Our essential 14-week training covers make-up, hair styling, extensions and cutting, wigs, special effects and prosthetics (you can also add airbrushing to make a 15-week course - please see dates opposite). We use the latest equipment and materials, and a high definition camera and monitor for viewing work. The intention is to 'put you through your paces' in a supportive learning environment.

"We're extremely lucky to have worked on our own dramas with a TV crew during the course. It's been a brilliant insight into what's expected of us when we leave the comfort of the school and enter this fast-paced industry. It's been a fantastic experience to work with director David Tucker and the actors in a professional environment. Although a little daunting the challenge has been exhilarating!" (Catherine Burton, Lucy Shelton and Hannah Paul - September 2011 5*)

We have a range of visiting speakers - in 2011, they included the designers Paul Gooch (BAFTA winner 2011 for Alice in Wonderland), Jeremy Woodhead, Vicky Voller, Stuart Bray, Kate Benton and Chrissie Baker (TV BAFTA winner 2010).

If you wish, you can also extend your basic training with a 1-week airbrushing course to make a 15-week course (see dates on the right), or take our 2-week Further Prosthetics course.