Special Effects Make Up and Prosthetics Design

Aliens, Monsters, Creatures, Repeat

The BA (Hons) Special Effects Make Up and Prosthetics Design degree aims to provide a new, advanced and flexible learning experience through exploration of modern areas of industry technology and practices, such as 3D scanning, mould making, and printing. Academically, it will develop students’ abilities to record their learning and apply self-reflection to constantly improve their working practices. Students will be encouraged to showcase their work at every opportunity, taking advantage of various local and national platforms, as well as internal opportunites.

The course aims are:
• To develop make up and special effects trainees/juniors who are confident and competent, to an industry standard, with products and techniques to enable them to work in film, television, theatre and linked areas.
• To provide a creative and collaborative environment in which core practical skills, transferable skills, confidence, professionalism and creative development are nurtured.
• To enable students to develop a wide range of thinking skills, practical and professional expertise, and transferable learning, including writing skills.
• To equip students with research skills and critical analysis so they can develop a design process which will produce both accurate to a subject/theme, and unique/original ideas.
• To prepare students to be innovative, flexible, adaptable and able to solve problems, both intellectual and practical oriented in response to the changing professional environment.
• To provide a focus on experimentation and risk-taking, broadening students’ perspectives on practice, and developing work in their specialist discipline.

The course will also allow for opportunities to collaborate across the 3 levels as well as other departments (film production, photography, performing arts etc.). This new approach (which has not been explored in the past) will allow students to develop their professional and employability skills. With smaller class sizes this enables more time and support for learners with their tutors. We are continually in contact with industry connections to bring in new techniques and methods as well as developing technology in the industry.

There are various roles in the industry from working in workshops, on set film work, teaching, medical sector, and even dental training. Typical progression routes are Masters, PGCE, employment within a workshop or freelance work in the medical field, workshops, films, and theatre. There are also opportunities to set up businesses taking commission work, retailing prosthetics, fan merchandise products, or offering private and commercial services.

All modules are mandatory
Level 4
Anatomy Study
Theory of Special Effects Make Up Artistry Study Skills
Casualty Simulation
Lifecasting, Mould Making and Workshop Skills
Character Transformation Techniques
Level 5
Digital Design
Fundamentals of Prosthetics Creations
Creature Design and Fabrication
Prosthetics Design and Production
Initial Research Project
Level 6
Experimental Project
Final Research Project
Industry Standard Project
Professional Practice

This degree has a variety of different assessment methods ranging from practical applications, reflective journals, presentations, to written proposals. This diversity in assessments sets students up for life post-education with numerous industry-needed skillsets.