as 2D visuals to add to your portfolios.
Social events
We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.
- Tour of the digital fabrication resources at NTU – 6 axis CNC router, waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, CNC mill, laser cutters and many types of 3D printers.
- Learning about types and functions of models
- Sketching and drawing project ideas. Choosing from 1:100 scale building or 1:10 scale furniture, or a project of your own choice.
- Demonstration of essential model making kit and techniques
- Modelmaking with balsa wood and other basic materials
- Explore virtual reality design packages
- Learn about photogrammetry and it’s applications
- Learning to use TinkerCAD online design software to create files for laser cutting
- 3D Printer demonstrations
- Learning the basics of AutoCAD to create files for laser cutting
- Laser cutting demonstrations
- Developing your models and ideas, and creating CAD files for printing or laser cutting
- Developing your models and ideas, and creating CAD files for printing or laser cutting
- Finishing and photographing your models
- Group discussion and feedback.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.
The architectural technology industry is growing exponentially. Merging the creative with the technical, our courses are equipped with industry-expert staff and the latest technologies.
Previous students have gone on to study or work as architectural designers or technologists.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus.
You will find open-plan studios and well-equipped workshop spaces to develop your ideas and create exciting work.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Open to all
Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for architecture and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.
You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £525.
Payment is due at the time of booking.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you on the first day:
- a notebook and pen.
- suitable footwear as you will be working in a studio environment.
Please note that lunch is not provided, so bring your packed lunch or money to buy food. The city centre, with plenty of cafés and grocery shops, is just a 5-minute walk away. You can also check which campus buildings have café outlets using MazeMap.
If you would like to do some pre-course reading, you can look at:
- Making It by Chris Lefteri. This is an amazing book of manufacturing techniques, including a chapter on advanced and new technologies including various 3D printing methods and other cutting-edge processes.
- Model Making - Conceive, Create and Convince, 2014, by Arjan Karssen & Bernard Otte.
- All3dp a world of helpful tutorials, guides, and how-to’s for 3D printing, CAD, CNC, laser cutting, and more.
Read the terms and conditions of booking.
Need accommodation?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation.
If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian (to support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence and there is a dedicated Warden available).
If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian (you must book two separate rooms and let us know so we can place you in rooms next to each other).
This option is particularly popular with students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
Looking to turn your one-week course into a two-week experience?
If you can match this with any second course, you’ll receive a 10% refund on your course fees (email the short course team with your order number to claim the refund).
How to apply
You can book this course via the NTU online store:
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all our summer courses for 15 – 17 year olds.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
- Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813