Special Effects And Prosthetics Application

3 Weeks

Top Up Courses

Learn how to create and apply wounds, burns, scars, ageing and many other special effects for film and TV in our introduction to special effects makeup and prosthetics course.

Get to grips with the art of special effects makeup and prosthetics application with our introductory industry course. Our SFX makeup course will teach you how to create ageing techniques, realistic wounds, bruising, burns, skin diseases and scars using the most current industry materials including pro-bondo and direct applied silicon. You will get hands-on experience sculpting and making your own flat moulds then applying the pieces that you have made. Throughout this 3-week course, you will be able to view all your work on a monitor under studio lighting conditions, and you will be assessed on all skills, from application techniques to creativity.

In addition to the vital skills you need to create a range of different special effect looks, this course will also teach you the important industry health and safety guidelines as well as the high industry standards required by today’s media industry.

At the end of this short course, you will have learnt the basic professional techniques to successfully work as special effects makeup artist on TV, film and theatre projects. You will also have gained experience working with various industry prosthetic materials and using a variety of different character makeup techniques. This course will also help you understand the basic difference between SFX and prosthetic makeup.

Entry requirements: Must be aged 18+

Course Payment: A full payment is required to secure a place on this makeup course. We have several options to help fund your makeup course including interest free payment plans, bursaries and loans.

Included: All the tools, makeup and materials needed to complete this course will be provided during each lesson.

Please note that we regrettably have limited places for this course, so it is advisable to apply for your course early to avoid disappointment. If you aren’t 18+ yet, you can also join our SFX Summer School for 14-17 Year Olds.

Modules

Character, SFX and Prosthetic Application

This course will take place over 3 weeks.

Introduction to character work; ageing techniques and casualty effects
Health and safety for prosthetics and special effects (SFX)
Creation of wounds and scars using a variety of industry materials
Hands-on practice with pro-bondo, silicone guns and sculpt gel
Creation of bruising, burns and skin diseases
Application of silicone and gelatine wounds
Formation of black eye bruising makeup and prosthetics
Further techniques for creation of skin disease effects
Creation of flat moulds

This course is also a part of our most Advanced Certification in Makeup and Hair Artistry

Please note we may occasionally change advertised tutors or vary the content of the course to suit the demands of the industry.

Dates and Prices

See our current dates below.

Included in the prices: All the tools, makeup and materials needed to complete this course will be provided during each lesson.

Course Start Date

Price

27/01/2025

£3,150

Enquire Now

19/05/2025

£3,150

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22/09/2025

£3,150

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Spaces available for January 2025

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Funding

Formal training is a must if you are serious about a career in Media Makeup, Hair and Special Effects. Once you have decided which course is right for you, take a look at the options below. If you need any more information or advice we are here to help.

BAFTA Scholarship
ScreenSkills Bursaries
IMA Interest-Free Payment Plan
IMA Bursary
Financial Help for Adult learners from Northern Ireland
Other Grants and Benefits
Princes Trust
CSN-Student Funding
Overseas students
Graduate Advice

Find out more here about funding

Tutors

Renata Gilbert

Academic Consultant

A freelance hair & makeup artist with 35 years’ experience in the industry, working on well-loved TV dramas and iconic films.

Moira Thomson

Makeup and Hair Artist

With 26 years experience as a makeup and hair artist and 15 years as an educator whilst working on television and film productions.

Reviews

olivia hill

12:38 05 Mar 24

I had the most amazing experience training at the Iver academy. Incredible tutors with so much knowledge and support. I felt prepared and ready to start my career in film and television once I left. Such a warm friendly environment to learn and met some incredible people couldn't recommend it enough!

Lizzie Blackburn

11:22 29 May 23

I had the most amazing experience studying at Iver Academy. Not only did I build such a huge skill set, it also improved my confidence in myself and gave me life long friendships. As a graduate, I feel Iver has greatly prepared me for the industry and I am enjoying working as a freelance hair, makeup and prosthetics trainee.

Ella Grimsteed

09:31 26 May 23

I had the best experience studying at The Iver Make up Academy, I graduated from the 30-Week Advanced Hair and Make up Course in August 2022 and it was the best thing i’ve done. All the tutors are so lovely and they teach you everything you need to know to start a career in the industry. They’ve given me so many opportunities which I would never have had before. Im currently working in Theatre in the West End and I cant wait for what’s to come in the future.

Darcie Cleaver

08:38 26 May 23

Having not previously trained before I started the Iver Academy, I was quite nervous. However I left the course feeling so confident and pleased in my abilities & skills I learnt at the academy. This place will give you amazing memories, skills, and connections to help you succeed as a makeup artist in the industry. I am so grateful to all the tutors who helped me and am lucky to have made lifelong friends also.

Megan Green

17:39 05 May 23

I looked at several different schools, the last one being the Iver Academy and I’m glad I waited before committing as it really was saving the best til last. The tutors were all great teachers and give an excellent insight into working in film and tv. Since graduating, I’ve always felt I can go back and ask for advice when needed or call about work if the industry gets a little quiet and everyone at the college is great at supporting their graduates. I would definitely recommend a course here.

