BA Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television
University of Greater Manchester
About this course
BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television, a make-up and hair design degree focusing on the technical and artistic creation of prosthetic characters and physical effects for screen productions. Core topics include Ethics & Professional Practice. Students complete a major project and undertake collaborative production tasks alongside related creative disciplines. The first year introduces foundational skills through Principles of Make-up and Hair Techniques, Digital Principles for Make-up Effects, Principles of Prosthetic Manufacture, Film and Television Contexts, and Film + FX Production Project. The second year builds upon this knowledge with FX Industries Exploration, Advanced Digital Techniques, Manufacturing Techniques for Prosthetics, Wigs and Hair Pieces, Finishing Techniques for Character Application, Professional Identity, Innovation Skillset, and Industry Project. The final year focuses on advanced application and independent output through Research into Practice, Major Project, and Professional Practice.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications. 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). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 72%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 80%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 2%
- London: 1%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- 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
- Professional Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television at University of Greater Manchester earn?
The median salary is £18,500 after 3 years, £20,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £15,000 and £26,500. The £20,500 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Creative arts and design (other).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television at University of Greater Manchester?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television at University of Greater Manchester?
The average entrant had 79 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television at University of Greater Manchester?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.