Diploma in Special FX & Prosthetic Makeup Artistry Level 5
If you are passionate about 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.

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 Weta, 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.
Modules include:
- 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.
Modules include:
- 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
Duration
32 weeks
Entry Requirements
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.
Qualifications Awarded
-
New Zealand Diploma in Arts & Design Level 5
Intake Dates
Auckland City Campus
12 February 2024
Location
This course is offered at our Auckland City campus
Get more info
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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.
Course Costs
Domestic
You may be eligible for fees free study! If so, the below fees and costs will not apply to you. 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: $9,778*
- Student Services Levy: $350**
- Course Related Costs: $1,000
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: $23,500 NZD
- Course Related Costs: $1,750 NZD
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.