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Where will this course lead?

The Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make Up is a fantastic programme that mixes both the theory and practical skills needed for a career in the make-up industry.  

This course is ideal for those who are interested in the media, make-up, fashion and theatrical industry. 

The Level 3 Diploma is an enhancement for those who already hold a Level 2 in Hair and Media Make-up. The Diploma will teach advanced skills which will progress you to an advanced level and give the creative and technical know-how to build your professional portfolio and progress into employment.

What will I study?

The content of this qualification is comprised of all the required elements to work effectively as a make-up artist including airbrush make-up for the face, camouflage make-up, fashion and photographic make-up and media make-up. These units are all mandatory. 

The programme consists of the following topics: 

  • Health and safety in the salon
  • Cosmetic make-up science
  • Media make-up
  • Style and fit postiche
  • Photographic make-up
  • Anatomy and physiology for make-up services
  • Airbrush make-up
  • Cosmetic camouflage
  • False eyelash application

How will this course be delivered?

Most lessons will take place in college with the addition of some lessons online if required. 

In addition to your full-time make-up course every student has an individual study programme which ensures that you develop the right skills and experience to progress onto either higher education or gain employment. What is included in your individual study programme will vary depending on what you have already achieved and your career aspirations. 

For example, if you have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 (grade C) in maths at 16 you will continue to study this alongside your vocational qualification.  

Work placement will form an essential part of your individual study programme and all students will be expected to complete an appropriate work placement related to their full-time course.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make Up

Maths qualification (if required) 

How will I be assessed?

The Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make Up will be assessed in theory and in practical throughout the year. Assessments take place in a range of realistic working environments, including shows, competitions and theatre productions. You will also be required to complete and produce a portfolio. 

How do I get a place on the course?

Attend an interview bringing an up-to-date reference, school report and predicted grades. 

Bring a piece of work to the interview researching either a job role in the make-up industry or a make-up brand. 

Attend induction days in September. 

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum of 3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English 

Plus, a Level 2 in Theatrical and Media Make Up 

Successful interview 

Satisfactory reference 

What else do I need to know?

You will need to purchase a kit and uniform. 

You will need to be flexible and able to carry out work experience in your own time. 

How much will this course cost? 

Under 19 free?

Over 19 fees apply (TBC)

Is there anything else I will have to pay for to do this course? 

Uniform - Costs TBC 

Make up - Costs TBC 

Hair kit - Costs TBC 

Enrichment trips - Costs TBC 

What can I do after this course?

On successful completion of this course, there are job opportunities in the television, theatre and film industries - or you could explore becoming a freelance make-up artist. 

Students can also progress on to a foundation degree or degree in Specialist Hair and Media Make-up, Spa Management or Beauty Therapy Management. 

Freelance Beauty Therapist

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

What’s Involved?

A freelance beauty therapist discusses clients requirements, analyses and advises client on appropriate skin care, and applies treatments to the face or body; massages scalp, face and other parts of the body and carries out spray tanning; uses waxing, threading, sugaring and other epilation techniques to remove any unwanted body hair; cleans, shapes and polishes finger and toe nails, applies nail extensions; applies make-up to hide blemishes or enhance facial features and advises clients on skin care and make-up techniques; performs specialist treatments for conditions such as acne, applies skin rejuvenation therapies; recognises problems and refers clients to medical practitioners if appropriate; advises clients on diet and exercise to assist in weight loss and slimming; maintains client records, sells and advises on cosmetic products and services, and ensures appropriate health and safety issues are addressed.

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.

Arts Director

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

What’s Involved?

Art Officers/Producers/Directors choose writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assume overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera teams, sound crews and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break scripts into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.

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.

Salon Manager

Job holders in this unit group plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources of hairdressing salons, beauty treatment and similar establishments.

What’s Involved?

Salon Managers determine staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term needs. They control the allocation, training and remuneration of staff. They provide clients with information and advice on styles and treatments, and resolve any complaints or problems. They also ensure clients' records are maintained. They undertake and/or direct hair treatments and/or beauty therapy. They check and maintain any equipment, and ensure that all safety requirements are met. They also demonstrate, advise on and sell hair and/or beauty products. They ensure financial accounts for the business are maintained.

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.