Special Effects and Make-Up

What skills will I learn on Special Effects and Make-up courses?

For Special Effects and Make-up courses, we teach a variety of skills relating to printed, digital, interactive, 3D, installation, laser cutting, large format, and many aspects of the design process for a variety of outcomes that allow you to explore your unique style. You will learn how to create and apply prosthetic appliances, from flat to large scale. Some students have created casualty wounds and effects, facial deformations, facial alterations, character, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, weight gain, old age, going through the processes of life-casting, sculpting, mold-making, casting, and application techniques. Alongside this, you will learn how to conceptualise your prosthetic creations, using digital sculpting and design software, after which you may choose to 3D print your design out physically. Wigmaking is also important to learn on the course, you will learn hair knotting techniques, wig dressing, re-fronting, application and maintenance, hair punching, and simple barbering. You will basically learn all of the key and complementary skill sets in the industry for a special make-up effects artist. We also teach software skills such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, and other industry software that you can integrate into your work.

We teach aspects of professional practice including how to prepare a portfolio for an interview, market your work effectively through online portfolios and social media, time management, adaptability, confidence, resilience, interview skills, and many more.

If you have any other enquiries relating to this you can contact the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Team to discuss, their contact details can be found at the bottom of the specific course page by searching the Special Effects and Make-Up subject area.

You can also chat with our staff directly every Wednesday from 2 pm - 4 pm and periodically throughout the working week.

Alternatively, chat with our current students who will be able to share this information with you and any other course-related queries.

Or book onto one of our Open Days or Course Advice Days to find out more and speak with the team.

At the University of Bolton, we understand our students have different requirements and we pride ourselves on the positive and supportive learning environment we provide. Being voted No. 1 for Student Satisfaction for the past three years (Complete University Guide, North West) is a testament to our approach.

We are proud of our work on-campus to ensure our students can enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe, COVID-secure.