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Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making BA (Hons)

Course Overview

This course is for students wishing to pursue careers in a range of related industries including;

  • Makeup Artistry, Prosthetics FX, Hair Styling and Wig Making for Film, TV and Theatre
  • Editorial Fashion and Contemporary Cosmetic Aesthetics
  • Bridal Makeup
  • Character, Creature and Concept Design
  • Mouldmaking
  • Medical Wig Making
  • Medical Prosthetic Appliances
  • Emergency Service Training Simulations

A broad range of skills are taught across the course, allowing you initially to explore the variant skillsets, whilst allowing you to specialise and develop a more specific direction within the later modules if you should choose to.

Over the first year you will study a broad range of skills within a variety of modules. These are developed and diversified within the second year of the course allowing for individual specialisms to be developed as the year progresses. The final year introduces more advanced materials and processes and allows for flexibility where necessary to develop independent learning within specialisms. Modules may include:

  • Make-up Investigation
  • Special FX
  • Wig Making Essentials
  • Prosthetics
  • Body Art
  • Design Methods
  • Advanced Materials
  • Industry Directed Project.
  • Industry Preparation

The qualification has been designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensuring that you will develop the necessary skills and knowledge for employment.

You will have access to excellent resources and facilities with state-of-the-art make-up studios and workshops. The course in also well connected to industry through an exciting programme of visiting lecturers. The course is also supported through its relationship with Sangeet Prabhaker, who regularly works alongside the staff team and directly with the students, and also through the KM Effects Award in the 3rd year.

Residential trips may be available: previous trips have taken place to Warner Bros, Harry Potter studios, London West End theatre productions and backstage tours such as Les Miserables, Aladdin and Wicked. Students have travelled to Madrid and New York in the past few years with the Creative Arts Department and also many has been to Los Angeles with the Turin Scheme, visiting the Make Up Nominations at the Academy Awards and the Ben Nye Cosmetics factory, where they were shown around by Dana Nye. The course is also represented with stands at the Prosthetics Event and IMATS where students showcase their work to industry, in addition to our End of Year Degree Show.

Apply for Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making BA (Hons) via UCAS

Course Overview

Course Overview

This course is for students wishing to pursue careers in a range of related industries including;

  • Makeup Artistry, Prosthetics FX, Hair Styling and Wig Making for Film, TV and Theatre
  • Editorial Fashion and Contemporary Cosmetic Aesthetics
  • Bridal Makeup
  • Character, Creature and Concept Design
  • Mouldmaking
  • Medical Wig Making
  • Medical Prosthetic Appliances
  • Emergency Service Training Simulations

A broad range of skills are taught across the course, allowing you initially to explore the variant skillsets, whilst allowing you to specialise and develop a more specific direction within the later modules if you should choose to.

Over the first year you will study a broad range of skills within a variety of modules. These are developed and diversified within the second year of the course allowing for individual specialisms to be developed as the year progresses. The final year introduces more advanced materials and processes and allows for flexibility where necessary to develop independent learning within specialisms. Modules may include:

  • Make-up Investigation
  • Special FX
  • Wig Making Essentials
  • Prosthetics
  • Body Art
  • Design Methods
  • Advanced Materials
  • Industry Directed Project.
  • Industry Preparation

The qualification has been designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensuring that you will develop the necessary skills and knowledge for employment.

You will have access to excellent resources and facilities with state-of-the-art make-up studios and workshops. The course in also well connected to industry through an exciting programme of visiting lecturers. The course is also supported through its relationship with Sangeet Prabhaker, who regularly works alongside the staff team and directly with the students, and also through the KM Effects Award in the 3rd year.

Residential trips may be available: previous trips have taken place to Warner Bros, Harry Potter studios, London West End theatre productions and backstage tours such as Les Miserables, Aladdin and Wicked. Students have travelled to Madrid and New York in the past few years with the Creative Arts Department and also many has been to Los Angeles with the Turin Scheme, visiting the Make Up Nominations at the Academy Awards and the Ben Nye Cosmetics factory, where they were shown around by Dana Nye. The course is also represented with stands at the Prosthetics Event and IMATS where students showcase their work to industry, in addition to our End of Year Degree Show.

Student Spotlight

Katie Jordan, Media Make-Up BA (Hons)

I now work at the English National Opera as a Wig and Make-up Technician where I have put all the skills learnt in my degree into practice. Without the high level of practical skill I was taught at University Centre Somerset I wouldn’t have the expertise required for this industry.

Assessment

Assessment Methods

Modules are taught with a mixture of in-class lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, industry-based master classes, presentations and workshop skills. Assessment includes practical assessments, written coursework, presentations and creative portfolios. As part of your course you will be required to undertake some work experience. This falls within the Professional Practice module in the first year of the course. Other opportunities that arise are encouraged throughout the qualification.

Entry Requirements and Progression

Progression

On successful completion of this course you will be equipped with a high level of subject practical skills and a portfolio of work. Students often take up employment opportunities within theatre, television and film productions, as well as working with makeup agencies in fashion and editorial. Others have gone on to work within the medical sector, making training appliances, prosthetic limbs and medical wigs. Previous students have gained employment in places such as English National Opera, Madame Tussauds, Allure Magazine, London Fashion Week and on productions such as Star Wars, Game of Thrones, His Dark Materials and Doctor Who, in addition to self-employment. Students can progress on to postgraduate studies.

Entry Requirements

Typically entrants will possess:

  • A minimum of 80 UCAS points from a relevant Level 3 qualification (Media Make-up, Art and Design or similar)
  • At least four GCSEs including English, and preferably maths and art, at grade 4 and above, or recognised equivalent.

Mature applicants with relevant experience who do not have the stated entry requirements are encouraged to apply.

You will be asked to bring a creative portfolio to interview.

Additional kit and materials will be required. Please see the course page on our website for further details.

In previous years, UCS has offered a scheme whereby UCS purchases kits at cost which students paid off in instalments.
Please contact info@somerset.ac.uk to determine if such a scheme is still in operation at the time of your study.

Policies and Regulations

January Open Event - Taunton Campus

16th January 2025