Why study Make-up Artistry at UCEN Manchester

Tutors spill the beans on what is so special about the BA Make-up Artistry and Special Effects. 

Are you fascinated by the make-up artistry and special effects industry? At UCEN Manchester, our Make-up Artistry and Special Effects degrees allow you to bring your vision to life in design, make-up application, modelling, prosthetics and SFX.

Are you dreaming of kick-starting a future career in make-up? Well you’ll be delighted to know that students on our BA Make-Up Artistry and Special Effects Make–Up Artistry courses have gone on to secure a wide variety of exciting roles.

Want to know more? Here’s some insight on the incredible successes of the make-up department’s alumni – straight from the mouths of the people that will teach you when you study a make-up course at UCEN Manchester. And for good measure, there are some juicy bits on the opportunities available to our current students as well!

After all, there can be nothing that answers the question ‘why study Make-Up Artistry at UCEN Manchester’ better than hearing about the doors our courses have opened for previous students.

Anna-May Stock, Hair and Beauty Therapy tutor

“Over the years we have witnessed our students achieve incredible things. A number of them have gone on to work on highly prestigious TV shows, including Poldark, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders as contracted make-up artists. Some even made their way to working on motion picture sets for the Kings Speech, Captain America and My Week with Marilyn.”

Carl Pinnington, BA Make-Up Artistry and Special Effects Make–Up Artistry tutor

“Some of our alumni are now happily working for cosmetic houses and have worked their way up to become regional Managers or Trainers for brands like Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury, Nars and Estee Lauder companies.

“Thanks to opportunities provided by UCEN Manchester, students have also worked at ‘Fashion Week’ with Alex Box for MAC and with acclaimed Fashion Photographer Tim Walker, who had a major retrospective at the V&A 'Wonderful Things' exhibit in 2019.

We’ve even seen students work their way up to being signed by top creative talent agencies in the beauty and fashion industries. In these positions they have produced make-up looks on fashion shoots for Vogue, POP and other top industry magazines.

Anthony Roban, FdA Make-up Artistry and Special Effects Make-up Artistry tutor, specialising in Wigs

 “UCEN Manchester has secured our students a number of work experience placements within the Manchester and London theatre scene, on productions such as Motown, Sister Act, Juliet, Doctor Doolittle, Wicked and Book of Mormon. 

All these fantastic opportunities are invaluable helping our student’s develop skills and techniques as well providing them with industry insight and of course making incredible contacts.

Hollie Crankshaw, FdA Special Effects & Make-Up Artistry tutor

“All the tutors on the course are still working within the industry; from theatre to photoshoots, and even running bridal businesses. As such they have excellent contacts, providing a rich roster of guest lecturers that speak regularly to our students - some of whom are working on large profile films and TV series.

As a result, students have learnt some of the skills required to develop industry-standard services and also practical insights into personal entrepreneurial skills to foster a career in the Industry.

“We encourage students to develop their understanding of these lessons through delivering short courses and demonstrations at a range of local schools and colleges in the North West, which builds their communication skills.”

From Diplomas, Foundation Degrees and BA's, every course and individual module has been designed to nurture your creativity, individualism and skills.

Whether you’re passionate about special effects, film, fashion, editorial or the cosmetics industry, UCEN Manchester has the Make-up courses to help you to achieve your dreams.