From terrifying zombies to deadly clowns, students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries have been putting their skills into practice, creating spine-tingling looks for the immersive experience at The Howl this Halloween.

Jenny Poulton, Course Co-Ordinator for Media Make-Up & Character Design, has worked as a make-up Team Leader for the fright nights since 2016 and has overseen her students’ work during this spooky season.

Speaking about this valuable experience for students, Jenny said: “Providing work experience opportunities at The Howl Scream Park is a way for make-up artists to experience working on a live event. 

“It helps them to learn skills such as working with others, time management, working to a brief, being on location – all in addition to the make-up skill set that is developed. Students’ confidence is increased and the opportunity to network and work with creatives is enhanced.”

This work experience opportunity allowed students to showcase their industry skillset for their portfolio, as many Make-Up & Character Design students go on to work in television or film where creating realistic looks in a fast-paced environment is part of their everyday work.

Sophie Pendle, one of the students who took part in the experience, added: “The Howl has given me the confidence to work with large groups with a limited amount of time. This is great preparation for future work within the industry. It’s provided me with great social skills, getting to know my peers and colleagues, and making connections with others with similar interests.”

This is just one of the ways that students gain industry experience while studying practical courses at the University of Bedfordshire. Earlier this year, the Media Make-Up cohort teamed up with Paramedic Science students to create and ‘treat’ casualties to help with a training exercise.