Course summary

Are you eager to bring characters to life through make-up, hair and prosthetics? Our BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television with foundation year course focuses on helping you develop the specialist and highly requested skills needed to impress decision-makers in make-up for film and television departments. We offer fantastic facilities, experienced staff, and industry guest speakers to prepare you for a career in this highly in-demand creative pathway. Many television shows and movies, from biopics to sci-fi, horror, and history, need special make-up effects to enhance their on-screen storytelling. University of Bolton graduates have gone on to work on an array of films and television series, recently including Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street, Ant Man (2023), and Napoleon (2023). Our BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television with foundation year course will equip you with key practical techniques in both traditional and contemporary methodologies. The course explores digital sculpting, face scanning, hair skills, mouldmaking processes, and prosthetics and make-up application techniques. The foundation year allows you to discover and strengthen research, design, practical and communication skills that are essential for success as you study Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television. You'll explore an array of core techniques relating to the creative arts industries, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and finishing techniques, investigating both traditional and digital technologies. The foundation year also aims to build your confidence in academic skills such as literature searching, academic referencing and written and oral communication techniques. As you progress through the course, you'll gain experience collaborating with other creative subject areas, such as modelmaking and creature effects, film and television production, and photography at the university. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with live briefs and feedback from renowned industry professionals. Additionally, you'll undertake contextual studies relating to special make-up effects in film and television, ensuring you have a critical understanding of this creative industry and are prepared to progress in your future career. By studying for your degree at the University of Bolton, you can develop essential knowledge and understanding of special make-up effects techniques and practices while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus. You'll also benefit from our close proximity to two of the most vibrant cities in England: Manchester and Liverpool.