Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Special Effects, Theatrical and Media Make-up City of Bristol College

This 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.

Level 3 Diploma in Special Effects, Theatrical and Media Make-up College Green Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LGF1254D01-1
Dates
02/09/2024 - 20/06/2025
Duration
1 years
Days
Date/Day(s) Being Finalised
Hours per week
12.50
Start Time
09:00
Location
College Green Centre
Fee
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.
Apply
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
LGF1254D01-1 02/09/2024 - 20/06/2025 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.
Apply

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

You should have a Level 2 qualification in Media Make-up and also have Grade 4s in English and Maths. 

You will need to have excellent personal hygiene and confidence in working on others and in fast-paced environments. You will need to be prepared to have your hair and make-up styled on a daily basis. Creativity and artistic skills are preferred.

Uniform (all black) is compulsory.  

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

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, you may likely need to pay for travel and stationery. 

You must purchase a make-up kit and a black ‘make-up artist’ hoodie. The cost for these is approx. £500 but does vary each year. 

We take part in several competitions and trips, and these will also incur a cost which will be explained to you when you attend your course. 

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Support Funding Bursary. 

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