Chelsey Mallett

I teach on the FdA/BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up Business Management, FdA/BA (Hons) Prosthetics for Screen and Stage and MA Prosthetics for Film and TV. My areas of interest lie in creative curriculum design and innovation, enhancing student opportunities and employability, industry partnerships and employer engagement, strategic leadership, and student experience and mentoring.

I am an experienced hair and make-up professional with a strong background within film and TV, having contributed to a range of high-profile productions including Netlix's Bridgerton Series Two, BBC’s Sister Boniface and The Shamrock Spitfire. Alongside my role at UCB, I continue to build my portfolio as a freelance artist within the bridal hair sector, creating hairstyles for weddings and special events across the UK. Overall, I have 15 years of industry experience within the hair and make-up sector.

My experience brings direct, practical value to teaching and curriculum development by grounding learning in current professional standards and real-world practice. Having worked on a number of productions, I am able to translate on-set expectations such as teamwork, time management, continuity, and creative problem-solving into module delivery to fully prepare students for onward employment. My ongoing freelance work enables me to ensure that curriculum is up to date and reflective of current and future industry trends .Together, this allows me to design curriculum that is both industry-relevant and skills-focused, ensuring students develop not only technical ability but also professionalism, adaptability and an understanding of diverse career pathways within hair and make-up.

I was also winner of ‘Best Hair and Make-up’ for The Shamrock Spitfire at the Rome International Movie Awards 2024

What inspires me most within my area of expertise is the opportunity to transform and support the next generation of creative talent. I am passionate about creating innovative learning environments where students can develop confidence and industry-ready skills.

It’s a common misconception that creativity alone is enough to succeed in the creative industries. While talent and originality are important, long-term success also depends on professionalism, collaboration, resilience, communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing technologies and industry expectations. I want students to understand that the creative industries are highly dynamic and multidisciplinary and that developing strong work habits, networking skills and commercial awareness is just as valuable as creative ability itself.

I am most proud of the positive impact I have had on students’ confidence, progression and career development. Seeing students grow creatively and professionally, particularly those who may not initially recognise their own potential, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of both teaching and leadership. I also take great pride in successfully developing and leading creative programmes that balance academic excellence with real industry relevance. Building strong partnerships with employers and creating opportunities for live projects, collaboration and professional experience has helped students gain the skills and confidence needed to progress into the creative industries.

I was inspired to teach at UCB by the opportunity to give something back to an institution that played such an important role in my own personal and professional development. I value UCB’s strong focus on employability, creativity and student support, and I am passionate about helping students recognise their potential and prepare for successful careers within the Creative Industries.

Students often say they value the supportive and industry-focused atmosphere within my sessions. They appreciate that I create an environment where they feel encouraged to be creative and ask questions, developing confidence in their own ideas and abilities. They also enjoy the balance between creativity and real-world application, particularly the way sessions connect academic learning with current industry practices and expectations.

My advice to them is to make the most of every opportunity, even the ones that may feel outside of your comfort zone. From my own educational experience, I learned that growth often comes from saying yes to new challenges, meeting new people and being open to experiences that build your confidence and perspective.

My approach to supporting students who may feel overwhelmed is centred around empathy, reassurance and creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help. I understand that every student’s experience is different and I believe it is important to listen carefully, identify the challenges they may be facing and work collaboratively to help them manage their workload and expectations in a realistic way.