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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

BA (Hons)Prosthetics and Special Effects Design

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UCAS code: PSE1
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a prosthetics and special effects design degree at Solent University

Unleash your imagination to create characters for stage and screen and develop your portfolio of work using the latest design techniques. And learn from experienced industry experts.

  • £0m
    invested in a dedicated art and design school
  • 0rd
    most affordable city for students in the UK (Student Living Index, 2022, NatWest)
  • Study in fantastic specialist facilities that include industry-focused special effects studios, fibre glass lab, plaster room, 3D printing labs, make-up and hair design studios, photography studios including and an infinity cove.
  • The course is taught by industry professionals and academics with experience in film, theatre, special effects for film TV and speculative design, who will help you develop a professional portfolio.
  • Work on projects for real clients. Get involved in brand competitions (eg, Kryolan Zombiefied). Take part in professional events such as the Isle of Wight Terror Island Event or The International Make-up Artists Trade Show (IMATS) in London. Collaborate with The Grange and The Mayflower theatres.
  • Special effects design challenges and competitions to celebrate talent and innovation.
  • Collaborative study and work with students from our make-up and hair design degree.
  • Study trips (to amazing fashionista locations such as New York and Paris).

This video 'Why study BA (Hons) Prosthetics and Special Effects Design' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.

Course overview

Push the limits of your creative boundaries on this dynamic prosthetics and special effects degree. With a hands-on approach to design for a range of contexts, you’ll be supported to develop the skills and experience to enter a range of careers in the creative industries after graduation.

You will be encouraged to take an explorative and technical approach to prosthetics application, use of materials and creative development processes to produce innovative and contemporary special effects design work. This will include sculpting, moulding and casting for character and creature effects, refined application of make-up and hair effects and designing with 2D and 3D modelling.

While the emphasis is on problem solving and critical thinking, you will be encouraged to embrace the breadth of the potential within and beyond the discipline of special effects for TV, theatrical performance and film.

You will be taught by an academic team with excellent reputations as practicing professional designers or researchers, as well as an extensive range of visiting lecturers and international visits to gain vital industry insight.

You will study in our well-equipped studios and workshops, ranging from make-up, hair and special effects studios to photography studios, IT suites and a comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support your learning.

Situated within the Faculty of Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering, the course also provides you with the opportunity for cross-programme collaborations to help you contextualise your place within the prosthetics and special effects industry, offering you a rich and stimulating education and preparing you for future employment.

In your final year there is the opportunity to work with our professional SFX team at the Prosthetics Event, across a range of national theatre productions or at IMATS in London.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Call: 023 8201 5066Email: admissions@solent.ac.uk

Contact international admissions

Call: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.uk

Student work

Francesco Fabiani

Francesco Fabiani visits Solent

Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

Who is this course for?

Solent’s prosthetic and special effects programme is ideally suited to students who want to explore and design conceptual ideas through a wide-ranging and hands-on approach to drawing, digital conceptualisation and research.

Applicants should have previously studied a creative subject and will be required to present a portfolio of design work at interview. Previous experience in prosthetics and special effects is not required.

What does this course lead to?

This course will transform your understanding of prosthetics and special effects practice within the TV, theatrical performance and film industries. It will provide you with a wide range of career options after graduation, such as special effects make-up designer, prosthetics artist, prosthetics sculptor, mould maker, creature concept and character designer, casualty simulator, project management, event management, digital sculpting designer, special effects technician and multi-media artist.

Meet the team

Students learn from a team with a broad range of academic and industry experience, who are have a desire to advance the industry and academic expectations of what prosthetics and special effects design can be.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Our specialist studios and workshops include industry-focused special effects studios, fibre glass lab, plaster room, 3D printing labs, make-up and hair design studios, photography studios including an infinity cove and a range of well-equipped IT suites.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

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