Diploma in Special Effect and Prosthetic Makeup Artistry
If you are passionate about special effects makeup in film making, fashion and media production, this is the course for you!
Completion of this intensive training programme will provide you with the skills you need to excel as a freelance makeup artist for catwalk, studio, advertising, film and television. You will have the added advantage of model-making and prosthetics production and application which will give you a competitive edge in the production workplace.
Career Opportunities
On graduation you may seek employment as a special effects makeup artist in film, television, theatre or advertising production industries.
You will also be qualified for contract or freelance employment as a SFX production makeup artist and sculptor for TV, film, stage and screen productions.
Get More Info
Interested in finding out more? The Cut Above team are here to help. Fill in your details and we will give you a call to chat through your options.
Course Content
Your lessons will take place in the Creature Shop and the Production Design workshop. You'll gain essential skills to give yourself an edge in the SFX industry.
Creature Shop Module
Designed in consultation with industry, the Creature Shop is an industrial SFX studio where you will master the skills of SFX makeup from inspiring tutors and produce a range of SFX creations.
Initial SFX tools and techniques
Scar-plating and sculpting
Research, drawing and marquette sculpture
Model-making and prosthetics creation
Creature fabrication
Creation of a life-size mask
Production Design Makeup Module
Beginning in the Production Design workshop you will progress from basic instruction in makeup, costume, props, hair and wig styling for stage, screen and photography to a class project of pre-production planning and experience as backstage crew on a professional production.
Out of kit fantasy and horror makeup
Character and period makeup
Body art and photographic makeup
Makeup for stage and screen
Hairstyling for stage and screen
Costume, wig styling, and props
Working to a director’s concept
Standby makeup for film and television
On-set and theatre protocol
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand Diploma in Arts & Design Level 5
Entry is open to beginners with an interest in art, fashion or design, or graduates of the Certificate in Makeup Artistry (Level 4). All applicants are considered however you must be:
Able to demonstrate a basic understanding of spoken and written English.
Domestic
You may be eligible for fees free study! Refer to the website www.feesfree.govt.nz to check if you are eligible, as course fees are paid up to a maximum of $12,000.
Tuition Fee: $10,364*
Student Services Levy: $350**
Course Related Costs: $1,000
*2025 fees are subject to change.
**Also known as the CSSF or Compulsory Student Services fee. This fee covers the learning, employment, wellbeing and counselling support you might need during your time with us. This cost is paid together as part of your course fees. You can find out more information about what this covers here.
If you're eligible for fees free study, you still need to apply for a Student Loan if you want to borrow course-related costs or living costs. Find out if you're eligible by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit Studylink.
International
Tuition Fee: $26,000 NZD
Course Related Costs: $2,000 NZD
Intake Dates
Cut Above Academy is one of the trading names for the registered PTE Yoobee Colleges. Your enrolment is with Yoobee Colleges Ltd and your qualification is issued by Yoobee Colleges.
Qualifications are issued by Yoobee Colleges Ltd. Yoobee Colleges Ltd is an NZQA Category 1 provider, the highest rating a school can be awarded by the Government.
Term dates are subject to change pending enrolment numbers, availability and unforeseen funding fluctuations. Yoobee Colleges Ltd reserves the right to modify schedules to make sure the College runs well and students are offered the best learning experience.