Beauty Therapy | VTCT Diploma in Hair & Media Makeup | Level 2
Why this course?
This course is ideal if you are interested in a career as a make-up artist, providing hair and make-up services in media, theatre, performing arts, fashion and photographic industries.
You will learn a variety of creative techniques, as well as communication and commercial skills which are highly valued by employers.
Our expert tutors have links with employers and industry and you will benefit from training in our brand new hair and beauty salon facilities (opened in 2021 as part of our multi-million-pound development of Central Brighton Campus).
Start dates
Start | |
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September 2023 | Apply |
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Staff Profiles
Entry requirements
Start at Level 2 if you have at least three GCSEs at grade 3 (D/E) or above in English, Maths and an Art subject (or a portfolio of your creative work). If you do not have these grades, you can study our Level 1 Beauty Therapy or Level 1 Hairdressing & Barbering course. In addition to the specified entry requirements, you may be required to undergo an assessment of your English skills to ensure you are at a sufficient level for your chosen course.
As this is a professional course you will be expected to follow industry standards . For Health and Safety purposes you will need to attend college wearing a uniform, hair must be tied back, nails should be short and free from varnish or any enhancements, and no jewellery or facial jewellery to be worn. You will also be expected to have exemplary time keeping and attendance.
Course content
- Health and safety
- Communication and commercial skills
- Makeup application
- The art of Fashion and photographic makeup
- Creating an image based on a theme
- Face Painting
- Body art design
- Styling, dressing and finishing hair
- The art of Colouring hair
- Anatomy and physiology
Assessment
- Service portfolio
- Summative practical assessments
- Assignments and tasks
- External examinations
Work experience
Our beauty department has very strong links with local employers, many of whom started their own careers at Brighton MET.
You will have an opportunity to undertake work experience, which often leads to gaining a permanent position or making valuable contacts. We hold an annual careers day where local, national and international employers will give seminars. This will give you valuable information and advice about progression opportunities and setting up your own businesses.
We also hold training days, trips to trade shows and have guest speakers to keep all of your training and knowledge current and up to date.
During the make-up course you may experience external trips or seminars to Salon International, Professional Beauty, IMATS and UMA Expo.
Facilities
- Our hair and beauty department offers brand new training facilities as part of our multi-million-pound development of Central Brighton Campus, which includes six hair & beauty salons and one state-of-the-art makeup studio
- Gain real-world training experience in our professional salon open to the public
- The use of industry branded equipment and products, plus additional training from external companies, such as Kryolan
- Cafés and coffee bars with a wide range of reasonably priced meals, snacks and drinks
- Access to the MET’s student services, including career advice and additional learning support

What's next?
After Level 2, you can choose to develop your knowledge and skills further by completing a specialist qualification in Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical special effects Hair and Media Make-up or a Level 2 or 3 in hairdressing, barbering or beauty therapy.
Students who achieve this qualification are eligible to become members of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) or Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). As a specialist make-up artist, you could progress directly into a variety of employment contexts, including:
- Professional make-up artist settings for print media, photographic studios, makeup brands
- Theatre, film, print media and photographic studios
- Beauty and hair salons
- Self employed mobile/home settings
- National Health Service
Course fees
Course fees
This course is free (you do not have to pay fees) if:
- You are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status or have a visa which could qualify you for home status.
- AND you are under 19 on 31 August in the year you are studying.
Unemployed/Benefit Waiver and Level 2 Entitlement
This course is free if you meet the following criteria:
- You may not have to pay any fees if you will be aged 19 or over when you begin this course and:
- You are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status or have a visa which could qualify you for home status.
AND
- You are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- OR you are receiving a means tested benefit, earning less than £617 per month (take home) if you are a sole claimant or £988 a month if you have a joint claim with your partner, and are completing the course to improve your employability
- OR if you are working and earn less than £20,319 per year (gross pay)
- You will need to provide evidence and sign a declaration when you enrol.
Subsidised fees
If the above does not apply to you, you may still be eligible for a subsidised fee. For more information, please speak to our Admissions team: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
Additional costs
You will need to purchase kit for the course (approximately £500).