Graduate Certificate in Advanced Special Effects Makeup, Prosthetics and Props

Prepare to begin a career in the highly specialized field of advanced special effects makeup.

Classes to prepare you for your career

You'll earn your graduate certificate through classes that involve:

• Researching styles, trends and new developments within the industry.

• Developing two-dimensional special effects concepts and work-ups of what they might look like complete.

• Using specialized products and equipment to animate, sculpt, create, cast and mold your creations.

Professors who know the business

Because classes are small, you'll receive lots of personal support from your professors who are themselves highly experienced in the field. Most are still active in special effects makeup. Through your study you'll also be introduced to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union representing the profession.

Practical, hands-on experience

During the summer following the first two semesters, you'll participate in a field placement where you can use your newly acquired special effects makeup skills in a professional setting. This invaluable work experience and exposure to professionals in the field can be a springboard for employment.

Additional information

Our program is one of the few programs of its kind in North America and the only one in the Ontario college system. Coursework was developed specifically to meet the needs of employers such as museums, amusement parks, exhibitors and the entertainment industry.

Through intensive lab experiences that simulate industry settings, you'll gain solid knowledge in casting, molding, sculpting and developing prosthetics, props and animatronics.

Classes include both classroom theory and extensive hands-on lab work. Guest industry speakers regularly visit class, providing excellent networking opportunities.

The Special Effects Makeup, Prosthetics and Props program is located at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario.

Learning Outcomes

• Integrate product knowledge and skills into the development of special effects advanced makeup.

• Apply a variety of calculations and formulae with the degree of accuracy required to solve problems and make decisions, within the context of the craft.

• Conform to established industry hierarchy, established protocols, unique professional etiquette and adherence to the role boundaries of the special effects makeup artist for success in the industry.

• Modify special effects, makeup effects and image manipulation using computer technology.

• Create special effects prosthetics and puppetry that incorporate a basic understanding of mechanics and engineering.

• Conduct extensive research to inform the development of special effects advanced makeup in a variety of venues.

• Manage a successful special effects advanced makeup project from concept to completion.

• Maintain a safe, sanitary and professional environment required through adherence to industry-specific guidelines and requirements, and acquisition and application of appropriate related credentials.

• Generate viable solutions to unexpected situations and challenges unique to the field of special effects advanced makeup through creative and critical thinking and effective problem solving.

• Engage in effective self-promotion and marketing activities, using appropriate presentation and communication skills.

• Accommodate the unique and dynamic nature of the work in the field of special effects advanced makeup by refining one’s personal and professional work process and self-management skills.