BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television program at the University of Bolton equips students with advanced skills in make-up techniques, prosthetics, and digital sculpting for careers in film, television, and other related industries. Emphasizing practical experience and collaboration, the program prepares graduates for a wide range of roles, including special effects makeup artists, hair stylists, and prosthetics designers. Through industry engagement and a dedicated staff with professional experience, students gain invaluable knowledge and portfolio-worthy outcomes.

Program Outline

BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television - University of Bolton

Degree Overview:

This program focuses on developing the specialized skills needed for a career in make-up for film and television. It aims to equip students with both traditional and contemporary methodologies, including digital sculpting, face scanning, hair skills, mouldmaking processes, and prosthetics and make-up application techniques. The program emphasizes practical experience, collaboration with other creative subject areas, and engagement with industry professionals. Students will also gain a critical understanding of the special make-up effects industry.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include practical applications, coursework, portfolios investigating practice, case studies, interviews, and presentations. Project-based coursework simulates professional situations and contributes to the final mark.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include practical demonstrations, lectures, seminars, tutorials, self-directed learning, practical workshops, and online learning. Lectures introduce core content, seminars explore subjects in greater detail, and practical skills are gained through workshops, demonstrations, and activity-based assignments. Guest lectures and visits offer insights from industry professionals.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for careers in special make-up effects for film, commercials, theatre, and television production. Graduates may work directly for production companies or theatres, be self-employed, or work in workshop-type environments or as part of creative teams on large-scale film or TV sets. Alternative career options include:

• Medical prosthetics
• Education
• Hair integration systems and wig-making for hair loss
• Digital concepting for clients
• Mannequin making for medical simulation

Other:

• The program is informed by industry professionals to ensure content is relevant and includes the latest techniques, materials, and innovations.
• Students will learn to work with creative teams from across subject areas, preparing them for multi-team collaboration in the film and television world.
• The program provides portfolio-worthy practical outcomes and builds confidence and experience in simulated industry settings.
• The dedicated staff team has a wide range of professional experience, industry knowledge, technical expertise, and academic credentials.
• The university offers a warm and friendly environment for studies and ensures each student has a personal tutor for support.
• The university is located in one of the UK's largest film and television-producing regions, with many production companies operating in the area.
• The program includes "Industry Week," where globally recognized industry specialists demonstrate their work and offer advice.
• Neill Gorton, multi-award winning artist/designer and founder of Millennium FX, is the Visiting Professor for the Centre of Film FX.
• BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated prosthetic and make-up effects designer Nick Dudman received a Doctorate of Innovation from the University of Bolton in 2022 and continues to support the course.

Tuition fees EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for ‘Home’ fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Additional costs There may be some additional or optional costs associated with this course. These will be published after approval of the programme.