Theatrical Media Make-up

Program Overview

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THEATRICAL MEDIA MAKE-UP

Level 3

Course Level

Level 3

Duration

1 year full-time

Placement

Included in course

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Overview

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in hair and make-up for film, TV and theatre, this is the course for you. Our Theatrical Media Make-up college course will teach you the specialist techniques you need to get started on your way to an exciting career in a range of creative and dynamic industries.

Our Level 3 media make-up course covers every aspect of advanced make-up techniques for stage and screen alongside other media purposes. Studying in our cutting-edge make-up studios at University College Birmingham, you will learn basic hairdressing, media make-up, wigs and postiche, as well as cosmetic camouflage and applying airbrush make-up.

Thanks to our excellent links with the industry, you will have the chance to gain real-life experience on work placements with theatre companies and a range of other practical opportunities. On completing the course, you will have a wealth of options for working within the industry or taking on further study towards your ideal career.

Why choose this college course?

• BOOST YOUR SKILLS– Learn how to apply and master specialist make-up techniques and work with artificial hair for film, TV and stage
• WORK PLACEMENT – From working with actors applying stage make-up to replicating special effects for the emergency services, put your skills into practice on real-life work placements
• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Hone a vast array of practical skills working in our cutting-edge make-up studios on campus
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This college course will support your progression to relevant degrees at university

Our facilities

University College Birmingham has a range of state-of-the-art teaching facilities and equipment for students on our hair and make-up courses, including cutting-edge make-up studios.

• Our Media Workshop allows you to learn how to perfect your hair and make-up work for the camera and how to light, compose and take professional studio shots
• We have fully-equipped make-up studios on campus where you can hone your practical skills

Course breakdown

Topics you will study

• Apply airbrush make-up to the face
• Camouflage make-up
• Media make-up
• Style and fit postiche
• Fashion and photographic make-up
• Client care and communication in beauty-related industries
• Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon
• Apply prosthetic pieces and bald caps
• Create and cast small prosthetic pieces and bald caps
• Fantasy hair design for performers

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

Maths and English

To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.

How maths will support your career

• Ratios are very important, for example when mixing hair dye
• Basic addition and subtraction are important in calculating the costs of equipment/products and managing stock.
• Percentages are key in working out customer discounts.
• Area and perimeter are important when designing and arranging a salon space.

How English will support your career

• Accurate spelling and a wide and specialist vocabulary are key in the presentation of hair and beauty products and services.
• Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues.
• Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication.
• Accurate reading is a vital skill when following instructions for hair/beauty products and treatments.
• Secure English is important when preparing a CV or business proposal, or when advertising/marketing your business.

Entry requirements

Our hair and make-up lecturers are looking for students who are committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call , email or use our live chat.

Academic requirements

• A relevant Level 2 qualification in Theatrical and Media Make-up, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Art and Design, Theatre Studies, History, Performing Arts, Media/Film Studies, Fashion, Photography or Costume Production.
• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, or equivalent.
• GCSE English (Language or Literature) or Maths at grade 4 or above.

English and maths

If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19 , you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.

Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.

Supporting documents required

School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Work experience admissions pathway

2 years’ relevant beauty industry experience. Admissions will be based on your interview performance alongside a reference stating the roles and responsibilities held during your period of employment.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve a pass for this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a foundation degree course at University College Birmingham.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You are assessed by a variety of methods including:

• Practical observations in our realistic working environment
• Verbal questioning
• Written modular tests.
• Production of a portfolio of evidence

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our **Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy **.

Uniform and kit costs

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £235, or £70 for Level 3 (Top-up), depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)

You may be eligible for the Learner Support Fund, which assists college students with course-related costs such as essential uniform, equipment and travel. For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.

Work placements

Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.

As part of this Level 3 make-up course, we provide opportunities for you to experience a theatre production and work with actors in applying stage make-up. Additional opportunities may arise with the emergency services replicating special effects techniques.

Work alongside experts in your sector

A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:

• The Alexandra Theatre (Birmingham)
• Crescent Theatre (Birmingham)
• Hall Green Little Theatre (Birmingham)
• Dovehouse Theatre (Solihull)
• Core Theatre (Solihull)

Career opportunities

• Make-up artist: Average Salary: £21,161
• Freelance make-up artist: Variable
• Camouflage technician for NHS: Variable
• Make-up/hair artist for TV/theatre: Variable
• Make-up artistry lecturer: Average Salary: £39,239
• Sales associate: Average Salary: £21,849

Meet your tutors

• Kirsty Warren: Head of Department - Creative, Sport and Business
• Chloe Woodbridge: Senior Lecturer

Program Outline

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Theatrical Media Make-up Level 3 at University College Birmingham: A Comprehensive Analysis

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Degree Overview:

• Objective: This program aims to equip students with the specialized makeup techniques and knowledge necessary for successful careers in television, theater, film, or freelance makeup artistry.
• Program Description: This intensive one-year course covers advanced makeup techniques for stage and screen, including hairdressing basics, media makeup, wigs and postiche, cosmetic camouflage, and airbrush application.
Students benefit from industry links, real-world experience through work placements, and preparation for further study or direct entry into the industry.

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Outline:

• Content:
• Apply airbrush makeup to the face.
• Master camouflage makeup techniques.
• Apply fashion and photographic makeup.
• Develop essential client care and communication skills.
• Monitor and maintain health and safety practices in salon settings.
• Apply prosthetic pieces and bald caps.
• Create and cast small prosthetic pieces and bald caps.
• Design and create fantasy hair for performers.
• Structure:
• One-year full-time program.
• Includes work placements with theatre companies and other practical opportunities.
• Individual study program to build skills and experience for further study or employment.
• Modules:

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Assessment:

• Methods:
• Practical observations in a realistic working environment.
• Verbal questioning.
• Written modular tests.
• Production of a portfolio of evidence.
• Criteria:

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Teaching:

• Methods:
• Interactive lectures.
• Practical workshops and demonstrations.
• Individual and group tutorials.
• Guest lectures from industry professionals.
• Faculty:
• Experienced and passionate lecturers with industry expertise.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on hands-on learning in state-of-the-art makeup studios.
• Access to a Media Workshop for perfecting camera-ready hair and makeup.
• Work placement opportunities to gain real-world experience.

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Careers:

• Potential Paths:
• Television makeup artist.
• Theatre makeup artist.
• Film makeup artist.
• Freelance makeup artist.
• Other related careers in the creative and beauty industries.
• Opportunities:
• Work on diverse projects, from stage productions to film sets.
• Collaborate with actors, directors, and other creative professionals.
• Build a portfolio and network within the industry.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in the industry.
• The program is designed for students with a relevant Level 2 qualification in Theatrical and Media Make-up, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Art and Design, Theatre Studies, or other relevant areas.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above are required.