Creative Media
| Study Level | Level 3 |
| Duration | 2 Academic Years |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
Media Make up and Special Effects
Study LevelLevel 2 Course TypeSchool Leavers Duration1 Academic Year Start DateSeptember 2025 Study ModeFull-time LocationLister BuildingOverview
The Level 2 Diploma in Media Make up and Special Effects provides you with the fundamental skills needed for progression to related employment adding depth, sophistication and synthesis. There is the opportunity to explore an area of specialist study and context. The Level 2 Diploma is a broad diagnostic course giving you an overview of different perspectives and approaches within the arts industry or related subjects of study or work. You will develop the ability to research, analyse and evaluate relevant information in order to develop creative solutions to complex problems. You will learn how to use practical methods and skills for creative production for appropriate audiences whilst being able to review their effectiveness for further improvement. You will also begin to take responsibility for the research, planning, time management and actions necessary to access progression opportunities in Higher Education or related work.
Key Info
The course is structured to provide you with a wide range of experience in key areas of your specialism, these include but are not limited to:
- Design Work
- Basic Introduction to Make-up Application and Removal
- Hair Techniques
- Make up for Theatre Performance
- Make-up for Screen Performance
- Character Design
- Wig Skills Exploration
- Colour Techniques for Performance
- Special Effects Techniques
- Bald Cap Application
- Maskmaking
- Headdresses
- Ageing for Theatre
- Straight to Skin Techniques
- Simple Prosthetics
- Product Knowledge
- Introduction to Period Make-up and Hair
- Basic Hair Knowledge
- Skin Types and Face Shapes
- Health and Safety
- Cleansing Procedures and Skin Preparation
Qualification Gained: University of the Arts London Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
Unit 1 – Introduction to Performance
Unit 2 – Introduction to Production
Unit 3 – Communicating with an Audience
Unit 4 – Staging a Performance
Unit 5 – Contextual Research for Performance and Production
Unit 6 – Performance Skills and Practice
Unit 7 – Production Skills and Practice
Unit 8 – Personal Project and Presentation
Unit 9 – Producing and Performing to an Audience (Level 2) or Unit 10 – Producing and Performing to an Audience (Level 3)
4 GCSEs including Maths Grade 2 and English Grade 3
The Level 2 Diploma is a practical, project-based, live-brief course supported by both practical skills development and ongoing scrapbook assessment. The final major project of the course is externally moderated by University of Arts London.
Work experience and enrichment opportunities are embedded into the timetable to ensure that the course is both diverse and CV enhancing to prepare learners with industry-based experience work in the creative industries. Our links include but are not limited to – The Royal Shakespeare Company, Bradford Council, Alhambra, Wigs up North, make up designers, various freelancers, JT Studios, TV and film Industry links.
Successful completion of the course at Diploma level means that you will be in a position to progress to further study or you may progress directly into employment roles in the creative industries. Potential careers include:
- Research and design make-up for characters
- Work to production designers’ notes and instructions
- Design and style hair for characters
- Create special effects make-up
- Be on set to apply and redo make-up and hair
- Remove make-up and maintain wigs and hairpieces
A career in this industry may mean that you will work work within theatre, TV, film, fashion and editorial.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.
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