Architectural Model Making: Traditional and Digital Techniques
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£675
- Start Date(s): 21 July 2025, 1 October 2025, 21 January 2026, 15 April 2026
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week or Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm, ten weeks
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
21 - 25 July 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
1 October - 3 December 2025, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
21 January - 25 March 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
15 April - 17 June 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
Make, create, design, and build an architectural model; a powerful tool to communicate with clients and test ideas, offering a three-dimensional perspective that goes beyond the limitations of two-dimensional drawings.
At NTU, we’re planners and problem-solvers. We transform concepts into tangible models that inspire and inform. On this course, you will learn how to visualise a space, read and scale technical drawings, and find solutions to some of the challenges of architectural model making.
Whether you're a budding architect, an artist, or simply someone fascinated by the magic of scale models, this hands-on course is your gateway to the exciting world of architectural model making.
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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 designs at home or work. -
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.
Here’s what our previous attendees said:
“The facilities are amazing! I can’t believe the resources available.” CV
“Brilliant course. A great introduction and knowledgeable tutor.” SR
“I enjoyed all aspects of the model making; from the laser cutting to the construction and finishing. It was a really relaxed atmosphere. Mark is a very attentive tutor, thank you!” CM
“We used lots of different materials and by the end of the course, I became more confident in the workshop with both processes and machinery.” IM
“I thoroughly enjoyed all of the course but mostly the creative aspect of designing the environment for my model to sit in.” BP
What you’ll study
On this course you’ll be given a directed project brief, drawings and all the equipment to build a 1:100 scale model.
During this course, you will:
- learn classic techniques such as precise cutting, glueing, and sculpting
- experiment with materials like MDF, foam, and high-impact polystyrene
- build a simple, professional 1:100 scale model complete with its own baseboard
- photograph your finished work using a heliodon (a device allowing architects and designers to study how sunlight interacts with building models), creating a stunning portfolio piece.
By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with a professionally crafted scale model and the confidence to continue exploring model making. Whether you’re pursuing it as a hobby or applying it to your profession, you’ll have a solid foundation to build on.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course:
- Induction and Workshop Orientation
- Cutting and Measuring Techniques
- Building and Sculpting Your Model
- Adding Final Touches
- Photographing and Presenting Your Work
Begin with an introduction to the workshop, its equipment, and health and safety protocols. You’ll also learn about the basics of model making and the materials you’ll be working with.
Develop precision and accuracy as you learn the art of measuring, cutting, and selecting the right materials for your project. You’ll start preparing the baseboard for your model.
Dive into construction and assembly techniques. You’ll focus on piecing together your model, using professional methods for gluing, sculpting, and shaping components.
Bring your model to life with detailing and spray painting techniques. You’ll explore methods for texturing and finishing to create a polished, professional result.
Learn how to use a heliodon to photograph your completed model. Capture your work in its best light, creating striking images to add to your portfolio.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
98% 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
This course opens doors to creative opportunities across industries like architecture, set design, photography, and fine arts. You’ll also gain the skills to progress onto advanced courses or tackle ambitious personal projects.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus.
You’ll work in our spacious Model-making studio, equipped with tools to help you develop your conceptual, sketch and presentation models, working with materials such as timber, plastics, polyurethane foams and chemi-wood.
You'll be able to develop your projects in this well-equipped space, facilitated with expert supervision from our workshop technicians. In here you'll find bandsaws, sanders, 2D and 3D hot-wire cutting and vacuum forming machinery, milling machines, lathes and drills.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
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: Beginner
Entry requirement: No model making experience is required.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £675.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
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, including most materials to create your designs and other 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.
What to bring with you to the first session:
All basic materials like MDF, HIPS, foam and glues will be supplied.
Depending on the scale and size of the project you undertake you may wish to source some of the following materials, but you do not need to purchase any specifically for the course:
- landscaping materials like trees and ground covering
- scale figures and vehicles
- fencing, railing and furniture
- acrylic or timber
- colour spray paint
- profiles, beams and rods
- LEDs and batteries.
If you'd like to do some pre-course reading, you can look at:
- Our Instagram and Facebook pages for modelmaking workshop at NTU
- Articles:
- A list of model-related exhibitions coming up on the 4D Modelshop website- https://modelshop.co.uk/Static/shows
- 4D Modelshop have this fantastic online adhesives app! https://modelshop.co.uk/Home/AdhesiveGuides
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
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.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
This course is available for booking via the NTU online store:
21 - 25 July 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
1 October - 3 December 2025, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
21 January - 25 March 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
15 April - 17 June 2026, Wednesdays 6 - 8:30 pm
Browse all our architecture and interior design short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813
