Creative Hair and Media Makeup (Film & TV and Prosthetics)

UCAS code: 8F92

Here's what University Centre Leeds, Leeds City College says about its Creative Hair and Media Makeup (Film & TV and Prosthetics) course.

Excel behind the scenes with our Creative Hair and Media Makeup (Film & TV and Prosthetics) Foundation Degree. This creative course, delivered in our bespoke makeup facilities within a working television studio, develops the specialist skills demanded by the competitive screen and performance industries while our strong industry links and emphasis on practical learning, prepare you for a successful career as a makeup artist working in film and television. Our recent graduates have gained work on productions such as Prime Suspect, Maleficent 2, Cruella, Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack, and other CBeebies and BBC productions.

Our programme blends academic study and practical skills development with industry insight to provide a comprehensive understanding of the screen industries. We encourage professional development, so as you study, you’ll gain industry experience. Throughout the programme you will experience demonstrations, practical skills development, lectures, sketchbook/research workshops, discussions and presentations, while building your professional portfolio.

As you study, you’ll learn specialist skills from our experienced lecturers such as special effects makeup, prosthetics makeup, hair cutting skills for continuity and wig/facial hair piece knotting. You’ll have opportunities to showcase your work at events and work backstage on productions and shoots, helping you to polish your professional portfolio and enhance your CV. We regularly invite industry experts, previous guest speakers have included Kate Benton (Last Kingdom, Hugo, Love Actually), Stuart Bray (Game of Thrones, Doctor Who) and Laura Lawrence (Peaky Blinders) to deliver talks or to run makeup masterclasses.

You will train in our bespoke settings at Prime Studios, located next to ITV studios and in our recently built facilities in Quarry Hill Campus in Leeds Cultural Quarter, neighbouring The Playhouse Theatre. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain practical experience with local companies such as Leeds Grand Theatre and Carriageworks Theatre on local film and tv productions and at events such as the IMATS and United Makeup Artists Expo.

Our department is part of Screen Yorkshire’s Connected Campus initiative which works to forge closer links between TV and Film professionals, production companies, broadcasters and students. Through this initiative the department has access to a range of boot camps, masterclasses and special events, including visits to live sets and studios, industry workshops, visiting speakers and reviews of project pitches. The scheme is encouraged and supported by the broadcasters based in the region, including Channel 4, the BBC and ITV.

We are also members of Film Buddy UK who offer bespoke employability services to encourage, inspire and assist students directly into work experience placements and employment within the Film, Television & Creative Media Industries. UCL Creative Arts students have free membership with the company whilst on programme and have access to live Q and A’s with some of the world's leading specialists, mentoring support, access to work experience opportunities and FB-1, an online catalogue of interviews and podcasts with specialists from the screen industries.

Our modules focus on skills development and may include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

Fundamental Techniques for the Inclusive Artist - This module introduces students to the fundamental practical techniques necessary for the professional hair and makeup artist. This module is designed to build knowledge and understanding of skills in order to build students’ confidence in working with diverse clients and models as well as developing their practical and creative skills.

Character Design and Application - This module will introduce the skills required to design and create character makeup suitable for lens-based media. The module encourages a creative approach and practical understanding of the process of make-up design with special effects for fashion and editorial and prosthetics sectors.

Creative Professional - To be successful in the industry creatives need to constantly refine and develop their work, network with other practitioners and keep abreast of current trends and working practices. During this module, students will look inwards and produce a personal development plan, which will be referred to and updated throughout the programme.

Creative Hair and makeup - The purpose of this module is to introduce students to creative hair and make-up design techniques. This will allow students to develop an understanding of the processes of constructing and exhibiting artistic hairstyles and make-up effects that are appropriate to the context; whilst understanding the relationship and necessity of applying both hair and make-up skills to create a comprehensive look.

Historical influences in Hair and Makeup - This module will develop students’ research and independent study skills to form critical analysis and interpretation of historical periods through the perspective of hair and make-up.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Prosthetics Makeup for Film and TV - The purpose of this module is to introduce the techniques and processes for the making and application of prosthetic led characterisation. This includes gaining confidence and independence with industry led, current skills and processes of life casting, flat moulding, colouring and application specifically for Film and TV productions.

Creative Postiche -This module introduces students to facial postiche making to meet the requirements of a set client brief within a chosen context. Students will develop an appreciation of the essential skills needed to construct and dress facial hair pieces using complex techniques creatively.

Working in the Makeup Industry - Throughout a series of taught sessions, students will explore theories to inform industry practices within the relevant creative industries and their importance in relation to their chosen sector. Students will also develop an understanding of experiential learning through a series of guest workshops, thus providing a framework for which the student sets out the learning objectives to be met during a work-based opportunity.

Managing a Showcase Event - In this module students will be given the opportunity to propose and design a creative project displaying both portfolio work and live installation to an audience, building entrepreneurial skill and giving them an individual artistic presence.

Cutting for Continuity - This module aims to develop hairdressing skills that reflect and represent the multicultural backgrounds of actors when working as a makeup artist on set. The module has been designed to enable students to develop appropriate hair cutting, styling and barbering skills to meet the needs of the film and TV industry.

All assessments reflect current industry expectations and practices and will include:

Practical applications Portfolio work Vlogs Showcase exhibition Pitch presentations Research folders Reflective logs