Make up and Hair Artistry

OVERVIEW
Are you passionate about creative hair and make‑up and ready to begin your journey into the creative industries? This Make-up and Hair Artistry HNC is designed to help you develop a strong foundation for a career in film, television, theatre, fashion and media, or progression to further study.

On this course, you will build essential professional hair and make‑up skills, while learning how hair and make‑up contribute to character creation and visual storytelling. You will explore both historical and contemporary practices, enabling you to design bespoke looks and respond confidently to creative briefs in line with industry expectations.

You will be introduced to specialist areas, including special effects (SFX), prosthetics and digital techniques, with opportunities to explore how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the industry. Teaching is highly practical and delivered through hands‑on workshops, research‑led projects and creative design development.

Throughout the course, you will also develop transferable skills such as creativity, problem‑solving, teamwork and adaptability, supporting progression into employment, freelance practice or progression onto the Make‑up and Hair Artistry HND.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?


- INDUSTRY‑FOCUSED TRAINING – Develop core professional skills through industry‑inspired training that reflects current workflows across film, television, fashion and the wider creative industries


- REAL‑WORLD CREATIVE BRIEFS – Work on practical, industry‑style briefs that mirror real working environments, helping you understand professional expectations and build confidence from the outset


- PRACTICAL HANDS-ON SKILLS – Gain essential technical expertise through hands‑on learning in specialist facilities, using professional products and industry‑standard make‑up and hair techniques


- PORTFOLIO‑BASED LEARNING – Begin building a professional portfolio throughout the course, supported by tutors with extensive industry experience, ensuring your work meets current industry standards


- INNOVATION & SPECIAL EFFECTS – Explore contemporary practices including introductory SFX, prosthetics and digital design processes, encouraging creativity, experimentation and forward‑thinking approaches used in film, TV and fashion


- CAREER AND PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES – Study within a growing creative hub with strong links to the film and TV industry, benefiting from industry engagement, guest speakers and enrichment opportunities, with clear progression routes into employment, freelance practice or further study, including progression onto the HND


FACILITIES
Our creative courses provide a balance of theory, digital and practical training. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills on campus in our specialist, purpose-built facilities.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:


• Film and TV make-up artist



• Wigs, hair and make-up technician



• Make-up artist advertising and editorial



• Teacher of hair and make-up



• Special effects prosthetic supervisor



For updates please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk

Investing £300 million in its campuses, University College Birmingham is all about degrees that get you hired and practical support to get you through.

Its higher education qualifications are hands-on and shaped by the needs of industry, all taught by experienced industry experts across its seven campuses in the heart of Birmingham, a hub of business districts, nightlife, cultural attractions, parks and entertainment.

Some courses have a 2 Day Degree option, meaning you only have to be on-campus two consecutive days a week, freeing up the rest of the week for work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.

The university works with over 1,000 employers to benefit students, is accredited by top industry bodies and organisations, and is a centre for excellence across a range of subjects. As well as a £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance, it also offers Kick-Start funding of up to £800 a year to help pay for expenses such as uniform, food and drink.

Register your interest today and secure your place at University College Birmingham!