Nabeel Hussain

13:52 01 Jan 21

I agree with all the reviews, for someone like me who changed careers, I felt supported and encouraged every day at the Iver Makeup Academy.I was allowed to reconnect with making a career in something I was/am passionate about. Anyone attending a course here will experience something wonderful.Thank you to all the talented tutors and support team for changing my life – for the better.

Aimee Sampson

14:56 29 Oct 19

Definitely the best thing I've ever done and has totally changed my life. The Iver Academy educates you on practically all aspects of Hair and Makeup for Film and Television. Taught by the most inspiring tutors, you feel in safe and experienced hands. 100% recommend any of the courses for any skill level. Enjoyed every minute, thank you!

Lily Harling

16:13 28 Oct 19

I couldn’t recommend the Iver Academy enough. The knowledge I gained was impeccable, the facilities are fabulous, and the location is perfect for getting your foot into the Make-Up world. Having such talented professionals as tutors who have great experience in the industry (and are still currently working within it) was such a benefit. Not only do they teach you a huge range of practical skills, they prepare you for everything you need when starting in the industry such as etiquette, admin and continuity.Aftercare at the Iver Academy is great with regular updates about job opportunities and experience to help you get your foot in the door, and they continue to support you further into the future after graduating. All the Tutors and Staff are so supportive and genuinely want to see all their students succeed once leaving the school.Anyone wanting to begin their development in the Make-Up industry would highly benefit from studying at the Iver Academy!

Saskia Lyons

11:50 17 Oct 19

Highly recommend The Iver Academy if you want to get out and working in the industry. I was on the Advanced 30 week course and found it a very enjoyable, supportive environment as a student and as a graduate. You feel part of a family. Not only did we learn a variety of skills in Hair and Makeup, but also a lot about the industry and what to expect. The filming project in the last few weeks was especially beneficial. Thank you, Iver Academy!

Georgia G

10:28 16 Oct 19

Amazing experience at The Iver Makeup Academy.As well as learning from teachers that are still working hair and makeup artists in the industry, you will be part of the family.It really does feel like a home from home.Past students who come in, share there experiences and tips on how to find work.Staff are friendly and always ready to help with everything and anything.The teachers are amazing and offer the most relevant and up to date knowledge and education as they are all passionate about the industry and working in film,TV,Theatre,Fashion and anything inbetween.The benefit of being in Pinewood Studios is that there is so much going on around you,if there would be an opportunity for work experience,it may be here.......Aftercare with The Iver Makeup Academy is great and you get regular updates about work experience and opportunities.There are also many opportunities to meet amazing tutors and make connections for future work experience.I have had a positive experience and would do The Advanced Certificate in Hair and Makeup Artistry all over again if I could.I recommend coming here if you want the absolutely,very best education and opportunities thereafter.

FAQs

View some of our FAQs below, if you still cannot find the answer you are looking for then please see all our FAQs or get in contact with us today.

How do I enrol on a course?

You must be 18 or over to apply for any of our courses, except our SFX summer school which is for 14-17 year olds. You must also meet any entry requirements specified (please visit the individual course pages for more details on these requirements).

To start the enrolment process, we first ask that you get in touch to arrange a visit to our studios, where we can carry out a brief interview. Telephone interviews can also be arranged if you are located too far away. After the interview stage you will need to complete an enrolment form and will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on your chosen course. Please note that this deposit is unfortunately non-refundable.

What do the fees include?

Your fees include everything that is needed to successfully complete our courses. This includes materials, makeup, brushes and tools and cleaning equipment. All we ask is that you bring your own pen and notepad to each lesson for note taking.

Our full time Certificate, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Hair and Makeup courses all include a full makeup and hair kit in the cost. This provides you with industry-quality makeup from brands including Bobbi Brown, MAC and Kryolan, as well as professional palettes, makeup brushes and hair tools. The value of each kit on the Intermediate and Advanced course is over £2000 and this is yours to keep once the course has ended.

Specialist equipment is supplied for our shorter courses and further prosthetics courses to allow you to complete the training.

Do you offer student loans for your courses?

The Iver Academy is registered with UK Government’s Skills Funding Agency. Currently there are no Government funded student loans available for our courses but please take a go look at our Funding page as there are a number of Bursary’s and Scholarship programmes available.

For more information please see our How to Fund your Training page

Am I able to visit The Iver Academy before enrolling?

We encourage anyone considering a course with us to first come and visit our academy. You can call us to make an appointment, where one of our team will happily show you around the premises and facilities, or you can attend one of our open days.

What is your average tutor to student ratio?

All of our courses are taught in small tutor groups. Our tutor / student ratio will vary depending on our individual courses, but on average this will be a ratio between 1:7 and 1:14 This helps us ensure that all our students receive the best care and attention to further their development.

What are your regular class teaching times?

Our regular classroom times are between 10am and 4pm and 9.30 am till 4.30 pm for Prosthetics and SFX modules.However, our academy opening hours are from 9am – 5pm to give students ample time to practise their skills and prepare for any tasks.

Gallery

Open Day at The Iver Makeup Academy

Saturday 19th October 2024

Special Effects And Prosthetics Application

On this page:

Renata Gilbert

Moira Thomson

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