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Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making Foundation Degree

Course details
  • FD
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Taunton Campus
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

Would you like to be a professional make-up artist, working on TV productions such as Game of Thrones and Doctor Who or on blockbuster films such as Star Wars and the Marvel series? Perhaps you see yourself working for companies such as Madame Tussauds or The English National Opera? That’s exactly what some of our graduates have gone on to achieve, and with this course under your belt, there’s every chance for you to follow suit.

This unique programme will give you:
• An in-depth understanding of the media makeup industry
• Insight into the role of makeup artists in relation to stage, TV and film, fashion editorial and promotional shoots
• The skills and creative flair to use makeup to express emotions, transform faces and portray character
• The technical and artistic skills for complete makeup transformations
• The research skills required to ensure the quality and accuracy of character portrayal
• Skills in the art of hair work, character development, body painting, postiche, wig-making and prosthetics
• A comprehensive portfolio of work to show prospective employers
• The opportunity to undertake work-based learning and live projects in the media world.

Progression Opportunities
Once the Foundation Degree has been completed, students can apply to the BA (Hons) Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making Top-up available at UCS.

Career Progression
Because this course equips you with high-level practical skills, there is every chance of securing work upon graduation. Our students take up roles within theatre, television and film production companies, as well as working with makeup agencies in fashion and editorial. Others have gone on to work within the medical sector, making training appliances, prosthetic limbs and medical wigs.

Assessment method

Our specialist staff have extensive knowledge of the industry, along with the experience and expertise to guide you as you develop your skill set. The programme is modular in design, and assessment is continuous by means of coursework. You will complete written assignments, journals and design presentations, as well as undertaking regular practical projects. You will also attend lectures and workshops and develop your research skills throughout the course.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W452
Institution code:
B70
Campus name:
Taunton Campus
Campus Code:
T

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

We are currently not issuing CAS for International student visas.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 64 points

from a relevant full level 3 qualification

students are also required to have four GCSEs to include English Grade 4 and above equivalent L2 Literacy.

Mature applicants with relevant experience who do not have the stated entry requirements are encouraged to apply.

You will be asked to bring a creative portfolio to interview.

Additional kit and materials will be required.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Portfolio
You will be advised of the content of your portfolio when you receive your invitation to interview

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

UCS is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants, and seeks to recognise an individual’s potential to succeed. To do this, we consider qualifications and experience in the context of each applicant’s background. We make offers based on evidence that suggests a student’s suitability to excel on their chosen course. As such, where appropriate, we will consider making a contextual offer to study that recognises life experience and potential as well previous academic achievement.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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