BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television at University of Greater Manchester

Programme overview

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 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.

Duration: 3 years full-time | Study mode: full-time, foundation year route available | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Bolton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules (a mix of compulsory and optional) include Principles of Make-up and Hair Techniques, Digital Principles for Make-up Effects, Principles of Prosthetic Manufacture, Film and Television Contexts, Film + FX Production Project, FX Industries Exploration, Advanced Digital Techniques, Manufacturing Techniques for Prosthetics, Wigs and Hair Pieces, Finishing Techniques for Character Application, Professional Identity, Innovation Skillset, Industry Project, Research into Practice, Major Project, among others.

Career pathways

Graduates may work for production companies, prosthetic make-up workshops or on a freelance and self-employed basis. Workshop-based roles can involve sculpting, digital scanning, mouldmaking, prosthetic casting, silicone finishing, hair punching and wig work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

104 UCAS points. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant creative subjects are preferred. You should also have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. You'll be required to provide a portfolio of appropriate work and attend a portfolio review where we'll expect you to present your work and demonstrate your experience. Your portfolio should include recent effects-related (or project-based) work. The quality of your portfolio will be judged alongside traditional UCAS point-bearing qualifications to determine the success of your application. Special consideration is given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent).

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Home/EU tuition fee, first year of study; total course fee £29,370 Source

International applicants: GBP 17,500 a year (2026/27). International tuition fee, first year of study; total course fee £52,500 Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://evision.bolton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=W710-D&code2=0004

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