Module 11: Prosthetics

This module is part of the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) at IMUA and develops advanced skills in prosthetic makeup design, manufacture, and application. In this module, you will explore how prosthetics are conceived, designed, and produced for stage, screen, and media environments, with a strong focus on creative problem-solving and production requirements.

You will learn how to originate and develop prosthetic concepts, refine creative thinking, and present design ideas in a professional context. The module introduces advanced prosthetic manufacturing techniques, including the use of face casts, mould-making processes, and materials such as foam latex, encapsulated silicone, and alternative mould systems.

Practical application is central to this module. You will design, construct, apply, and evaluate prosthetic appliances, using techniques such as airbrushing and surface finishing to achieve realistic results. By the end of Module 11, you will be able to assess finished prosthetics against production requirements and identify areas for refinement, preparing you for professional special effects workflows.

Module 11 Preview — Prosthetics

Why This Module Matters

Prosthetic makeup enables makeup artists to achieve complete physical transformations that support character, narrative, and production demands. This module builds on foundational special effects skills and introduces professional-level processes used in film, television, and theatre productions.

Develop and present original prosthetic concepts.
Manufacture prosthetic appliances using industry-relevant materials and techniques.
Apply, blend, and finish prosthetics to meet production standards.
Evaluate completed prosthetics and refine designs for improved outcomes.

By the end of this module, you will have the skills and confidence to design, manufacture, and apply prosthetics that integrate seamlessly into professional character makeup designs.

As part of the Diploma, this module features assignments, written knowledge questions, portfolio development, and exclusive content designed to build your knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence throughout the makeup artistry course.

What You’ll Learn

Concept Development for Prosthetics
Learn how to originate and develop prosthetic concepts, apply creative thinking, and prepare design ideas for presentation.
Prosthetic Practice: Past & Present
Examine the evolution of prosthetic makeup and explore modern techniques used in screen and stage productions.
Advanced Prosthetic Manufacturing
Learn advanced manufacturing methods, including face casting, plaster moulds, foam latex appliances, encapsulated silicone prosthetics, and alternative mould systems.
Materials, Tools & Finishing
Explore prosthetic materials and finishing processes, including airbrushing and surface detailing, to achieve realistic results.
Evaluation & Refinement
Learn how to evaluate finished prosthetics against production requirements and identify opportunities for improvement.

What You’ll Do

Develop a Prosthetic Concept
Originate and develop a prosthetic concept, applying creative thinking and responding to production requirements.
Manufacture Prosthetic Appliances
Create prosthetic appliances using advanced techniques such as face casting, mould-making, foam latex, or encapsulated silicone processes.
Apply and Finish Prosthetics
Apply prosthetic pieces to a model, blending, finishing, and colouring them using professional techniques such as airbrushing to achieve realistic results.
Present and Evaluate Your Work
Present your prosthetic design and evaluate the finished outcome, identifying refinements to improve realism and effectiveness.
Document Prosthetic Work
Record key stages of prosthetic manufacture and application, reflecting on effectiveness and areas for refinement.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

CUAIND512 – Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
CUAPPR515 – Establish and maintain safe creative practice
CUAPPR411 – Realise a creative project
CUAMUP512 – Design and apply specialised make-up
CUAMUP614 – Create prosthetics for special makeup effects
CUADES412 – Interpret and respond to a design brief
CUADES511 – Implement design solutions

These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and hands-on assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.

Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.

Module Topics

In Module 11, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Introduction
History of Prosthetic Makeup
The Modern SFX Makeup Artist
How to Originate and Develop Concepts
How to Develop Creative Thinking
How to Make a Presentation
How to Evaluate Finished Prosthetics Against Production Requirements for Improvement
Prosthetic Manufacture Techniques
Simple Prosthetic Techniques
Out-Of-Kit Prosthetic for Theatre

Create Your Own Scar Plate
Prosthetic Manufacture Using a Face Cast
Advanced Prosthetic Manufacture Techniques
Introduction
Full-Face Cast & Plaster Mould for Foam Latex Prosthetic Appliance
Foam Latex
Alternative Technique: Urethane Mould & Encapsulated Silicone Prosthetic Appliance
Airbrushing
Alternative Technique: Epoxy Resin

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 11, you will be able to:

Analyse the development of prosthetic makeup practices and contemporary industry techniques.
Originate, develop, and present prosthetic concepts in response to creative and production requirements.
Manufacture prosthetic appliances using industry-relevant materials and advanced processes.
Apply, blend, finish, and colour prosthetics to achieve realistic, production-ready results.
Evaluate completed prosthetic work against production requirements and identify refinements.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our tutors will help you master the basics of prosthetic creation and application, giving you the skills and confidence to take your first steps into this advanced area of makeup artistry.