Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Behind every memorable character is a team of creative professionals who help bring stories to life. From realistic screen make-up and intricate hairstyling to dramatic fantasy transformations and advanced prosthetics, this course will help you develop the skills needed to create characters for stage and screen.

At Northampton, you'll combine creativity with technical expertise as you learn specialist techniques across hair, make-up and prosthetics. Through practical workshops and studio-based learning, you'll develop skills in make-up application, body painting, hair styling, wigs, character design, special effects and prosthetic techniques while building confidence in professional practice.

You'll work in dedicated hair and make-up studios, specialist body-painting spaces and prosthetics facilities designed to reflect professional environments. Learning from industry practitioners and experienced researchers, you'll gain insight into both the creative and technical demands of working across theatre, television, film and other performance contexts.

A distinctive feature of the course is its focus on transformation. You'll explore how hair, make-up and prosthetics work together to create believable characters, communicate identity and support storytelling across a range of genres and production styles.

Theory is an essential part of the curriculum, underpinning practical and technical development by enabling you to understand the creative, cultural, historical and contextual influences behind your work. By combining academic theory with practical application, you will develop the critical thinking, research and analytical abilities needed to make informed creative decisions, articulate your ideas and become a confident, reflective and adaptable practitioner.

By graduation, you'll have produced a portfolio showcasing your creative and technical abilities, helping prepare you for opportunities within hair and make-up artistry, prosthetics, special effects, theatre, film, television and the wider creative industries.

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.

✱✱ 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