Your Journey to a Career in Make-Up and Special Effects at Bolton

Looking to follow in the footsteps of Pat McGrath? Voted by Vogue magazine as the most influential make-up artist in the world! 
 
The world of make-up and special effects can be incredibly rewarding. Behind the scenes of any top movie or TV show is an army of talented make-up and special effects artists working tirelessly to deliver a first-class viewing experience.  
 
At the University of Bolton, we offer a gateway for any student who is looking to start their journey to becoming a make-up and special effects artist. See how our BDes (Hons) Special Make-Up Effects for Film and TV course can give you the skills and creative know-how to learn how make-up artists can turn Jamie Campbell-Bower into the villain, Vecna from the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things!  

Course Highlights 
 
At Bolton University, our courses have been designed in consultation with industry, ensuring the course content relates to market requirements.  
 
Our Visiting Professor of Special Effects is none other than the legendary Neill Gorton, the genius behind the Millennium World FX company; known for his work on famous films like Saving Private Ryan, Thor, and TV series such as Doctor Who! You’ll be thrilled by his range of professional techniques, years of experience, and industry veteran talent that is all for you to soak up. 
 
What we’re really about, however, is providing our students with a university experience that they love. Have a read at what some of our students from our Centre of Film FX students have said about their time at Bolton University: 
 
“The quality of teaching on the course is second to none. It’s been a fantastic experience so far, as the lecturers help everyone develop, with their passion for the craft and enthusiasm”. 
 
- Oscar Owen, Film FX Student 
 
“What I love about studying this course at Bolton is that it feels like fun, not work”.  
 
- Joshua Glynn, Film FX Student 
 
“All our lecturers have industry experience and that makes a big difference, preparing us in the best possible way”.  
 
- Esme Morgan, Film FX Student 

What’s included?  
 
As you prepare to learn how to turn movie stars into monsters in the creative film industry, you’ll experience a wealth of topics designed to equip you with all the skills you need to pursue a successful career. 
 
Studying in our Centre for Film FX, we offer our students an intensely practical education where our creative lecturers will guide them in exploring prosthetics and changing physical appearances, including aspects like life-casting, clay sculpting, creating silicone masks, and adding hair and colouring techniques. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to experiment with tools, materials, and techniques; teaching them the industry-required skills to create impressive on-screen transformations.  
 
As part of our commitment of ensuring our students are career-ready, we support them in developing a portfolio that demonstrates their skills in readiness to impress potential industry employers. This is done through direct support from lecturers in the form of small class sizes, purpose-built quality teaching facilities, and access to our dedicated Careers and Employability  Team. Allowing students regularly opportunities to ask questions and get individual help that specifically benefits their learning style. 

At Bolton University, we strive to give students the supportive learning environment they need to achieve their goals. 

Start Your Career Journey! 
 
Like the sound of our BDes (Hons) Special Make-Up Effects for Film and TV course? Join our Centre of Film FX at the University of Bolton and benefit from the fantastic facilities and industry-experienced lecturer team that our students love. Come and enjoy our positive and inclusive university that has earned the title of being voted first for Student Satisfaction for the past five years!* 
 
To find out more about what the course offers, click here. For further information, contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call us on 01204 903807. 
 
*Complete University Guide – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 – Northwest