Update, April 2024: This course will become BA (Hons) Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making from September 2024, subject to successfully completing revalidation this month. To be kept updated please email ucsmarketing@btc.ac.uk
This course is for students wishing to pursue a career in the Media Make-up industry. A broad range of areas are taught and the course allows for you to specialise within the later modules in a technique/techniques to enhance and stretch your skill set if you should choose to.
Over the first year you will study a broad range of skill sets with a variety of modules. These are developed and diversified within the second year of the course allowing for individual specialisms to be developed. In the final year there are no set pathways within the degree which allows for flexibility where necessary to develop independence within specialisms.
Modules may include:
The qualification has been designed in collaboration with industry ensuring that you will develop the necessary skills and knowledge for employment.
You will have access to excellent resources and facilities with state-of-the-art make-up studios and workshops.
Residential trips may be available: previous trips have taken place to Warner Bros, Harry Potter studios, London West End theatre productions and backstage tours such as Les Miserables, Aladdin, Wicked and more.
In addition to our End of Year Degree Show, students fundraise to showcase their work to industry at events such as IMATS.
Update, April 2024: This course will become BA (Hons) Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making from September 2024, subject to successfully completing revalidation this month. To be kept updated please email ucsmarketing@btc.ac.uk
This course is for students wishing to pursue a career in the Media Make-up industry. A broad range of areas are taught and the course allows for you to specialise within the later modules in a technique/techniques to enhance and stretch your skill set if you should choose to.
Over the first year you will study a broad range of skill sets with a variety of modules. These are developed and diversified within the second year of the course allowing for individual specialisms to be developed. In the final year there are no set pathways within the degree which allows for flexibility where necessary to develop independence within specialisms.
Modules may include:
The qualification has been designed in collaboration with industry ensuring that you will develop the necessary skills and knowledge for employment.
You will have access to excellent resources and facilities with state-of-the-art make-up studios and workshops.
Residential trips may be available: previous trips have taken place to Warner Bros, Harry Potter studios, London West End theatre productions and backstage tours such as Les Miserables, Aladdin, Wicked and more.
In addition to our End of Year Degree Show, students fundraise to showcase their work to industry at events such as IMATS.
I now work at the English National Opera as a Wig and Make-up Technician where I have put all the skills learnt in my degree into practice. Without the high level of practical skill I was taught at University Centre Somerset I wouldn’t have the expertise required for this industry.
Modules are taught with a mixture of in-class lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, industry-based master classes, presentations and workshop skills. Assessment includes practical assessments, written coursework, presentations and creative portfolios.
As part of your course you will be required to undertake some work experience. This falls within the Professional Practice module in the first year of the course. Other opportunities that arise are encouraged throughout the qualification.
On successful completion of this course you will be equipped with a high level of subject practical skills and a portfolio of work. Students often take up employment opportunities within theatre, television and film productions as well as working with make-up agencies in fashion and editorial.
Previous students have gained employment in places such as English National Opera, Madame Tussauds, Allure Magazine, London Fashion Week and on productions such as Star Wars, Game of Thrones, His Dark Materials and Dr Who in addition to self-employment. Students can progress on to postgraduate studies.
Typically entrants will possess:
The course fee is £8500.00* per year of study.
For more information regarding course fees, please read our 'Fees and Funding' page.
*Fees are subject to review annually. The fees for existing students may be increased annually in line with the Retail Price Index.
The course requires you to purchase a wide range of materials and equipment that you will need to complete the practical modules and these may be different in each year of the course. The course team are constantly reviewing and updating the lists which are subject to change however, the list below gives an idea of the items and the costs you should be prepared to pay. Kits of essentials can be purchased through UCS but through the duration of the course it is increasingly likely students will need to purchase their own materials specific to their areas of discipline as they develop.
Please note that the prices quoted below were accurate as of April 2024 and can be subject to change.
Level 4 (Year 1):
Approx £890 for a beauty, special effects, wig and postiche making and brush and hairdressing kit.
Beauty and special effects combined (please allow approximately £600) plus added costs for any additional materials such as wig lace, sketchbooks etc from the college shop/online store (please allow approximately £50). All prices are subject to change.
Level 5 (Year 2):
Please allow approximately £350 for a prosthetic materials kit. All prices subject to change.
Once materials from the student kits have run out, students will need to re purchase these themselves (prosthetic materials such as silicone are expensive). Please allow additional costs for materials needed for own individual projects such as sculpting tools, wig hair etc. All are prices subject to change.
Level 6 (Year 3):
Students are responsible for sourcing their own materials based on the materials they plan on using. They will complete a budget tracking form to keep track of costs during the first module. Materials for the year could cost anything between £100 and £1500 depending on the materials used in each specialist area. All prices are subject to change.
In previous years, UCS has offered a scheme whereby UCS purchases kits at cost which students paid off in instalments. Please contact your Course Leader to determine if such a scheme is still in operation at the time of your study.
Trips and visits may also incur additional costs.