A one-year, full-time master’s degree delivered by Falmouth University’s School of Film & Television in partnership with Gorton Studio. This practice-based course has an industry focus, addressing employment needs at the sharp end of our craft by combining digital and practical techniques to form a hybrid skill set that’s now used throughout the film industry.
We work closely with Falmouth University’s state-of-the-art School of Film and Television, and our multi award-winning sister company Millennium FX, to deliver a syllabus aligned with the technical standards at the forefront of the film and wider entertainment industries.
As a student, you will study at the cutting edge of prosthetics, growing and refining your skills in traditional techniques such as mould making, sculpture, and life casting, as well as learning how to design and build in a virtual space, then realise your creations as physical objects with 3D scanning, CNC machining, and 3D printing.
Our highly experienced lecturers and exceptional facilities will help you develop a varied and critically considered portfolio that’s informed by an industrial and contextual background, and you will benefit from a visiting lecture series featuring guest speakers from global industry.
This practical course’s multi-disciplinary syllabus includes fabrication techniques, key digital software and equipment, studio-based working in academic and professional contexts, and contemporary debates informing the prosthetic effects industry. There’s a grounding in context, theory, programmes and pipelines through lectures, seminars and masterclasses, and learning is underpinned by workshops in design, drawing, making, presentation, and industry awareness.
Designed to meet the needs of today’s highly competitive creative sector, the format puts you in charge of your own learning, developing your individual direction and specialisms, while gaining a working knowledge of industry practice in a place where creativity in everything.
From world-class beaches to delicious food, a lively music and arts scene, and a wild landscape like no other, Falmouth provides a truly unique student experience.
We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or comparable experience and a demonstrable interest in the subject. We’ll also welcome your application if you have formal or ‘certified’ learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and should have been gained within the last five years, with the same level of learning outcomes as our minimum entry qualifications.
APL applicants using experience to apply should note there is a £200 application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.
The MA is taught in three study blocks and the written work is spread out across those blocks as follows:
Across the whole 12-months of the course, all the above written assignments amount to a total of around 11,000 – 12,000 words, and this written work accounts for 15% of your marks for the entire MA.
These modules are current or proposed new ones. Course structures and modules can change as part of curriculum enhancement and review. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the course leader. For more module information, course aims, and assessment criteria, discover the full course details.
100% of your assessment will be coursework. The assessment methods are:
Dr Anna Misiak, Course Leader. Former Fulbright Scholar at the University of Southern California, Anna holds a PhD from the Polish Academy of Sciences. She is a senior lecturer in film and course coordinator for MA Film & TV as well as leading the MA Prosthetic Effects course. Anna’s authorial and research achievements are many; her research has always explored the interdependence between film and society, and she is currently working on her book on Polish documentary. Outside academia, she has translated several feature films and TV series (including Green Wing) for Polish television channels and worked as a book reviewer for literary magazines. Read more about Dr Anna Misiak
Bradley Greenwood, Lecturer. Brad has contributed to many film and TV projects as a designer, makeup effects artist, concept artist, and art director including Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy (for WETA workshop), George Miller’s Happy Feet, Zack Snyder’s Legend of the Guardians and DC’s Aquaman (for Fractured FX). He was a lead prosthetic makeup artist on Kong: Skull Island (for Bill Corso and Jason Baird) and assembled the 35 strong Vietnamese makeup and hair team. Brad is a published author of speculative fiction, has had work featured in sci-fi anthology ‘Fusion’, horror anthology ‘666’ for fantastic books publishing and contributed to Prosthetics Magazine. Read more about Bradley Greenwood
Neill Gorton, Industry Partner and Lecturer. Neill is founder and co-director of Millennium FX, one of Europe’s largest and most prolific prosthetics and creature FX companies, and Gorton Studio. In a career spanning 37 years he has won 13 industry accolades including several BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards and has been a jury member for both. Neill’s hundreds of credits start with iconic films like Saving Private Ryan and Gladiator, and on TV he’s probably best known for his work on the revival of Doctor Who. In academia, he is a visiting professor and holds an honorary doctorate at the University of Bolton and is an honorary fellow of the Arts University Bournemouth. Read more about Neill Gorton
The multi-million-pound, industry-standard School of Film & Television offers professional facilities including:
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. International applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK must take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the university.
Our Applicant Services Team can help with any questions you have about study visas or suitable language tests.
The university’s creative community is spread across two campuses in neighbouring towns: Falmouth and Penryn. Both are vibrant hubs with an amazing cultural and social scene. From independent shopping to gourmet restaurants, quirky pubs to buzzing cocktail bars, and of course the stunning beaches that are one of Falmouth’s most famous trademarks, there’s something for everyone.
