Prosthetics for Screen and Stage

You will build upon your design, sculpting and painting skills introduced at level 4 to develop a fully finished character in the form of a wearable mask. This module will introduce you into three-dimensional mould making and slip casting techniques, whilst also further developing skills in airbrushing. Efficient methods of manufacturing masks on large scale projects will be outlined, focusing on inclusivity, practicality and health and safety issues when making masks for crowds, stunts and theatrical productions.

You will be introduced into creating moulds and casting prosthetic pieces to fit performers with seamless precision. You will use traditional life casting techniques, squeeze moulds and injection moulds using current industry standard materials to create small bespoke prosthetic pieces. Selecting the correct materials and methods to support continuity and mould maintenance will be explored, along with casting techniques and strategies to increase quality outputs and reduce wastage to maximise business profit margins.

ZBrush is a digital sculpting software widely recognised and used in the entertainment industry. This module builds upon the two-dimensional digital design skills learnt at level 4, and provides you with fundamental skills in three dimensional modelling and sculpting to effectively communicate character and creature concepts in industry. You will gain knowledge of how to use the ZBrush interface and tools effectively through a combination of theoretical lectures, practical workshops and project-based learning. Emphasis will be placed on industry-standard workflows, creative problem-solving and artistic expression.

Developing upon skills learnt in professional image construction at level 4, along with prosthetic design and manufacturing skills, you will design a prosthetic character to a set literary text and produce a holistic character which includes postiche and/or fur and hair additions. You will be introduced to hair knotting and hair punching techniques to achieve realism in your creations. Continuity issues when working with hair will be examined, along with how to maintain hairpieces during performances to ensure longevity and sustainability.

This module emphasises collaborative skills and interdisciplinary knowledge essential in the prosthetics industry sectors such as theatre, film, television, events and simulations. Through hands-on workshops, industry simulations and teamwork-orientated projects, you will explore the creative, technical and collaborative aspects of prosthetic design and application. Emphasis will be placed on team working, leadership, effective communication and problem-solving skills, along with understanding diverse perspectives within a collaborative creative context.

Through a combination of theoretical insights, case studies and research methodologies, you will develop a deep understanding of entrepreneurial mindsets, business modelling, marketing and management strategies. Financial management techniques including budgeting, financial forecasting and risk management will be explored, along with pitching and presentation skills. This module will navigate different workplace settings and cultures within the prosthetics industry and explore ethics, diversity and inclusion within the field. Entrepreneurial concepts and strategies will be examined which are necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive business landscape.

This module will develop your critical understanding of professional, resourceful and sustainable practice within the prosthetics workplace. Building upon the entrepreneurial skills learnt at level 5, challenges, trends, strategies and opportunities of sustainability will be a primary focus and you will research and identify an existing issue within a prosthetics business and propose an innovative solution. You will learn to lead the way and rewire business models and methods of working for resilience, increasing profit margins and oversee a lower carbon transition.

This module will advance upon 3D digital design skills at level 5 and will explore the combination and integration of traditional practical techniques such as sculpting and moulding with digital tools such as 3D scanning and printing. Experimental and innovative practice will be demonstrated with emerging technologies such as AI to enhance creativity and precision in prosthetic technical processes.

As technology advances, the demand for hyper-realistic prosthetic technicians in the events and entertainment industries continues to rise. This advanced module combines the foundation skills developed in realistic sculpting, colouring, life casting and moulding techniques and builds upon them to design and manufacture a hyper-realistic simulation piece suitable for film, television, theatre, museums, training simulation events and even virtual reality productions. You will be presented with an industry scenario and demonstrate high attention to detail and precision in practical skills to meet the requirements of a challenging brief.

This module aims to develop your experience in events management through investigative research of creative events and event personnel. You will display both portfolio work and a live installation piece creatively to an audience, building entrepreneurial skills and giving you an individual artistic presence. This module aims to develop communication, organisation and management skills through partaking in collaborative practice, as well as develop the professional identity of each student through the organisation of an individual exhibit. The final exhibit will be a culmination of your three years of study and will demonstrate your achievement and professional practice. In addition to the individual exhibit, you will manage the creation of the showcase event, working collaboratively and professionally utilising preparation, organisation and communication skills. You will develop knowledge and understanding of key principles of curating an event from concept to completion developing management style, negotiation skills, self-motivation, organisation and appraisal.

The Final Major Prosthetics Project (FMPP) module is a self- directed project, which requires you to define your own topic that builds upon the strengths of your previous work to achieve an outcome to increase employment opportunities within the industry. You are required to produce a body of work, clearly documenting their progress, project management, experimental practice and decision making. You will produce blogs that demonstrate self-reflection, analysis, evaluation and references to pertinent other designers, technicians and companies to ensure alignment with current industry requirements and contemporary trends.