Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time, Day
Summary
This exciting course aims to provide you with a range of specialist practical skills and technical knowledge, which will equip you to seek employment or further training within the Theatrical & Special effects and media make up industry.
Your days at college are spent in the makeup studio where you create and design a range of total hair and makeup looks combining different skills and techniques reflecting the media make-up industry. You also will be attending theory sessions so that you have a clear understanding of health and safety also factors that contribute to a successful career within the industry and how a professional portfolio can be used. You will also complete a look book alongside all your practical work this is worked on independently as theory homework.
You will also have the chance to participate in extra activities building valuable contacts through participation of work experience. We regularly work with local theatres, fashion events, local TV and media productions.
We use professional brands of make-up such as Kryolan, MAC cosmetics, Morphe, Derma Colour. All tutors are highly qualified with previous industry experiences in Fashion, Theatre, Film & Television which has included working on numerous productions for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, feature films, commercials, and theatre companies.
Why our college?
Industry standard facilities
At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.
Gain real experiences of work
All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.
A unique student experience
This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.
Entry Requirements
Achieve 5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths, Science and an Art subject.
Learning Outcomes
The qualification is divided into units and each unit covers a different area of work as a makeup artist. These include:
- Unit 309 – Cutting and styling techniques for performers
- Unit 310 - Avant-garde hair and make-up
- Unit 320 - Creative make-up design for productions and industry demands
- Unit 321 - Apply prosthetic pieces and bald caps
- Unit 322 - Special effects make-up
- Unit 323 - Create, dress and fit facial postiche
- Unit 324 - Body art for competition
Optional units could include:
- Unit 307 – Camouflage make-up
- Unit 325 – Create, cast small prosthetic pieces and bald caps
- Unit 326 – Costume design and prop making
Assessment
The course is assessed via an external practical and a theoretical assessment which will draw knowledge from the mandatory content of the qualification. the practical exam could be up to 6 hours in length with the theoretical exam content using short and extended answer style questions.
Progression
We have had successful progression onto university in the past few years with 66% of students in 2022 and 85% in 2022 starting degree programmes.
Career Progression
The increased range of ways in which films or programmes can be seen - in cinemas, on TV, or through streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu - means there's a greater demand for skills in the industry than ever before.
This qualification could lead to a job as a:
- Special effects artist in TV, film and theatre
- Hair & Makeup Artist for TV, film, theatre and the fashion industry
- Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist
- Freelance make up artist
- Sales associate
- Teaching a specialised subject
Fees
For UK students aged under 19 years old on the 31st August prior to the start of your course, your tuition fees are free. In addition to this there will be costs for equipment, uniform and trips. Financial support could be available depending on your circumstances.
Costs for uniform and kit tbc.
Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.
Where Next?
Why our college?
Industry standard facilities
At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.
Gain real experiences of work
All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.
A unique student experience
This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.
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