Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen

Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen BA (Hons) is specifically designed to provide you with a varied practical skills-set to prepare you for a career within the make-up and special effects sector of the ever-growing creative industries. With a placement opportunity and a focus on the etiquettes of industry environments, the course has a strong employability focus. Alongside practical and employability skills, the programme provides historical and cultural academic contextualisation of hair, make-up and prosthetics across a range of stage and screen contexts. Other highlights include:

• A range of teaching and learning deliveries from practical workshops to interactive small group seminars.

• Opportunity to by taught by a team of both industry experts and published academic researchers.

• Gain actual industry experience and put what you have learnt into practice via a work placement element to the course.

• Be taught in specially designed spaces with industry standard facilities to prepare you for a career working in the make-up, hair and prosthetics sectors of the creative industries.

Our Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen has been successful in the 2026 Guardian University Guide as part of the Fine Art subject grouping:

Ranked 16th for Satisfied with Feedback for Fine Art*

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027**.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost***, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Fine Art Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Feedback.
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information
✱✱✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information

Course Modules

STAGE 1

• Make-up for Stage, Screen and In-between (Compulsory)

• Hair for Stage, Screen and In-between (Compulsory)

• Cosmetic Constitutions: The Critical Connection Between Hair, Make-up and Identity (Compulsory)

• Introduction to Fantasy Transformation (Compulsory)

STAGE 2

• Introducing Prosthetics (Compulsory)

• Character Transformation in a Transmedia Universe: Prosthetics and Identity (Compulsory)

• Advanced Hair, Wigs and Design (Compulsory)

• Burnished, Buffed and Brushed: Bringing Together Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics (Compulsory)

• Researching Trends in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics (Compulsory)

STAGE 3

• Professional Skills and Industry Etiquettes in Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics (Compulsory)

• Breaking the Mould: Advanced Prosthetics and 3D Design (Compulsory)

• Short Dissertation (Compulsory)

• Showcasing Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 26/27 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 27/28 entry modules will be released in June 2027.

The majority of the course will be assessed through practical assignments and presentations which will equate to approximately 70% of your final grade. There will also be written assessments in the form of reflective sketchbooks, critical portfolios, character and case studies and essays. Finally, there is a work based placement assessment and this, along with all other written assessments, will equate to approximately 30% of your final grade.