Bradford College

Enrolment Dates

Course Overview

This creative and challenging course provides an insight into the fast-paced and diverse world of media make-up and associated special make-up effects, offering a wide range of diverse skills and career options.

The course aims to provide the opportunity to understand and experience as many of these as possible. Areas studied may include make-up for film, television, theatre, fashion, print and special occasions, using both traditional and contemporary methods. Within special effects, casualty simulation, casting, sculpting, creature design, prosthetic manufacture and application may be studied. Hair work including basic dressing, period work and postiche is also covered. The course explores the skills required by the Make-up Designer with an emphasis on research techniques and design planning. Work experience within the industry is an integral part, with students encouraged to obtain their own work as well as being supported by opportunities that come through the college. Out links with the Co-Operative British Youth Film Academy offers the experience of making short and feature-length films. You will build a portfolio of work, providing a strong basis for entry into the industry.

Prospective students will be highly motivated and creative individuals with a genuine passion for the subject. Reliability, punctuality and the ability to work to tight deadlines are also essential.

Course Structure

 The course covers a range of practises, including make-up for film, television and theatre. We also offer introductions to casualty simulations, historical/fashion make-up, pastiche work, sculpting, casting, creature design and fabrication.

The overall aims of the course are:

• to provide a broad-based education in Media Make-up and Special Effects.
• to develop an awareness and understanding of the creative potential of contemporary professional practice in the field.
• to develop an understanding of the different cultural, historical and commercial contexts within which creative professionals operate today.

Modules Covered

 Level 4 Modules include:

• Studio Practice
• Special Effects with Character Make-up
• Prosthetics with Character Make-up
• Contextual Studies

Level 5 Modules include:

• Advanced Studio Practice
• Intermediate Prosthetics
• Creative Make-up Design and Application
• Intermediate Contextual Studies

Level 6 Modules include:

• Advanced Studio Practice
• Major Project
• Professional Promotion
• Critical Appraisal
• Dissertation 

Learning Methods

An active and collaborative approach to learning is encouraged on this course. Students are encouraged to develop personal and professional independence, and maintain a self-managed approach to learning. This is facilitated through a project based approach to learning, which develops academic independence through a variety of individual research topics.

As the course progresses, we place an increasing emphasis on independent learning and critical self-awareness, culminating in the production of a personal and professionally executed final collection and portfolio which demonstrates creativity and a range of appropriate professional skills.
 

Teaching Methods

We aim to provide a friendly and enthusiastic environment for students. Students are encouraged to explore their individual creativity, and are supported through every aspect of the course, both personally and professionally.
We provide a supportive backdrop to the student centred teaching and learning methods, which are designed to enhance personal development. Increasing emphasis will be place upon independent learning through ought the course, via negotiated, self initiated briefs. This independence ensures that you realise your individual potential and achieve your academic and future career aspirations.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a range of formative and summative assessments, which allow you to continue strengthening your skills as a Creative Make-Up Artist. The course is based both on practical and theoretical study, which will be reflected in the method of assessment; practical work will typically be assessed through the presentation of a body of work in portfolio or exhibition form, whilst written work will be presents in essays, reports or journals, including a Dissertation to be completed at Level Six.

Work Placement/Fieldwork

The particular nature of the industry (that many Media Make-up and Special Effects professionals are self employed) means that it is not always possible to predict when work placement opportunities will arise.  However, previous students have gained valuable work placements in a range of prestigious organisations, including the BBC.

What`s Next?

The course provides you with routes into a wide range of creative employment opportunities in the Media Make-up and Special Effects industry, including in the areas of film and television (mainly on a freelance basis).  Alternatively, you may wish to progress directly onto postgraduate study.
 

Did You Know?

As an Arts and Media student you will have the opportunity to learn from both practitioners and experienced professionals. You will work with artists and designers a well as local and national galleries, museums and exhibitions.

You will develop your creative ability within a well-resourced learning environment which offers excellent studio and workshop facilities.

In 2010, 59% of our BA (Hons) Arts and Media graduates achieved a First or 2:1 degree.
 

Additional Costs

Approximately £350 for specialist equipment and tools.

Entry Requirements

Admission is normally based on your portfolio and interview. Minimum entry requirements are as follows:
Suggested tariff points - 260
Relevant subjects - Art & Design/Design Technology
Required - Normally passes in a minimum of two A2 GCEs (not General
studies) or AVCE (minimum 12 Units), BTEC National or BTEC Foundation in Art & Design.
In addition to the above qualifications the College also encourages applications from those who have achieved one of the following:
Access Courses - Award of a full Access Certificate (Art & Design) by a licensed Access Validating Agency
Applications from FdA/HND students for direct entry into the appropriate level are encouraged.

For mature candidates, we require appropriate work experience supported by a demonstrated commitment to pursue a specialist area of study.
 

Did you know?

We were delighted that the QAA's Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review (IQER), carried out in January 2010 concluded that they had 'Confidence' (the highest judgement possible) in the quality of our Higher Education provision.

For further details read the summary report