Course summary

The UK is currently one of the world's leading supplier of technical staff for film and TV productions, with employers struggling to find creative artists and technicians with the right skillset, there has never been a better time to become part of this exciting industry. Become part of the team behind films and theatre. Your role in hair and makeup will help bring to life the vision of entertainment. Split between our High Wycombe campus and BNU teaching base at Pinewood Studios, with this two year course you’ll have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge you need for your future, all whilst studying right in the heart of the famous creative hub. Our creative briefs and projects will help you become an expert storyteller in the form of Hair and Makeup for Film, TV and Stage, and upon graduation make your portfolio shine. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? Bright lights, incredible equipment, famous faces. Nothing compares to the buzz you’ll feel when working on set. Split your time between Buckinghamshire New University and our creative base at Pinewood Studios. Our teaching team which includes industry experts, will share years of experience and know-how, and give you an insight into the theory that underpins the subject. With London on our doorstep, you’ll be near the world’s best cultural centres, such as theatres, museums and galleries, where you can find a range of inspiration. The hair and makeup you produce are key to the story that is playing out to the audience, immerse yourself into the script and bring to life, with your styles, the performance. What will I study? Get ready for industry in just two years with this accelerated option. Learn from industry experts in teaching spaces based at Pinewood Studios and our High Wycombe campus. Explore the theory associated with hair, makeup and filmic representation to understand broader contexts informing your practice. Understand what it takes to set up as a freelancer with our entrepreneurial skills module. Master the hair and makeup skills you need for successful entry into the hair and makeup industry and the hierarchy and roles involved in each department, including SFX, in film, television and theatre. How will I be taught and assessed? The course is just two years, but you will learn everything you need to know and feel ready for industry by the time you graduate. We’ll be honest, it might seem intense at times and we will expect you to challenge yourself, but it wiII be worth it when you are qualified to work on major productions! The practical elements of our course are designed with industry in mind. On the course you will explore pre-production and film set etiquette, which will help you understand the rules, roles and responsibilities of individuals in a production team, as well as explaining who you will report to and the expectations within a professional context. It is key to master different makeup and hair techniques, so we’ll help you explore a range of period eras and how they form the basis for fashion designs. Alongside, your modules in prosthetics and special effect makeup will allow you to experiment with a range of materials to understand what it takes to bring characters to life. It’s not just about crafting something that looks great, it will be your job to create character designs that fit a script. We'll teach you about various period hairstyles and show you how to recreate them. Most importantly you'll understand the history and theory that informs your designs and be able to reflect critically on your practice. You'll get to grips with professional practice and we will help you to develop essential entrepreneurial skills. As many people in this area work as freelancers, we’ll teach you everything you need to know for success, from how to set up to paying taxes and creating a winning CV.

Course details