OR

Where will this course lead?

You can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma or work within a beauty salon as a make-up specialist or freelance make-up artist or within department store for a cosmetic company.

What will I study?

The programme consists of the following units:

  • Health, safety and hygiene
  • Make-up applications
  • Hair preparation services
  • Continuity planning for make-up services
  • Dress and finish hair services
  • Continuity hair services
  • Anatomy and physiology for make-up artists
  • Total look for competition work
  • Face and body art painting
  • Fashion and editorial make-up

Learners may study GCSE or functional skills Maths and /or English as an important part of the course

Work experience of a minimum of 30 hours

Independent learning at home completing activities set by tutor

How will this course be delivered?

Full time programme based at Stratford-upon-Avon College in our Make Up Studio.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Make-up Artistry

Maths and/or English qualification (if required).

How will I be assessed?

Practical assessments

Written assignments

Oral questioning

Online exams

How do I get a place on the course?

The Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Make-up Artistry is a vocational qualification that will prepare you for further study at level 3 within the hair and media make-up sector. This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 years or over.

If you are interested please apply online. You will then be invited to attend an interview to which you need to bring an up to date reference and school report.

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English 

Successful interview 

Satisfactory reference 

What else do I need to know?

Kit and uniform need to be purchased - costs TBC.

Course fees - under 19 free - over 19 fees apply.

What can I do after this course?

You can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma or work within a beauty salon as a make-up specialist or freelance make-up artist or within department store for a cosmetic company

Location

Stratford-upon-Avon College

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

SEBBT073SCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Special Effects Make Up Artist

A special effects makeup artist is in charge of transforming an actor's appearance when they have to look scary, bloody, beaten up, older-any transformation that requires more than what a regular makeup artist is responsible for.

What’s Involved?

A special effects make up artist is responsible for utilising prosthetics, cosmetics, appliances, and spirit gum to create realistic wounds, abrasions, creature features, deformities, aged-up wrinkles, or anything else that will further immerse the audience into the world. Despite the industry's reliance on CGI, the special effects makeup artist's ability to bring visuals to life through practical techniques is an essential role on the set of any genre film or show.

Make up artist/Beautician

Beauticians and related workers give facial and body beauty treatments, apply cosmetics and dress wigs.

What’s Involved?

A Beautician discusses clients requirements, analyses and advises client on appropriate skin care, and applies treatments to the face or body. They massages scalp, face and other parts of the body and carries out spray tanning. They use waxing, threading, sugaring and other epilation techniques to remove any unwanted body hair. They clean, shape and polish finger and toe nails, apply nail extensions. They apply make-up to hide blemishes or enhance facial features and advise clients on skin care and make-up techniques. They perform specialist treatments for conditions such as acne, apply skin rejuvenation therapies. They recognise problems and refer clients to medical practitioners if appropriate. They also advise clients on diet and exercise to assist in weight loss and slimming. They maintain client records, sell and advise on cosmetic products and services, and ensure appropriate health and safety issues are addressed.

Artist/Illustrator

Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.

What’s Involved?

Artists/Illustrators conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.

Freelance Stylist

Freelance stylists shampoo, cut, colour, style and treat hair. They are self employed and will often travel to clients.

What’s Involved?

Freelance Stylists discuss customer requirements, analyse hair condition and other relevant features to define and advise on hair style. They wash, condition, bleach, tint or dye hair and provide any necessary basic scalp treatments. They also cut and trim hair using scissors, clippers, razors and combs. They use combs, brushes, blow-dryers or set wet hair in rollers to style or straighten. They shave and trim beards and moustaches. They collect payment, arrange appointments and clean and tidy salons. They also maintain client records and keep up-to-date with new products, styles and techniques. They ensure hair products are stored and used appropriately and observe relevant health and safety factors. They demonstrate, sell and recommend hair care products to clients and advise them on hair care.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.