Falmouth’s postgraduate community is welcoming and innovative, with access to support services, SU events and societies. You’ll experience exciting challenges and fresh perspectives, as you forge your career in the creative industries. Discover more about student life
Applications are handled by the university. If you’re ready to apply you can do so online here, or if you need further information before applying, you can request it here.
The university will help with any questions you have about anything from applications to open days, accommodation, funding and more. Please refer to their extensive list of contacts here or use FalBot, the chat bot in the bottom right corner of the website that looks like this:
Didn’t find the answer? Find more FAQs here.
Use our sitewide search to find specific content: search for movies, actors, FX artists, companies, authors, materials, techniques and more.
ONLINE COURSES
“I am definitely very happy with my subscription and grateful to have easy access to online affordable learning. The videos are super clear, easy to understand, great camera angles, we can see in detail what is being done, and your explanations cover all your hand moves and great hints. And the download transcripts are brilliant and to be able to print them and go back to them whenever needed. These videos and transcripts are excellent.”
PROSTHETICS MAGAZINE
“It’s the single best publication that focuses on prosthetic makeup. Every issue is a knockout.”
MASTER’S DEGREE
“I wanted to thank you for all the support and help throughout this amazing academic year. The immense amount of knowledge I gathered this year is unparalleled and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
“SFX pioneers don’t come more experienced or diverse than Neill Gorton. Not only is his experience in the SFX industry as comprehensive as it gets, but his clear passion for sharing his experience, talent and common-sense approach is a rare and gracious one.”
DICK SMITH: THE GODFATHER OF MAKEUP
“If you haven’t already ordered it do so now and quickly. The complete history in text, photo and anecdote of one of the greatest Makeup Artists to ever live. A Superlative work.”
“All my prosthetics skills and knowledge are due to the Gorton Studio Online Courses. They were so resourceful…my skills have improved a lot, which has strengthened my work portfolio, and I am getting hired on great projects. All credit to Neill Gorton and the knowledge he has shared in his online classes.”
“Best mag on earth!”
“Brad and Neill, I wanted to let you both know that you have absolutely changed my life – coming onto this course was the best decision I’ve ever made. You have both been an endless source of inspiration throughout the year, while de-mystifying processes I never thought I would learn… my brain has exploded with new ideas, and I feel like I finally have direction. I am a huge advocate of you both & the course and your work. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“I have recently purchased access to your online courses. I wish to thank you for providing these videos. These have been the best I have seen online and are such an asset to me and fantastic value. I’ve never reached out to an online provider to compliment them, so this just shows how impressed I am!”
“A must read. Best magazine in the trade, hands down!”
“Neill and Brad, I have just been reflecting upon the last year and how amazing the opportunity to study with you was…thank you. It has been a pleasure to have studied under you, and I have taken away so much from the year. Both of you were fantastic tutors, and always so patient!”
“Neill Gorton and his amazing team came up with a prosthetics module for us and the students always engage with every aspect of it. Gorton Studio instils the highest technical, creative and professional standards.”
“No one has contributed more to the art of movie makeup and makeup effects than the Godfather of makeup Dick Smith. This book takes an in depth look at his career, his extensive technical innovations, and why he still inspires generations of professional makeup artists all over the world. For anyone interested in movie makeup this book is a must have.”
“These courses are fantastic! For someone who is new to prosthetics Neill provides a clear path from idea to final product. It’s great to have online prosthetics courses based in the UK, as the materials are far easier to obtain.”
“This magazine is beyond what I hoped it would include, from hints and tips to life stories.”
“Coming onto the Prosthetics MA has been a really positive experience, it’s allowed me to refocus my career prospects towards something I’ve always wanted to get into! My best takeaways from the course are the friends and connections I have made and learned from throughout the year and hope to work with in the future in industry.”
“Love the new service Neill!!! I’ve been watching the online lessons and like your magazine articles, I learn more each time I watch and read. Greetings from the USA.”
“Love this magazine, it has many helpful articles and tutorials!”
“My time on the MA Prosthetic Effects course was fantastic, and throughout the year and its three projects I was able to build a diverse portfolio and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the effects industry. Coming from BA(Hons) Film, the course and its tutors enabled me to turn my interests into reality and gave me the confidence I needed to achieve my personal and academic goals. I would recommend the course to anyone who would like to do the same.”
“Neill is an outstanding teacher; he took us through the important areas we needed to know about, including the importance of understating the materials. He is a fountain of knowledge and gave us so many tips on all aspects of the industry. He really built our confidence and gave us an excellent foundation to work from.”
“Outstanding service, great book, highly recommend.”