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Artistic Make Up and Special Effects

Course details
  • FdA
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Freemen's Park Campus
Awarded by:
De Montfort University

Course summary

Secure your career by completing this unique course in artistic make-up and special effects by developing unique skills with up-to-date techniques used in today's industry. Delivered by a team of expert staff and visits from industry guest speakers you will develop both your confidence and employability skills. Previous graduates from this course have been extremely successful within make-up retail and as freelance make-up artists across a broad range of fields including fashion/editorial, theatre, film/television and prosthetics.

This is a two-year university-level programme which provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure a career in artistic makeup within the fashion/media and prosthetics industry. As a student on a De Montfort University validated course you can experience all the benefits of student life at university. Our partnership agreement with DMU enables our students to access its facilities whilst studying on this Leicester College undergraduate course, whilst at the same time receiving a high level of one to one and small group teaching and benefitting from having a personal tutor, who can provide support and guidance through tutorials.

This degree is designed to give you experience and skills to contribute to the economic and cultural development of your chosen profession, whilst enhancing your career prospects with a range of skills for your future employability. The course is delivered by a team of expert staff with professional backgrounds which ensures that modules are relevant, up-to-date and informed by the latest thinking and techniques. Effective links with industry allow us to provide current and up-to-date techniques for example fibreglass mould making, polyurethane, silicone and foam latex materials, as well as industry guest speakers from fashion (Illamasqua), theatre and television. Opportunities for various work experience on the course develops confidence and essential employability skills. Creative Arts students can also benefit from having access to an extensive range of facilities within the area and opportunities to collaborate with other students across a range of creative arts pathways, further developing your employability and industry related skills.

The opportunity to apply to a third year top-up to a BA (Hons) in Professional Studies (Creative Industries) is also offered at the college.

Modules

Year one modules include the human body, which explores the visual effects of ageing, death and decay. Visual communication includes life drawing, ceramic/sculpting and basic photography. Postiche to include wig making and hair additions. Fashion/editorial hair and makeup techniques cover a variety of genres and periods of history. Specialist make-up includes body painting, bald caps, casualty techniques, theatre and television make up. Historical and contextual understanding looks at the psychology of display.
Year two modules include advanced prosthetics which develops mould making techniques, including fibreglass, polyurethane, silicone and foam latex materials. Digital media for make-up industries which includes blogging and online portfolio, historical and cultural hairstyling for film and fashion, contemporary contexts and visual media to explore character development within a theoretical context. Freelance practitioner which investigates employability and freelance business skills. Negotiated study for students to focus on a chosen specialist area which is showcased at the end of the year event. Additional resource costs for individual projects will be charged at cost.

Assessment method

A variety of assessment methods will be employed which include practical assessment in both formative and summative assessment which will include journals to show the development of research, practice and evaluation. You will also be required to complete three essays covering a variety of topics, provide formal presentations, project proposals and write a report on business planning.

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:
L36
Campus name:
Freemen's Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Leicester College is not a Home Office Student Sponsor and does not accept applications from international students. We can only accept applications from students already resident in the UK.

EU / EEA nationals resident in the UK must be able to demonstrate that they have gained either ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-settled’ status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Other non-UK nationals (apart from Irish nationals) must demonstrate they have valid UK residency / leave to remain in the UK to be considered for admission. Right to study in the UK does not automatically confer Home fee status and you may be required to undertake a fee status assessment to confirm your eligibility for student funding.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 32 points

Standard entry is 32 UCAS points consisting of at least 1 full Level 3 qualification in a related subject. You are also expected hold GCSE English and Maths at grade C or equivalent. AS Levels are only counted towards your UCAS tariff in combination with a Full Level 3 qualification. We welcome applicants who do not match standard entry requirements but who can demonstrate ability to study this subject at university level and can evidence relevant experience.

A level - EE

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PP

A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 is required for non-English speakers

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Audition

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

LocationFeeYear
International£6525Year 1
Republic of Ireland£6525Year 1
EU£6525Year 1
England£6525Year 1
Northern Ireland£6525Year 1
Scotland£6525Year 1
Wales£6525Year 1

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

Leicester College unfortunately does not hold a UK Home Office (Tier 4/Student route) licence, which means it cannot directly recruit international students for its higher education (Level 4–6) programmes. Certain exceptions can exist for Irish residents and individuals with settled/pre‑settled EUSS status, Indefinite Leave to Remain or another form of unlimited UK leave. If unsure it is best to contact Leicester College for a fee status assessment.

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