This is an industry led, two-year course, equivalent to three A-levels. This course is a UAL qualification that focuses on the communication and the creative practice elements of Special Effects Make-up industry. We work with industry professional and film studios that help students get the skills they need to succeed in the industry. We work alongside the award winning SFX make-up artist Neill Gorton from Millennium FX Studios and Pinewood Studios.
When a director needs an actor to become a horrifying mutant zombie, alien or a hospital wound/surgical or war scene, he or she turns to the considerable talents of the Special Effects Make-up artist. This Special Effects course will introduce you to many aspects of film and TV designs over the two years ranging from full head prosthetic, ageing, body paint, make-up and special effects such as cuts, scars and skin disorders. You will learn how to create a wide range of characters including aliens, zombies and unworldly creatures. This will also incorporate a wide range of other Special Effect skills, the process of sculpting your own prosthetic pieces.
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What will I learn?
Over the two years on this course, you will learn a diverse range of SFX skills. You will look at creating special effects and prosthetic make-up for film and television. In short, you will develop skills that are a real asset to a wide range of performance industries, from theatre to TV, from the music business to the world of film.
You will learn to use digital programmes, art skills and photography alongside your 3D skills, to design and present your work and create a stunning portfolio and show reel that can be used to help support high education and future jobs.
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Example modules
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Year 1 - Basic SFX skills: using latex, blood, gelatine, collodion, cine wax
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Year 1 - Planning, Researching and Designing
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Year 1 - Mask making: 3D outcome
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Year 1 - Interactive Make-up: 4D outcome
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Year 1 - Amputee Make-up
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Year 1 - Flat Moulds: sculpting, moulding, application
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Year 2 - Life casting process
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Year 2 - Prosthetics: sculpting, moulding, application
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Year 2 - Planning, Researching and Designing
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Year 2 - Body Art
- Year 2 - Progression routes: UCAS, job application, higher education, freelance image
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How will I be assessed?
The University of the Arts London (UAL) Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication is assessed through a series of projects that are designed to broaden students skills, experience and expertise. The first 2 units are delivered with a Pass or Fail outcome. A final project (The FMP) decides the students overall grade for the year which is graded at: Pass, Merit or Distinction. The second year (Extended Diploma) is made up of 3 units, with the first 2 units delivered with a Pass or Fail outcome and the final 1 making up the FMP for year 2, with the overall grade being either a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Student work is externally assessed and scrutinised by External Verifiers from the University of the Arts London to ensure that academic standards are adhered maintained.
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Entry Requirements
We require all students to have achieved 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C), this must include Maths and/or English Language, and GCSE Art or another creative subject. You may also have a Level 2 qualification at a Merit, with a clear love for Special Effects Make-up. You will need to show a portfolio or sketchbook of creative work at interview.
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Progression & Career Opportunities
Successful completion of the Level 3 Extended course will allow you to progress on to University, L4 programmes or an Apprenticeship. If you aspire to have a career in industry, fashion, theatre, film/TV, this course will equip you with the essential skills and experience that you will need. Working in the entertainment industry, Media and Fashion industry as a Special Effects Make-up artist.
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Additional Information
A portfolio of creative work must be brought to interview.
A studio fee to pay for materials is required, on average this is approx. £250 but may vary each year. A bursary is available to help with costs if required. We strive to support our student learning through termly trips, bursary is available to support where needed. Trips will vary each year depending on location and cost.
Your course will be timetabled over 3 or 4 days, with approximately 6-12 hours work of directed homework per week depending on the level of course. Our days run from 9am to 4.45pm.
Your study programme includes your vocational course and also Maths, English, Digital Skills, Tutorial and Career Progression sessions, attendance to all aspects is mandatory.
