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BA (Hons) Hair & Makeup Design for Production

Hair Makeup

Location

UCSE Logo Stacked Black Yellow NCCI solo black

Applicant Type

University Level

Level

Level 6

Subject

Performing Arts

University of the Arts London Logo 2026

Course Overview

UCAS Course Code: W452 - This course is validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL)

BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup Design for Production is a creative and industry-focused degree that prepares you for a career in film, television and theatre. 

This study programme is designed to advance and develop skills and techniques in the design and application for production. The programme aims to prepare students to become multi-skilled makeup artists who will be able to deliver industry standard work in a commercial or production setting for TV, film and stage. Working in partnership with The Backstage Centre, students will be able to study within a real working environment and experience first-hand collaborative projects and industry partnerships. The programme will cover multiple hair and makeup techniques from traditional to contemporary. Students will delve in to the historical accuracies of makeup and hair and develop their knowledge in diverse skin tones & hair textures. 

Key Highlights

  • Develop specialist skills in hair, makeup, prosthetics and special effects
  • Create characters, creatures and production-ready makeup designs
  • Work with diverse skin tones, hair textures and historical design influences
  • Explore emerging technologies, including 3D printing for creative production
  • Learn from industry professionals with experience across film, television and theatre
  • Build a professional portfolio to support your future career

Course Structure

Year 1 Units (Level 4):

  • Hair and Makeup Fundamentals
  • Bio Sensitivity and Etiquette
  • Historical and Cultural Accuracy Hair and Makeup Application
  • Social and Economic Study of Hair and Makeup Design
  • Styling Afro and Textured hair

Year 2 Units (Level 5):

  • Wig and facial Postiche construction
  • Wig application and Postiche Styling 
  • Creating injuries for TV & Film
  • Industry analysis and business
  • Collaborative project

 Year 3 Units (Level 6):

  • Makeup & Hair for Visual Effects
  • Advanced Casting Techniques
  • Theory as Practice
  • Portfolio development

A minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following:

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • A Levels
  • T Levels
  • BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma
  • Related Foundation Diploma (Level 3 or 4)
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • Maths and English GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)
  • You will also be required to attend an interview and portfolio review

This list is not exhaustive other qualifications may be considered. Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application looking primarily at your portfolio/showreel of work, personal statement and reference.

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. 

Contact hours: 13 hours per week plus independent study (suggested 30 hours per week).

All assessment on the BA (Hons) Hair & Makeup Design for Production are via coursework, there are no exams.

Coursework is assessed in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes. 

You will receive:

  • Ongoing feedback as part of your one-to-one sessions with your unit teachers
  • Summative feedback on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework

Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your unit leader. Feedback can be given in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes including group critiques, recorded verbal feedback and written feedback.

The cost of this course is £9,790 for 2027 entry. 

The course is eligible for funding through Student Loans England, subject to status.

Fees are per academic year for Home/UK students.

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

  • Guest speakers, visiting lecturers and industry focussed workshops will be included in your course over the three years
  • Third Year students will have the opportunity to showcase their final year work at the end of their studies. This may be a local, national or online platform. Event/exhibition costs will be covered by the Faculty of HE. In the past this has included New Designers. Students will be responsible for any additional costs associated with the production of their personal project (ie: printing, materials)
  • Annual £20 of printing credit per year
  • There is free car parking at Backstage Centre, Purfleet, High House Production Park

Additional Costs:

  • Makeup kit (if not already purchased)
  • Hair kit (if not already purchased)
  • Wig knotting kit (Year 2 only)
  • Special effects kit (if not already purchased)
  • Airbrush kit (if not already purchased)
  • Annual £30 printing allowance

The focus of this programme is to equip students with the required industry standard skills and techniques needed to progress into the TV, film, and theatre industry at a junior or assistant level.  Typical roles would be as a hair, wig  & makeup artist for TV and film.

3 years

Full Time
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Overall achievement rates (All learners)

90.2%

High achievement rates 3x 1

Ofstead good rating

Ofsted 3x 1

A safe environment to learn

Safe environment to learn 3x 1

Qualifications earned per year

18232

Impressive qualification numbers 3x 1

Award-winning careers programe

Award winning careers programme 3x 1

State-of-the-art facilities

State of the Art Facilities 3x 1

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