Makeup, Hair and Prosthetics Welcome Guide : Preparing for your course

We're delighted that you've chosen to join our creative community at Arts University Bournemouth. We can't wait to see what you'll create.

Welcome to BA (Hons) Makeup, Hair and Prosthetics

This welcome pack is designed to give you an idea of what to expect during the first weeks of your course. Please take the time to read it carefully and take particular note of the pre-course preparation. We hope that you'll enjoy a happy and productive time with us, and we look forward to meeting you in October.

A message from your Course Leader

Congratulations on gaining a place on BA (Hons) Makeup, Hair and Prosthetics. We're delighted to welcome you to Arts University Bournemouth.

The course begins with Welcome Week, where you'll have the opportunity to meet staff and students, find your way around the campus, discover Bournemouth and learn more about the first units of study.

The course is very full and challenging and is delivered over 30 weeks with Christmas and Easter breaks. You'll find instructions and information about course equipment and books within this Welcome Guide.

Look forward to seeing you!

– Kat Fisher, Course Leader

Before you join us

To prepare for the BA (Hons) Makeup, Hair and Prosthetics course, you'll complete a short research file exploring the work of a makeup artist you admire.

This will help you begin thinking critically about professional practice, industry roles, creative influences, and the wider contexts that shape makeup design.

Task: Choose one makeup artist whose work inspires you.

They may work in film, TV, theatre, fashion, editorial, prosthetics or character design.

Create a research file that introduces the makeup artist, outlines who they are, explains the context of their professional work, and identifies the productions, brands, or publications they've contributed to.
Present five images that showcase their signature style, memorable characters or looks – this could include behind‑the‑scenes processes, makeup or concept designs.
Conclude with a 150–200-word reflective analysis discussing why you chose this artist, what you admire about their practice, and how their creative approach influences your own developing ideas.
Save your research file as a PDF on a OneDrive, laptop or tablet, and bring it with you in the first week.

Compulsory makeup kits

Makeup Core Kit
Hairdressing Kit – please advise when ordering over the phone if you require left-handed scissors.
Makeup Brush Kit

The deadline for purchasing all kits is 28 August 2026.

You may already have a makeup or hairdressing kit from a previous course. In this instance, please contact the supplier directly as you can purchase just the items you need at a separate price. Please bear in mind, that this wouldn't include the AUB discount.

Please note: the kits are essential to your study and are used from the first week of term.

If you have any questions in relation to course kits, please contact makeupkits@aub.ac.uk

The course uses a range of reference material, some of which you may already be familiar with. We don't require you to purchase the following texts, as the Corson books are expensive, and The Library has several copies of the reference material you'll use. However, if you already own copies we do advise that you bring them. You'll receive a Course Handbook, which will contain a comprehensive reading list.

Corson, R. (2003). Fashions in Make-up from Ancient to Modern Times. London: Peter Owen.
Corson, R. (2005). Fashions in Hair: The First Five Thousand Years. London: Peter Owen.
Delamar, P. (2002). The Complete Make-up Artist: Working in Film, Fashion, Television and Theatre. 2nd ed. London: Thomson Learning Vocational.
Debreceni, T. (2013). Special Make-up Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Focal.

We also recommend that you read The Study Skills Handbook, Chapter 1, ‘Success as a Student’ (pages 9–41) by Stella Cottrell.

Current student work

Have a look through some of the work our current students are producing to get an idea of the type of work you may be making on our course.

Model with their eyes closed with an Egyptian-style necklace and gold-coloured make-up.

Two people in elaborate facial make-up, tattoos and headdress look over their shoulders towards the camera.

A person made up and dressed to look like a stone statue with a toga and high wig.

A model with alien prosthetics and hair resembling bat ears makes claws to the camera.

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Makeup artist applies make-up to an actor dressed up to be Vincent Van Gogh.

Man wearing orange make-up with blue hair

Person wearing make-up and prosthetics sits and holds a painting. The person has been designed to match the figure in the painting.

A person sits in a makeup studio while a makeup artist works on their face.

A makeup artist works on a model's lips.

Bust with a facial prosthesis on it, designed to look like an orc.

Facial hair prosthetics – a pair of eyebrows, a long plaited moustache and a long plaited beard – on a plain background.

Bust of a prosthetic for a monster's face.

Model of a fantasy creature's head and shoulders.

Two people sitting in front of mirrors while make-up artists apply make-up to them. Another person stands to the side and takes a photo.

Two people work on the hair of a model who is seated.

A person sits at a makeup table while another person stands behind them and puts their hands on their hair.

A man wearing no shirt stands while someone holds a metal instrument towards them.

Alien prosthetics with teeth on a face mannequin.

What to bring

On your first day bring along:

Something to write with and a notebook
Your ID and documents for face-to-face registration (see the "Next Steps" tab for more details)
Your Registration Passport enclosed with your Welcome notebook

You'll also need a sketchbook and some art/drawing materials – we'll advise you on this during the first week of term.