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Students
Tuition Fee
USD 16,260
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Visual Effects | Costume Design | Film Production
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
USD 16,260
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2023-09-25-
About Program

Program Overview


Course Details

From superheroes to sci-fi, and horror to history, many TV shows and movies need special effects make-up to enhance their on-screen storytelling. Actors can be utterly transformed into aliens, zombies, pirates and vampires, while more subtle make-up effects convince us of injuries, scars, tattoos or wrinkles. All these special effects are created by dedicated and highly-skilled make-up artists and our BDes (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and TV course focuses on preparing you for a career creating these illusions.

We offer an intensely practical education in special effects make-up. We’ll lead you in an exploration of prosthetics and changing physical appearances, including aspects such as life-casting, clay sculpting, creating silicone masks, applying prosthetics, adding hair and colouring techniques. We’ll encourage you to experiment with materials, tools and techniques, and discover how prosthetics and make-up can combine with 3D computer graphics to create even more spectacular on-screen transformations.

This highly creative industry demands transferable skills too – communication, project and time management, team-working and entrepreneurship are all needed for success in this largely freelance profession. We aim to support you to develop these attributes, alongside the imagination, flair and curiosity that will enable you to push the boundaries of special effects make-up.





Highlights

  • You don’t have to worry about the cost of the make-up and materials needed to complete your studies – we provide these for you. This means you can concentrate on learning how to use expensive industry-standard materials, like silicones and resins, rather than worrying about how you are going to pay for them!
  • Neill Gorton, multi-award winning artist/designer and founder of the world-renowned Millennium FX company, is our Visiting Professor of Special Effects. His astonishing range of professional experience, knowledge of cutting-edge techniques and industry contacts brings enormous benefits.
  • You’ll have your own personal bench space and locker in our dedicated special effects studio, providing a secure base for your studies. You’ll also have access to our fantastic range of SFX facilities, including our make-up studio, casting and moulding room, boutique film studio, and 3D workshop.
  • We’re committed to helping develop your employability and career network. You’ll be encouraged to attend guest lectures that enhance your learning and help you make contacts in the industry. For instance, the award-winning make-up artists Richard Martin and Nick Dudman have recently shared their expertise with students on our SVFX courses.
  • Alongside your special effects make-up skills and knowledge, we’ll support you to develop a broader understanding of production design, including concepting, cinematography and composition. This will help you appreciate the roles, skills and expectations of other professionals working in the industry.
  • We’ll encourage you to research, analyse, design and develop make-up techniques so that you can take an idea from a brief or script scene and find the most time-efficient, cost-effective and visually impressive way to turn that vision into reality.




  • Key Features

  • The course is designed in collaboration with professional special effects make-up artists and studio directors. This ensures that the content is industry-relevant and includes the latest techniques, materials and innovations.
  • We’ll help and support you to develop a portfolio of work/show reel that demonstrates your skills in readiness to impress potential employers.
  • Course assignments and projects mimic industry pipelines and standards so your experience is a realistic preparation for a career in special effects make-up.
  • Our dedicated staff team have a wide range of professional experience, industry knowledge, technical expertise and academic credentials, offering you a variety of perspectives and broadening your horizons.
  • We offer a warm and friendly environment for your studies, with relatively small class sizes, purpose-built teaching facilities, and excellent student support and library services.
  • We prefer to keep lecture and practical classes relatively small, so that you have plenty of opportunities to us ask questions and get individual help, as well as benefit from the ideas and support offered by your classmates.
  • By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
  • Program Outline

    A special effects make-up artist applies make-up on actors and performers to aid in the characters' theatrical transformations. As a graduate you will develop a range of key transferable skills which include the ability to communicate well, present ideas and concepts, work independently and as part of a team, work under pressure and to deadlines and plan and organise your work. You will also develop a range of creative skills and abilities such as good make-up application, an understanding of industry standard materials, an understanding of anatomy, development of sculpture techniques and an understanding of how to translate abstract design ideas into practical applications.

    What can I do with this qualification?

    This degree equips graduates for careers in film, commercials, theatre and television special make-up effects production. Graduates may work directly for a production company or theatre, or they may be self-employed. You could be engaged in a workshop-type environment or working on a large scale film or TV set as part of a creative team. Graduates may also be employed in special effects production for stage and could also find employment in the many creative industries and entertainment industries rapidly developing in the UK such as prosthetics and model making.


    Alternative career options

    A graduate could find additional work opportunities creating displays or multimedia presentations for a museum, or you might work for a company that creates and sells effects-based products, such as prosthetics, costumes or props. Graduates may also use the qualification to enter a range of other careers including:

  • Advertising and marketing communications
  • Animation
  • Fashion and textiles
  • Games
  • Photo imaging
  • Publishing
  • Teaching
  • Arts management
  • SHOW MORE
    About University
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    University of Bolton: A Summary


    Overview:

    The University of Bolton is a public university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various subject areas. The university prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for its students.


    Services Offered:

    The university offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

      Student Support:

      Provides assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.

      Accommodation:

      Offers on-campus and off-campus housing options.

      Sport & Wellness:

      Provides access to sports facilities and wellness programs.

      Careers & Employability:

      Offers guidance and support for career development and job searching.

      Fees & Funding:

      Provides information on tuition fees and financial aid options.

      International Student Support:

      Offers specific services and resources for international students.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    The university emphasizes a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Students can expect:

      Supportive Tutors:

      Faculty members are known for their dedication to student success and individual attention.

      Active Student Union:

      The Bolton Students' Union provides a platform for student activities, social events, and representation.

      Vibrant Campus Life:

      The university offers a range of clubs, societies, and events to enhance the student experience.

      Access to Facilities:

      Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

      Supportive Learning Environment:

      The university fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.

      Focus on Employability:

      The university emphasizes career development and prepares students for the workforce.

      Diverse Range of Programs:

      Offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.

      Affordable Tuition:

      Provides competitive tuition fees and financial aid options.

    Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

      Accountancy & Business

      Apprenticeships

      Biomedical Sciences & Medical Biology

      Creative & Digital Arts, English & Creative Writing

      Computer Science

      Dance, Musical Theatre & Performance

      Dental Sciences

      Education, Early Years and Teacher Training

      Engineering, Motorsport and Construction

      Film FX, Film & TV Production

      Games

      Health and Social Work & Community and Youth

      Law & Crime and Criminal Justice

      Medical & Paramedic Sciences

      Nursing & Midwifery

      Psychology

      Physiotherapy & Sport Rehabilitation

      Pre-University Study


    Other:

    The university also offers:

      Research Programs:

      Opportunities for students to engage in research activities.

      Summer School:

      A program for students to gain academic credit during the summer.

      Open Days:

      Events for prospective students to visit the campus and learn more about the university.

      International Student Support:

      Dedicated resources and services for international students.

      Alumni Network:

      A network of former students who can provide support and guidance.

      Business Gateway:

      A service that provides support to businesses in the local area.

      Sustainability Initiatives:

      The university is committed to environmental sustainability.

    Total programs
    532
    Admission Requirements

  • 104 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications
  • Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant creative subjects are preferred.
  • You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
  • You'll be required to attend for interview and to provide a portfolio of appropriate work. You'll be expected to present your work and demonstrate your experience. This will usually take the form of a portfolio of recent effects-related (or project-based) work. The quality of your portfolio will be judged alongside traditional UCAS point-bearing qualifications to determine the success of your application. Special consideration is given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio.
  • If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
  • Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

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