Course overview
Level 3 Diploma in Special Effects, Theatrical and Media Make-up City of Bristol CollegeThis course is for students who have already achieved a Level 2 qualification in Media Make-up and now wish to further their skills and focus on prosthetics and special effects make-up as well as high fashion and editorial make-up, hair styling, body art and character work for TV and film.
As part of this course, you are also required to complete an Industry placement to support your skills and personal development.
You will gain knowledge and experience through hands-on classes in our specialised make-up studio at our College Green Centre. The course is fast-paced, with a large volume of written and design work, including assignments, practical observations and online exams.
You will need to be organised and confident with producing work to deadlines. Skills in drawing and art are desirable, as well as already achieving a Level 2 qualification in Media make-up.
Following course completion, you may progress to university or enter employment in the industry.
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
| Course Code | Dates | Duration | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGF1254D01-1 | 08/09/2025 - 26/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | 12.50 | 09:00 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
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Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is for students who have already achieved a Level 2 qualification in media make-up and are aged 17-18.
What you'll learn
You will learn how to create and cast small prosthetics and bald caps. You will take part in full body painting, airbrushing, camouflage make-up as well as creative looks.
You will learn the skills to experiment in all fields of theatrical make-up by studying 11 units.
You will need to complete online exams, written assignments, live practical assessments, as well as sketchbooks and design plans.
Course entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at 4 or above, or a Level 2 equivalent in a relevant subject. You will have gained either English and/or Maths at GCSE 4 or above, or Level 2 Functional skills in English and/or Maths.
We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria.
All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.
If you are applying for a creative practice-based course, you will be invited to bring a portfolio of work that demonstrated what you have done in your previous courses.
We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
You will learn from our experienced and supportive teachers through a mixture of classroom work, practical activities and competition work.
Assessments are carried out as practice (pre-observation) assessments and final assessments, as well as theory exams and assignments.
You will also take part in work experience whilst studying.
Future career and study opportunities
Your next steps are to progress to university, there are UCAS points associated with this qualification, and you will be supported with your applications.
You can go on to achieve a foundation degree or even BA Honours in theatrical and media make-up. This will allow you to learn prosthetics making, special effects, and TV and film make-up to industry standards.
You will be qualified after completing this course to work in the TV, make-up and creative arts industries.
Additional costs
The kit costs £102.48 and the black hoodie costs £25.
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