Download our prospectus

16-18

Download 16-18 prospectus

University & Professional Development

Download University & Professional Development prospectus

Not sure? No problem

Choosing what to study can be challenging. Speak to one of our advisors to find out what your options are.

Advice & Help Centre

Quick facts

Qualification type City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical
Duration 1 year
Study times

You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. 

Entry requirements

Entry is by interview. This course requires the learners to hold a Level 2 Media Hair and Make-up certificate or equivalent. We also consider MUA's who are current and have experience in industry. Successful applicants will be required to have current or planned work experience within the industry. Every student is expected to hold a GCSE grade 4 in English and maths or higher. Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses.

Campus

The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds 

Work placements Yes

Is it for me?

Working in the make-up industry attracts passionate, artistic and hardworking individuals. This is a demanding industry where maximum job satisfaction is guaranteed for the right person and teamwork, artistry and creative flair is part of each working day, bringing with it the responsibility and rewards that ensure an exciting and challenging career. If you are looking for a long-term, varied career that motivates and inspires your passion, then this is the course for you. 

 

This is a one-year programme designed to develop the skills required for students who would like a career within the make-up industry, working on clients in fashion, media, photography and film. You will be able to experiment with make-up and hair in an innovative and creative way and learn a variety of highly skilled techniques allowing you to succeed in this demanding and competitive industry. 

What you'll learn

Mandatory Units:

  • Working in the film, TV and theatre industry
  • Create historical hair and makeup looks
  • Media make up creative hair design
  • Fashion and photographic makeup
  • The creation and presentation of a look book and industry portfolio
  • Apply body art
  • Camouflage makeup

 

Optional Units: 

  • The Evolution of Cosmetics and Retail
  • Avant-garde hair and makeup
  • Media make-up blogging
  • Specialist bridal hair and makeup

      Equipment required for the course

      Upon enrolment to the course, learners will receive order forms for a hair and make-up kit, this kit will include all of the relevant tools and equipment required to complete the course, and to practice at home.  

       

      Learners are expected to look professional and well-presented and must attend practical lessons in professional attire consisting of a black top, black trousers or jeans (not to be ripped or faded) and black enclosed toe flat shoes or trainers.  

       

      Learners will need to consider additional costs for trips and visits arranged during the course. Enrichment activities will be offered throughout the year, including visits and talks from industry relevant hair and make-up artists. 

       

      You may also be asked to consider the cost of mandatory trips and events that will be paid for at the start of your course.  

      Work experience placements

      Learners will be required to complete work experience within the industry to enrich their programme of study and gain employability skills. 

      Assessment

      This course has an end point practical assessment, similar to a trade test, this covers practical skills and behaviours of the professional make-up artist. There will also be a written exam, this covers theory taught across all units of make-up artistry. You will be graded Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* 

      Further study

      Example careers

      • Make-up Artist
      • Make-up Designer
      • Special Effects Artist

      Days & times

      Starting September 2025


      Ask us a Question

      If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

      Please enter your name
      Please enter a valid email address
      Invalid Input
      Please enter a message

      Ask us a Question

      If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

      Please enter your name
      Please enter a valid email address
      Invalid Input
      Please enter a message