Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television - BA (Hons)

University of Greater Manchester

Are you eager to bring characters to life through make-up, hair and prosthetics? Our BA (Hons) Special Make-up Effects for Film and Television course focuses on helping you develop the specialist and highly requested skills needed to impress decision makers in make-up for film and television departments. We offer fantastic facilities, experienced staff, and industry guest speakers to prepare you for a career in this highly in-demand creative pathway. Special make-up effects is a specialist profession within the film and television industries. It combines creative artistry with technical skill to transform performers into characters and help bring stories to life on screen. Our programme develops your hair and make-up artistry alongside specialist skills in face scanning, digital and traditional sculpting, mouldmaking, prosthetic casting, hair punching, wig making and special make-up effects application techniques. Graduates from Special Make-up Effects at the University of Greater Manchester have gone on to work across the film and television industry, with credits including Masters of the Universe (2026), Amazon Prime’s The Rings of Power Season 2, Napoleon (2023), Ackley Bridge and Coronation Street. They have also gained professional experience working at major UK studios including Pinewood, Leavesden and Sky Studios Elstree. As you progress through the programme, you’ll have opportunities to work alongside students from other creative subject areas and respond to live briefs with feedback from industry professionals. You’ll also explore how special make-up effects fits within the wider film and television industries, helping you understand the creative, technical and professional context in which your work will be used. By studying for your degree at the University of Greater Manchester, you can develop essential knowledge and understanding of special make-up effects techniques and practices while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus. You’ll also benefit from our close proximity to two of the most vibrant cities in England: Manchester and Liverpool.