Make up and Hair for Theatre and Media | BA (Hons) Degree
Why this course?
This course has been devised in response to industry and student-led demand for practical training in make-up and hairdressing techniques for theatre, film, TV, fashion, festival, carnival and entertainment arenas.
Key features
- All tutors are industry specialists
- Campus facilities include a working theatre and photographic studios
- Students gain work experience on high profile films, TV series and West End shows
- Graduates are now working on major films, TV series, adverts, West End shows and magazine shoots
See our portfolio of student work in theatre design and production. You can also view our student work on Instagram.
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This programme is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
See the full list of our creative arts degrees
Watch our video about this course
Course requirements
Each application will be assessed individually, including a review of your grades, interview, portfolio/audition and any experience.
Typical entry requirements are below but offers may vary:
- a relevant A-Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma
In exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet our entry requirements, your application may still be considered if you demonstrate additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- related academic or work experience
- the quality of the personal statement
Portfolio and interview
You will also be required to provide a portfolio and interview for this course.
Please bring a portfolio of work or samples, as appropriate, that best demonstrates your abilities. This should include a range of 2D sketchbooks, drawings, paintings, design artwork. 3D models, sculptures etc. (or good quality photographs of 3D work). Please also include examples of any hair and make-up work undertaken.
Entry guide
Entry guide for more information about the range of qualifications we accept (including English language requirements for international students).
The course carefully balances academic study with skill and craft development, as well as production/event experience and industry placements.
Based within our theatre department, this specialist course shares close links with our photography, music and fashion departments, creating unique opportunities for students to practise their arts in live creative contexts. These are extended through involvement with the rich cultural environment provided by Brighton, the surrounding region and London.
Students have gained work experience on a variety of high profile theatre, film and TV sets, including BBC and major West End productions.
The course covers:
- Make-up techniques
- Fashion and promotion make-up
- Styling for the camera
- Prosthetics
- Special effects
- Hair punching
- Body painting
- Ageing techniques
- Wig knotting
- Wig and hair dressing
- Period styling
See more student work:
Instagram @makeupandhairuk
Course blog makeupandhairuk.com
Potential careers
- Make-up artist in theatre, film or TV
- Wig assistant in theatre, film or TV
- ‘FX’ artist
- Retail
- Bridal
- Fashion
Alumni stories
Alumna Alice Townes has worked as Deputy Head of Make Up on the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and she is now working on the Asian tour of The Sound of Music.
Alumna Hannah Canfor has worked on a variety of films, including Rocketman, The Mummy, The Huntsman: Winter's War, Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor: The Dark World and Snow White and the Huntsman.
Alumna Hope Watson has been working at Sydney Opera House in Australia, having previously worked at the Royal Opera House and on The Lion King.
Bambi Brett has worked at the National Theatre on Pinocchio, having previously worked on Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.
Past graduates have gone on to work as make-up artists and wig assistants in theatre, film and television. Employers have included the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Glyndebourne, West End theatres etc. Graduates have also worked on feature length films such as Warhorse and Sleeping Beauty as well as many television productions. Students also go into fashion and editorial and work for high brand beauty retailers such as Mac, Bobby Brown, Kat Von D and Chanel.
Tuition fees, student loans and bursaries
Additional costs for this course
Make-up and hair kit approx. £1,000
Open events
Book your placeFees and financial support
See more detailsHow is this course delivered?
FAQs and useful resourcesOther courses you may be interested in …
This course focuses on a holistic approach to the design, construction and painting of sets for theatre and related industries.
This course focuses on costume design and construction for the entertainment industry, leading to opportunities to work across theatre, TV and film. It develops skills in design through character exploration and illustration techniques and includes o...
This course focuses on the design and manufacture of props for theatre, TV, film, display and entertainment industries.