About Higher Certificate in Arts in Make-up for Film, TV and Theatre

The programme will instruct you in the varied skills required to pursue a career as a make-up artist in film, TV, theatre and fashion.  You will study all aspects of the craft including: applied effects and prosthetics, facial hair knotting and applying, bald cap making, fashion make-up, body painting, period and forensic make-up, period wig and hair styling for theatre, life drawing and modelling, life casting and prosthetic mould making.

Aims and Objectives

You will work with the Film and Photography students on various projects.  Academic studies, history of film and visual projects comprise 20% of the programme.  There are also visiting lecturers from the film industry and related areas.

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

You will be able to enter your chosen area of employment, in film, theatre design, television, fashion, print media, advertising, and related creative industries.

The reputation and high standard of the work of past graduates has become known across the various cultural and media industries and students with the right qualifications, attitude (and stamina!) have progressed very well indeed.  Past students have, apart from film and TV work, worked on magazine shoots, pop promos, CD covers, the Paris collections and London Fashion week shows.

Those with high modelling and sculpting skills, and that would be to train further in prosthetic work for film, also recommended would be a specialisation in medical prosthetics. At present both of these would have to be studied outside Ireland.  

What are the Entry Requirements?

• Leaving Certificate Examination (or an equivalent educational qualification) with a minimum Grade D in five subjects to include English
• Any FETAC (NCVA level II) Award may be used for application to this programme
• A portfolio of relevant work
• You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required

What should my Portfolio include?

• You should compile a selective portfolio, excluding early work unless there are some exceptional pieces. In all cases, an edited range of work showing evidence of commitment and quality should be well presented.
• Selected work from the following areas:
• Drawing – observational and life drawing essential
• Art work – colour, composition, use of paint and mixed media
• Photographs of applicant's make-up work and any 3D work
• A curriculum vitae
• A notebook/creative sketchbook or diary indicating interest in this discipline

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

Typical costs would be in the region of €500 - €1,000 per year.